Committee advances resolution to study property‑insurance market pressures, including wildfire impacts

House Concurrent Resolution 16, introduced by Representative Jordan Redmond, would create a legislative interim study to examine factors affecting the property‑insurance market in Idaho and to consider measures to improve market stability and consumer options, with attention to wildfire risk and carrier withdrawals.

Redmond told the committee the study would explore why insurers are shrinking their footprint and pulling out of certain Idaho counties, which he said has pressured homeowners — particularly in wildland‑urban interface (WUI) areas — to seek surplus‑lines coverage at higher cost. He said the study would examine mitigation, market structure, and legislative options.

Elizabeth Kreiner of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association told the committee the department and industry have worked on wildfire‑mitigation issues for several years and that a legislative study could gather useful information about the marketplace and possible policy responses.

Representative Wheeler moved to send the resolution to the House floor with a due‑pass recommendation. The committee discussion recorded several members opposing the motion; Representative Harris announced a planned no vote. Committee remarks indicate multiple nays were registered; the record shows the motion was advanced for further consideration.

Committee members noted that the Department of Insurance already studies market conditions and works on mitigation; supporters said a legislatively appointed interim study could focus on possible statutory or programmatic solutions, including mitigation grants or incentives. The resolution would not itself appropriate funds but would assemble data and recommendations for the Legislature to consider.

The resolution now goes to the full House for consideration.