H.B. 947 - Safe Home Program Summary

• Establishes the Safe Home Program to provide matching and nonmatching grants to eligible homeowners for installation of approved wind resistive devices on single-family, owner-occupied residential properties.

• Nonmatching grants up to $6,500 available to applicants with annual household income not exceeding 80% of median county income; matching grants up to $5,200 available to higher-income applicants on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

• Creates a Safe Home Program Trust Fund to be funded by interest earnings from the Hurricane Reserve Trust Fund; allocates a portion of annual interest for fiscal year 2021-2022 to this new fund.

• Approved wind resistive devices include roof deck attachment, secondary water barriers, roof covering, braced gable ends, reinforced roof-to-wall connections, opening protection, exterior doors, tie downs, and other commissioner-approved improvements.

• Establishes one temporary full-time position within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division to implement and administer the program; effective January 1, 2050.