States Free From Required Disaster Insurance – For Now

Despite efforts by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Senators Christopher Bond of Missouri and James Inhofe of Oklahoma, a proposal to require local and state government entities to insure public buildings was defeated on Oct. 3.

The proposed mandate met fierce opposition from California’s entire 52-member House delegation, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. California, they claimed, would be more seriously affected by the requirement than the rest of the country, due to potentially serious damage inflicted by even moderate earthquakes.

An amended bill with the insurance provision taken out was presented on the floor of the House soon after the defeat of the original. It remains to be seen whether the amended measure will pass. In the meantime, FEMA has consented to devote additional study to the matter.