Climate Change, Homeowner's Insurance, and Emergency Management - Study

State study on climate and home insurance

Beginning June 1, 2026, the University System of Maryland runs a formal study on climate change, home insurance, and emergency planning. The study works with two lawmakers and key state and local agencies, including the Insurance Administration and emergency managers. A report is due to the General Assembly by July 1, 2027. It must explain the National Flood Insurance Program, the Community Rating System, and the private flood market. It must assess how climate change affects access and price, review federal grants across FEMA’s five mission areas, and list local recovery funds. It must recommend ways to spur home resilience, like tax credits, waivers, grants, loans, and free inspections, and suggest insurer rate adjustments for resilient homes or safer-code areas. It must also recommend funding best practices, per-person funding levels, and how to split money between training/programs and recovery aid, and note any needed state law changes. Up to $150,000 from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund is available to pay for the study.