House Bill No. by Representative Freeman aims to enhance the construction standards for residential roofs within the coastal zone boundary of Louisiana. The bill enacts a new provision under R.S. 40:1730.28.2(A)(4), which mandates that all new roofs and roof replacements on residential properties in parishes located within the coastal zone must meet or exceed the fortified roof standards established by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. This requirement is intended to improve the resilience of homes against severe weather conditions typical in coastal areas.

The bill retains existing requirements and prohibitions outlined in the State Uniform Construction Code while introducing this specific standard for fortified roofs. By doing so, it seeks to ensure that residential properties in vulnerable coastal regions are better equipped to withstand potential damage from storms and other environmental factors, thereby promoting safety and structural integrity in these areas.