Congressmen Carter, Ezell, Carbajal Introduce STORM FORTIFIED and Wildfire Prepared Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressmen Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), Mike Ezell (R-MS), and Salud Carbajal (D-CA) introduced the Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation FORTIFIED and Wildfire Prepared Act, or STORM FORTIFIED and Wildfire Prepared Act. This legislation would establish funding to help states finance homeowner mitigation projects to reach FORTIFIED Roof, FORTIFIED Home, and Wildfire Prepared Home certifications that lower home insurance premiums.

“Louisianians know better than anyone that storms are coming stronger and lasting longer,” said Rep. Carter. “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan initiative that will make it easier for Americans to fortify their homes before the next storm comes. Making these smart investments now will protect homeowners when the next storm inevitably hits and lower their insurance premiums. It’s a win-win solution.”

The American home insurance industry is in crisis. Louisiana has some of the highest home insurance premiums in the country; the average Louisiana homeowner pays over $3,700 per year, roughly 55% more than the national average. Nationally, premiums rose roughly 24% to 47% between 2021 and 2024, while Louisiana premiums rose roughly 74% during that time. Home insurance premiums now take up about 9% of the typical mortgage payment, and up to 15-20% in high-risk states. Higher premiums are driven largely by worsening natural disasters, rising rebuilding costs, and insurers pulling out of risky markets altogether.

One proven way to lower rates and stabilize the industry is to harden homes to verified industry standards. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) sets science-based construction standards called “FORTIFIED and Wildfire Prepared Home” to make buildings stronger against severe weather like hurricanes, hail, tornadoes, and wildfires. Homes certified to this standard are measurably more storm-resistant, and insurers in over a dozen states, including Louisiana, now reward those mitigation measures with real discounts — often 25-55% off the wind/hail portion of a premium, as roof damage drives up to 90% of catastrophe claims. For homeowners looking to lower their premiums rather than just absorb premium increases, IBHS-certified upgrades are among the few reliable levers.

With over 14,000 FORTIFIED designations across the state, Louisiana is quickly becoming a national example of resilience through fortified roof installations. The Louisiana Fortify Homes Program, run by the Louisiana Department of Insurance, has approved 5,459 $10,000 fortified roof grants. However, more funding is needed to expand access to fortified roof funding. The Louisiana Fortify Homes Program is heavily oversubscribed. In February 2026, only about 20% of those who registered in lotteries for the Fortify Homes Program received grants.

“Families along the Mississippi Gulf Coast know that preparing for the next storm is not optional, but the cost of making a home more resilient can put critical improvements out of reach,” said Rep. Ezell. “The STORM FORTIFIED and Wildfire Prepared Act gives homeowners another tool to strengthen their homes before disaster strikes, while helping reduce damage and potentially lower insurance costs. This bipartisan legislation is a commonsense investment in stronger homes, safer communities, and greater financial security for families in disaster-prone areas like South Mississippi.”

“California is no stranger to wildfires and other natural disasters, which have driven home insurance premiums higher in recent years,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I'm proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill that gives homeowners the support they need to make their homes more resilient to extreme weather. These upgrades are a commonsense way to help reduce costs and better protect families and their homes."

“Louisiana has emerged as a leader in FORTIFIED roof adoption, and this adaptation has been essential in stabilizing of our state's insurance market. By investing in successful precedents and proven solutions, Congress will strengthen American homes and communities. We applaud this multi-peril approach towards risk mitigation across our nation, and we encourage continued intervention and innovation,” said Michael Hecht, President & CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc.

“Louisiana families cannot afford to keep paying more for less protection. Louisiana needs nearly 445,000 FORTIFIED roofs, at an estimated cost of approximately $6.161 billion, to make homes safer, stabilize communities, and begin bringing insurance costs back within reach. The STORM Fortified Act is the kind of bold, practical investment we need—providing up to $100 million each year to strengthen homes before the next storm, not after disaster has already taken everything. This is about more than shingles and nails; it is about protecting generational wealth, keeping seniors, workers, and families in their homes, and making sure Louisiana remains a place where our people can afford to live and recover with dignity,” said Andreanecia M. Morris, President of HousingLOUISIANA.

Background:

The STORM FORTIFIED and Wildfire Prepared Act:

• Authorizes $100 million annually (FY 2027–2036) for FEMA to capitalize and recapitalize revolving loan funds for states. States must use funds solely for homeowner mitigation grants.
• Provides low-interest loans for homeowner mitigation projects, including fortified roof installations and other upgrades needed for FORTIFIED Roof, FORTIFIED Home, or Wildfire Prepared Home certifications. Loans are eligible to be forgivable for homeowners with incomes below 120% of the area median income (AMI).
• Allows states to provide mitigation grants to uninsured homeowners so they can enter the insurance market.
• Directs FEMA to promote insurer recognition of mitigation certifications for premium discounts.

The STORM FORTIFIED and Wildfire Prepared Act is endorsed by Greater New Orleans, Inc., Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance, United Policyholders, American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), Habitat for Humanity International, Environmental Defense Fund, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge, Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Orleans, Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West, East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity, Lafayette Habitat for Humanity, Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, Greater New Orleans Housing Alliance (GNOHA), HousingNOLA, HousingLOUISIANA, and Smart Home America.

Read the full bill text here. Read a one-page summary of the bill here.

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