Senate Bill 484 filed by Senator Royce Duplessis improves the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program, requiring insurers to give much-needed minimum discounts to homeowners who install fortified roofs. SB 484 will be heard by the Senate Insurance Committee on April 24, 2024 at 9 AM.

Fortified Roofs are a certifiable set of building standards that improve resilience in storms. Increasing funding to the program and adding a minimum discount requirement makes a new roof a good investment and guarantees much needed savings for policyholders on insurance premiums. Measures include enhanced and sealed roof deck, locked down roof edges, impact resistant shingles, and wind/rain resistant attic vents.

“Increasing the State’s investment in the fortified roof program and requiring insurance companies give a 20% discount, is the least we can do to help homeowners across the state who are struggling to pay skyrocketing premiums,” said Senator Duplessis. “In the legislature we like to say that we are bringing legislation based on the best practices of other states, especially those of neighboring states. The fortified roof program is a crowning achievement for Alabama homeowners, and we should do the same if not more for the people of Louisiana.”

The Consumer Federation of America (CFA), strongly supports SB 484. “SB 484, sponsored by Senator Royce Duplessis, would strengthen this program. First, it requires the Louisiana Insurance Department to apply for grants or funds from the federal government or other funding sources, in order to supplement the funds provided by the state government. In the face of the homeowners insurance crisis, the Fortify Homes Program needs substantially more funding, and this is a welcome step forward. Second, the bill states that the program may provide grants or funding to nonprofits if they retrofit properties to reduce risk or resist loss,” they said in a letter to Senate Insurance Committee members.