Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Advocates for Hurricane Damage Mitigation Program Reinstatement

Introduction

DIAMONDHEAD — In a pivotal move, Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney is urging the revival of the Comprehensive Hurricane Damage Mitigation Program. This initiative was abruptly halted by lawmakers after just one year, despite its potential to safeguard homes against hurricane damage.

Overview of the Comprehensive Hurricane Damage Mitigation Program

Launched in 2024, the Comprehensive Hurricane Damage Mitigation Program aimed to provide homeowners with grants of up to $10,000 for critical home upgrades designed to enhance resilience against hurricanes, particularly by reinforcing roofing structures. Supporters of the program highlight its benefits, including reductions in storm damage, accelerated recovery times, and lower insurance premiums.

During its initial rollout, the Mississippi Insurance Department successfully awarded 28 grants and prepared for a more extensive implementation. However, during a special session in 2025, state lawmakers rescinded the department’s access to the $5 million earmarked for this purpose, despite over 1,200 homeowners expressing interest.

Reasons Behind Funding Cuts

Legislative Concerns

Lawmakers displayed concerns about the program’s feasibility during discussions earlier this year. Republican Senator David Parker, representing DeSoto County, voiced his skepticism, stating he had yet to see a detailed operational plan. He emphasized the necessity of ensuring that the allocated $5 million would be effectively utilized for coastal mitigation efforts.

In a similar vein, Harrison County Senator Scott DeLano highlighted that the department had pledged to mitigate hundreds of homes within an 18-month timeline but managed to do so for only about 30 residences. This discrepancy raised doubts about the department’s ability to deliver on its promises.

Lack of Communication

Although Insurance Department officials contended they provided updates during the 2025 regular session, they noted no further queries were made by lawmakers since then. This lack of communication may have compounded the legislative hesitation to back the program.

The Importance of Hurricane Mitigation

Despite the legislative setbacks, early participants in the program have attested to its positive impact. Diamondhead resident Dana Bordelon, for example, benefited from a roof upgrade after nearly 20 years. The new roof features reinforced shingles and a sealed deck, offering her peace of mind against future storms. Bordelon reported that her roofing project cost around $15,000, with the program covering $10,000 of that expense, leading to a notable 25% reduction in her insurance premiums.

Chaney articulates that the primary objective of such programs is resilience. The aim is to ensure homes can withstand hurricanes of up to Category 3, allowing residents to return to safe shelters post-storm, rather than to endure the storm itself.

Funding Structure of the Program

It is critical to note that the Comprehensive Hurricane Damage Mitigation Program does not rely on taxpayer dollars. The $5 million fund consists of fees generated by insurance companies and is administered through the Mississippi Surplus Lines Association.

Adoption of the IBHS FORTIFIED Standard

Integral to the mitigation outcomes is the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety’s (IBHS) FORTIFIED standard, a set of construction guidelines explicitly designed to minimize storm damage. Fred Malik, managing director of IBHS FORTIFIED programs, explained that incorporating this standard into standard roofing construction generally adds $1,500 to $3,000 to costs but significantly enhances resilience.

The FORTIFIED standard is backed by scientific research and executed through a network of certified contractors, ensuring that homeowners can trust the effectiveness of their upgrades.

Learning from Other States

The program draws inspiration from Alabama’s Strengthen Alabama Homes initiative, which has successfully mitigated over 9,000 homes since its inception in 2016. This initiative has notably encouraged insurers to offer discounts for homes incorporating FORTIFIED roofs—an approach that is already in practice among Mississippi insurers.

According to research from the Alabama Department of Insurance, households with FORTIFIED roofs were 66% less likely to file claims following Hurricane Sally in 2020. This data underscores the critical need for enhanced building codes and mitigation strategies among coastal communities.

Renewed Efforts for Program Reinstatement

Bordelon expressed disappointment at the program’s stall, especially for neighbors facing similar challenges with aging roofs. She empathized with families struggling to manage high insurance costs while balancing home responsibilities.

Senator DeLano indicated that he remains hopeful for a breakthrough in the upcoming legislative session, suggesting that administrative adjustments could foster acceptance of the program. He proposed the consideration of a third-party administrator with regional experience to enhance its management.

Conversely, Chaney advocates maintaining the program within the Insurance Department, asserting that this approach facilitates quality control and cost management.

Legislative Roadblocks

Previous efforts to secure continuous funding through Senate and House bills failed during the last session. Chaney remains optimistic about the future of the program, requesting lawmakers to authorize immediate spending by early January 2026 to swiftly restart the program.

Conclusion

As Mississippi homeowners continue to grapple with soaring insurance premiums and the constant threat of hurricanes, Commissioner Chaney’s push to revive the Comprehensive Hurricane Damage Mitigation Program represents a critical step toward enhancing community resilience. The program offers a promising framework to protect homes—if only lawmakers can align on its future.

This revamped article adheres to SEO best practices, focusing on pertinent keywords related to hurricane damage mitigation and incorporating structured headings to enhance readability.