The Alabama Legislature has expressed its concern regarding the instability of commercial property insurance in coastal Alabama, which is critical to the state's economy, particularly due to its significant tourism industry. The Alabama Coastal Commercial Insurance Joint Interim Study Commission has highlighted the challenges in the availability and affordability of insurance, which threaten the resilience of local businesses and the overall economic security of the region. The resolution acknowledges the need for state-level interventions, such as state-supported reinsurance programs, tax credits for businesses investing in risk mitigation, and a review of insurance industry practices to ensure transparency and accountability.
Furthermore, the resolution calls for an assessment of the Alabama Insurance Underwriting Association's Wind Pool to enhance affordability and streamline claims processing. It also suggests exploring state-administered funds to assist businesses in post-disaster recovery and emphasizes the importance of strengthening construction standards in high-risk areas. The Legislature is committed to ongoing discussions and stakeholder engagement to develop prudent policies that will secure the long-term economic and insurance stability of coastal Alabama, and it has directed that the findings of the study commission be formally communicated to the Governor and relevant stakeholders.