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Panel advances Arkansas Homes Act revisions to support resilient construction and insurance options
Summary
Senate Bill 366 (Arkansas Homes Act) was advanced after sponsors removed a proposed $12 million general‑revenue appropriation and clarified insurance‑related eligibility; the bill would encourage resilient home construction and require insurers to offer certain deductible or rider options for certified resilient homes.
Senator Justin Boyd presented Senate Bill 366, a revision of the Arkansas Homes Act intended to promote resilient home building standards and offer insurance incentives for homeowners who participate. Boyd said sponsors removed a $12 million general revenue appropriation from an earlier draft and instead permitted alternative funding sources, including private donations, so the measure does not mandate a general revenue appropriation.
The bill would require insurers to offer deductible discounts (or riders) to homeowners whose homes meet a specified resilient construction or certification standard; applicants would have to obtain insurance and sign up for the relevant coverage to qualify for program benefits. Sponsors said the proposal is modeled on model legislation and regulatory guidance used in other states and may put downward pressure on premiums by encouraging resilient construction.
Senators asked about contractor certification and whether certified builders currently exist in Arkansas; sponsors said contractor participation is voluntary and that industry stakeholders had been consulted. The committee voted to report the bill favorably by voice vote.
