Committee hears bill to allow insurers to offer discounts for fire, wind and hail mitigation

House Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick, sponsor of House Bill 136, told the Senate Business and Labor Committee that the bill would revise state law so insurers can reduce premiums for customers who take validated risk-reduction steps.

"This revises laws related to insurance benefits related to risk reduction," Fitzpatrick said, describing the bill as intended to remove a barrier created by the state's rebating statute so carriers will feel comfortable offering discounts for measures such as defensible space, noncombustible building materials and improved water sources.

The bill drew support from the state insurance regulator and carriers. Frank Cote, deputy insurance commissioner, told lawmakers HB 136 would let insurers reward homeowners who reduce risk. "This is a way ... for people to not only take some responsibility in themselves, but also ... get an advantage…