Bill
SB 366
Senate Bill 366 creates a fund to help Arkansas homeowners retrofit homes against severe weather, ensuring financial support for safer, resilient housing.
# Summary of Senate Bill 366: Strengthen Arkansas Homes Act
## Purpose and Intent
Senate Bill 366, titled the **Strengthen Arkansas Homes Act**, aims to enhance the resilience of residential properties in Arkansas against catastrophic wind events, such as hurricanes and hail. The bill establishes the **Strengthen Arkansas Homes Program Fund**, which will provide financial assistance to homeowners and nonprofit organizations for retrofitting homes to meet updated construction standards.
## Key Provisions
- **Creation of the Fund**:
- The **Strengthen Arkansas Homes Program Fund** will be established to collect various forms of revenue, including donations, grants, and appropriations from government entities.
- The fund will be administered by the Insurance Commissioner, and funds can only be used for the purposes outlined in the program.
- **Program Establishment**:
- The **Strengthen Arkansas Homes Program** will be created within the State Insurance Department to provide financial grants aimed at mitigating losses to insurable dwellings.
- Grants will assist property owners and nonprofits in upgrading homes to comply with the **FORTIFIED Home construction standards** set by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.
- **Eligibility Criteria**:
- Homeowners must meet specific eligibility requirements, including owning an insurable dwelling that serves as their primary residence and has been granted a homestead exemption.
- The program does not create an entitlement for funding, meaning the state is not obligated to provide grants for all applications.
- **Grant Application Process**:
- Homeowners must apply for grants and may need to engage certified evaluators to assess their homes for compliance with FORTIFIED standards.
- The program requires that all mitigation projects adhere to local building codes and standards.
## Impact
- **Affected Parties**:
- Homeowners of single-family dwellings, particularly those in areas prone to severe weather, will benefit from financial assistance to upgrade their homes.
- Nonprofit organizations involved in housing and disaster preparedness may also receive funding to support their projects.
- **Financial Implications**:
- The program is designed to be funded through a variety of sources, ensuring that it can provide substantial support without imposing additional taxes or levies on the funds collected.
## Procedural Aspects
- **Legislative Status**:
- SB 366 was introduced on **March 4, 2025**, and has been carried over to the **2024 Regular Session**.
- The bill has undergone several readings and committee reviews, with the latest action indicating it was reported correctly enrolled and ordered delivered to the Governor.
- **Timeline**:
- The bill has been actively discussed and amended since its introduction, with various legislative actions recorded leading up to its current status.
## Conclusion
Senate Bill 366 represents a proactive approach to enhancing the safety and resilience of homes in Arkansas against severe weather events. By establishing a dedicated fund and program, the bill aims to provide critical support to homeowners and communities, ultimately reducing the risk of property damage and loss.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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