Oklahoma House Passes Bill to Fund Fortified Homes Program

Oklahoma lawmakers in the House of Representatives recently approved a bill that would provide financial grants to residents to construct or retrofit homes, making them more resilient against the destructive forces of tornadoes, windstorms and hail.

House Bill 3089, introduced by Rep. Mark Tedford, R-Tulsa, would make grants available by the Oklahoma Insurance Department to residential property owners who meet specific eligibility criteria. These criteria include an owner-occupied, single-family primary residence. The grants are intended to help homeowners achieve safety standards outlined by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS).

The bill passed the House floor by an 88-4 vote. The Senate will now consider the legislation, where it is sponsored by Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee.

The Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Act would establish a grant program aimed at assisting homeowners in reinforcing their roofs with impact-resistant materials that meet Fortified standards set by the IBHS. Roofs that meet the Fortified standards have stronger edges, better attachment, impact-resilient shingles and a sealed roof deck, according to IBHS’s website.

Oklahoma lawmakers have not specified how much funding would be allocated to the program.

Louisiana last year created a similar program that grants up to $10,000 for homeowners to upgrade their roofs to the Fortified standards. Louisiana’s program was modeled off of one in Alabama which has funded more than 6,000 Fortified roofs in the past seven years.

Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready said the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Act would assist residents in fortifying their homes against natural disasters.

“As Insurance Commissioner, I can’t control the weather, but I can certainly help Oklahomans fortify their homes,” said Mulready. “I am looking forward to seeing this bill becoming law and giving Oklahomans some relief when it comes to helping the consumer lower their homeowners rates.”