Lawmakers hear hours of testimony on local-option fortified-roof bill; measure deferred
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Summary
Representative Mandy Landrys local-option bill (HB 461) would allow parishes to adopt stronger 'fortified roof' construction standards. The committee heard extensive pro and con testimony about insurance discounts, code uniformity, costs for homeowners, third-party certification, and local enforcement; the sponsor voluntarily deferred the bill.
House Bill 461, a local-option measure to allow parishes to adopt construction standards meeting fortified-roof criteria, drew prolonged debate, numerous industry witnesses, and divided views on costs and code uniformity before the sponsor voluntarily deferred the bill.
Representative Mandy Landry said the bill is a "local option" intended to let parishes adopt stronger roof standards to reduce insurance costs where appropriate. "This bill provides parishes the opportunity to pass a stronger ordinance regarding fortified roofs," she told the committee.
Supporters — including Fortified Gulf Coast owner Stash Kozlowski, roofing contractor Steve Thompson, contractors and Habitat for Humanity representatives — said fortified standards lower claims and create jobs. "If we reach a critical mass of 25% of fortified roofs, insurance rates are coming down for everybody involved," Kozlowski said.
Opponents included building officials, the state code council, homebuilders and insurance representatives who warned the bill risks undermining the state's uniform building code, could lock in a private standard that changes outside public process, and impose upfront costs on homeowners. Building officials warned fortified certification requires recertification every five years and relies on a privately developed standard. The Farm Bureau and reinsurers cautioned that local mandates create unpredictability for insurance pricing.
Following lengthy public comment and deliberation about whether fortified standards should be implemented statewide via the uniform code rather than parish-by-parish, Representative Landry asked to voluntarily defer HB 461 to continue work with stakeholders.
