Bill > SB6079

This bill, titled the "Strengthen Washington Homes Act," aims to reduce non-renewal and cancellations of insurance policies due to wildfire risk by establishing a grant program and modifying existing insurance regulations. The core of the bill is the creation of the "Strengthen Washington Homes Program," which will provide financial grants to property owners, contractors, non-profits, and tribes to help mitigate wildfire risks for insurable dwellings, defined as any residential structure. These mitigation efforts must align with wildfire preparedness standards set by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IIBHS) or a similar entity. The bill also amends existing law to ensure that insurers cannot use wildfire risk as a sole reason to deny property insurance if the property meets certain wildfire preparedness designations, though other risk factors can still be considered. A dedicated "Strengthen Washington Homes Program Account" will be established to fund these grants, with provisions for accepting donations and legislative appropriations. The bill also includes language about pilot projects to inform the program's implementation and allows the commissioner to adopt rules for administering the program, including eligibility criteria and grant distribution procedures. Additionally, it modifies how certain state funds are managed, specifically allowing unexpended funds from the insurance commissioner's regulatory and fraud accounts to be used to fund the new program account until a specific date.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6079&Year=2025&Initiative=false