MS HB1173

Renames the "Comprehensive Hurricane Damage Mitigation Program" to the "Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program" and expands it to include wind damage mitigation in addition to hurricane damage.

Increases maximum financial grants from $10,000 to $15,000 per home and authorizes the Commissioner of Insurance to establish grant eligibility criteria through regulation.

Removes provisions for cost-benefit studies on wind hazard mitigation, wind certification and hurricane mitigation inspections, and an advisory council.

Authorizes the Department of Insurance to enter into contracts for personal and professional services to implement the program, funded from the Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program Fund.

Revises the nonadmitted policy fee distribution starting July 1, 2025, diverting $10,000,000 annually to the Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program Fund, $500,000 to the First Responders Health and Safety Trust Fund, $3,500,000 to the Annual Fire Fund, with $8,000,000 remitted to the Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association and excess amounts split 50/50 between the Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program Fund and Annual Fire Fund.