Rhode Island House Bill H5549

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/25
• Refer: 2/26/25
• Report Pass: 6/12/25
• Engrossed: 6/16/25
• Refer: 6/20/25

Caption

Provides a framework through which the department of business regulation can seek grants to fund a home hardening program.

Impact

If H5549 is enacted, it will significantly amend the existing Rhode Island property and casualty insurance law to include provisions that support homeowners and communities in mitigating hurricane-related damages. The program establishes eligibility criteria for receiving grants and outlines how funds should be utilized for retrofitting properties to withstand windstorm impacts. This initiative is expected to lead to a greater level of community preparedness and a potential decrease in insurance claims related to hurricane damages, thereby benefiting the insurance market and the state’s economy.

Summary

House Bill H5549 aims to enhance hurricane resiliency in Rhode Island by providing a framework for the Department of Business Regulation to seek grants aimed at strengthening residential properties against hurricane and other catastrophic events. The bill outlines provisions for a new program, known as the 'strengthen rhody homes program', which allows for financial assistance and grants conditioned on the implementation of specified resilience measures in homes. The act proposes making these funds available to both residential owners and nonprofit organizations engaged in relevant projects, promoting safety and preparedness in the face of increasing severe weather incidents.

Sentiment

The sentiment around H5549 appears positive, as it aligns with current needs for disaster readiness and addresses the growing concerns over climate change-related risks. Stakeholders recognize the importance of bolstering residential infrastructures against hurricanes, which have been increasingly disruptive in recent years. While the primary discussion points reflect support for enhancing home resiliency, there may be apprehensions regarding the funding sources, the potential bureaucratic overhead involved in grant distribution, and ensuring equitable access for low-income communities.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding H5549 might include discussions about the adequacy of funding and the efficiency of the grant application process. Critics may express concerns about whether the grants will be sufficient to make a meaningful impact given the scale of needed improvements across many homes. Additionally, ensuring transparent guidelines for the use of funds and compliance with local building codes will be critical to prevent misuse or fraud, which may lead to skepticism about the overall effectiveness of the program.