AR SB179

Creates the Strengthen Arkansas Homes Program within the State Insurance Department to provide financial grants to homeowners and nonprofits for retrofitting single-family dwellings to meet FORTIFIED Home construction standards that resist tornado, windstorm, and hail damage

Establishes a dedicated Premium Tax Fund funded by $12 million annually from insurance premium taxes, with $10 million allocated for grants and $2 million for administrative costs

Requires insurance companies to provide premium discounts or rate reductions for properties certified as FORTIFIED-compliant if actuarially justified, and mandates insurers offer optional policy riders covering the cost to upgrade roofs to FORTIFIED standards

Sets eligibility requirements including homestead exemption ownership, owner-occupied primary residence, certified evaluator pre-qualification, and use of IBHS-certified contractors who must obtain at least three bids

Effective January 1, 2026, with loss mitigation projects required to be completed within 3 months of grant approval and grant funds paid directly to contractors upon FORTIFIED certification