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Rhode IslandH78652026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- WEATHER-RELATED LOSSES .

Sponsored By: Brian Patrick Kennedy (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Home resilience grants for Rhode Island owners

Rhode Island now offers Strengthen Rhody Homes grants to harden owner-occupied, single-family primary homes (not condos or mobile homes). The program runs only when federal or other non-state money is available, and grants are not guaranteed. To apply, your home must be in a county where grants are offered, be prequalified by an IBHS evaluator (you pay the evaluator), and you must get at least three bids from IBHS-certified contractors. You must have wind insurance, and flood insurance if your home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Work must meet IBHS Fortified standards and local permits and codes, and retrofit work must start within 3 months of approval. After the job earns its IBHS (or approved) certificate, the state pays the contractor directly; grants do not cover routine maintenance. Applications are first-come within income tiers, with priority for lower-income owners and homes in higher-risk areas. The state may reinspect projects and audit records, and your application documents are confidential. The program may also fund eligible nonprofit partners for projects that meet the rules.

Program fund protects grant dollars

The law creates a Strengthen Rhody Homes Revolving Fund in the Department of Business Regulation. It holds federal and other grant dollars for this program. Money in the fund does not expire each year, cannot be moved to other state uses, and is exempt from the state’s 15% indirect cost transfer. The Insurance Superintendent can spend it only on program activities.

Rules for program contractors and evaluators

Contractors on funded jobs must have a valid Rhode Island license, IBHS FORTIFIED certification, required insurance, and no disqualifying discipline. They cannot also serve as the project’s evaluator and must disclose conflicts. Evaluators must hold IBHS evaluator credentials, be independent from the project’s contractor or supplier, and report conflicts. Both must keep certifications current and may owe related fees.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Brian Patrick Kennedy

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Samuel A. Azzinaro

    Democratic • House

  • Megan L. Cotter

    Democratic • House

  • Grace Diaz

    Democratic • House

  • John G. Edwards

    Democratic • House

  • William W. O'Brien

    Democratic • House

  • Patricia A. Serpa

    Democratic • House

  • Mary Ann Shallcross Smith

    Democratic • House

  • Joseph J. Solomon, Jr.

    Democratic • House

  • Tina L. Spears

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 98 • No: 12

Senate vote • 6/11/2026

RELATING TO INSURANCE -- WEATHER-RELATED LOSSES In Concurrence

Yes: 36 • No: 1

House vote • 5/5/2026

INSURANCE WEATHER-RELATED LOSSES PASSAGE

Yes: 62 • No: 11

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 294

    6/23/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2026Governor

  3. Senate passed Sub A in concurrence

    6/11/2026Senate

  4. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)

    6/10/2026Senate

  5. Committee recommends passage of Sub A in concurrence

    6/2/2026

  6. Scheduled for consideration (06/02/2026)

    5/29/2026

  7. Referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture

    5/22/2026Senate

  8. House passed Sub A

    5/5/2026House

  9. Placed on House Calendar (05/05/2026)

    5/1/2026House

  10. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    4/28/2026

  11. Proposed Substitute

    4/24/2026

  12. Scheduled for consideration (04/28/2026)

    4/24/2026

  13. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    4/2/2026

  14. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/02/2026)

    3/27/2026

  15. Introduced, referred to House Corporations

    2/27/2026House

Bill Text

  • H7865 - As Introduced

    2/27/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • H7865 - Substitute

    2/27/2026

    HTMLPDF

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