Louisiana Senate Bill SB299

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/26
• Refer: 2/27/26
• Refer: 3/9/26

Caption

INSURANCE DEPARTMENT: Allows nonprofit organizations to provide additional resources to cover the cost of installing a fortified roof. (gov sig)

Summary

SB 299 amends the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program to make clear that nonprofit organizations may provide additional support and resources to help a grant recipient pay for the cost of installing a fortified roof. The bill specifically states that nothing in the program’s governing statute, or in rules adopted by the commissioner of insurance, may be interpreted to prohibit a nonprofit from supplementing a grant recipient’s funding for roof installation costs, including costs covered under existing program provisions. The bill does not change the core structure of the Fortify Homes Program or the commissioner’s authority to administer grants and set eligibility rules. Instead, it adds a new subsection defining “nonprofit organization” and clarifying that outside charitable assistance may be layered on top of a state grant. The measure is effective upon gubernatorial approval or other constitutionally provided enactment.

Impact

SB 299 would amend R.S. 22:1483.1 by adding a new subsection to the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program. Its practical effect is to protect the ability of eligible homeowners receiving a fortified roof grant to also accept supplemental aid from qualifying nonprofits, without risking conflict with program rules. The bill affects the Insurance Department’s administration of the program and may expand the pool of funding available to homeowners seeking roof retrofits that meet the fortified roof standard.

Sentiment

The available record suggests generally favorable or at least noncontroversial treatment of the bill, but there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes to show debate. The bill’s purpose is framed as a narrow clarification that supports homeowners and encourages private charitable participation in a state resilience program. Because the measure is still pending in Senate Insurance, there is no final legislative sentiment reflected in the record provided.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the materials provided. The only likely area for discussion is the relationship between nonprofit assistance and the Insurance Department’s grant rules, including whether supplemental funding could affect eligibility, administration, or program consistency. The bill addresses that issue directly by prohibiting rules or regulations from barring nonprofit support, suggesting the sponsor’s intent is to remove any ambiguity rather than create a broader policy change.