MississippiSB 24092026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Mississippi Department of Insurance; establish comprehensive mitigation program for retrofitting insurable homes.

Sponsored By: J. Walter Michel (Republican)

Signed by Governor

InsuranceAccountability, Efficiency, Transparency

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.

Home retrofit grants up to $10,000

The law provides state grants up to $10,000 to help retrofit your home against wind damage. Your home must be a site‑built, single‑family, owner‑occupied primary home with wind insurance, and flood insurance if in a Special Flood Hazard Area. It must be in good repair, and condos and manufactured homes are not eligible. You apply online, and the Department may select applicants by lottery. Work must meet the IBHS Fortified roof standard, and payment goes to your certified contractor after you get the IBHS Fortified certificate. Grants are paid only when funds are available.

Program ends on July 1, 2028

The Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program ends on July 1, 2028. After that date, grants and related help stop unless the Legislature renews the program.

New rules for mitigation inspectors

Inspection providers must use qualified inspectors with construction or inspection experience and state training or a relevant license. Inspectors need background checks, drug testing, and fingerprint or other criminal history checks. Providers must run a quality program with reinspections and submit data electronically. They must give original inspection reports to property owners.

Program funding caps and outside‑money rules

Two state funds hold program money, keep interest, and do not lapse; spending needs legislative approval. When using the Strengthen Mississippi Homes Fund, admin and issuance costs are capped at 5% of yearly deposits. Any third‑party administrator can be paid no more than 1% of program appropriations. For money from other sources, the Department can set different eligibility and grant limits and may charge an admin fee that is not subject to the 5% cap.

Wind inspections and insurer notices

The state provides wind mitigation inspections with a report, cost ranges, and a hurricane resistance rating. Reports can include insurer‑specific discount information when available. Insurers must tell their clients about the program within 30 days after filing discount schedules, and share the website and phone numbers. The state may store inspection data in a standard system.

Advisory councils guide the program

The law sets up advisory councils of industry and legislative members to guide the program. The Department holds meetings each January, June, and October. Membership includes lawmakers and the Executive Director of the Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association.

Agent license fee now $50

The fee to file and process an agent’s certificate of authority increases from $25 to $50. Starting July 1, 2026, $25 of each $50 fee goes to the Strengthen Mississippi Homes Fund and $25 goes to the State General Fund. The split does not change the total $50 fee agents pay.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

J. Walter Michel
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Carter
Affiliation unavailable
Scott DeLano
Republican • Senate
Jeremy England
Republican • Senate
Dean Kirby
Republican • Senate
Joseph M. Seymour
Republican • Senate
Mike Thompson
Republican • Senate
Charles Younger
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 341 • No: 1

Senate vote • 4/1/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 52 • No: 0

House vote • 4/1/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 121 • No: 0

House vote • 3/4/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 116 • No: 1

Senate vote • 2/10/2026

Passed