The Louisiana Legislature has passed a resolution urging the United States Congress to take necessary actions to address the financial burden of flood insurance on residents, particularly in coastal parishes. The resolution calls for the passage of three specific legislative measures: the Flood Insurance Affordability Act, which aims to cap annual flood insurance premium increases at nine percent; the Risk Rating 2.0 Transparency Act, which seeks to enhance transparency in FEMA's flood insurance pricing methodology; and the Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act, which proposes a refundable tax credit for low- and middle-income households enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The resolution highlights the significant premium increases experienced by homeowners under FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0, which has led to concerns about the sustainability of the NFIP and the affordability of flood insurance for many families.
The resolution emphasizes the impact of recent hurricanes on Louisiana's coastal communities, resulting in substantial property claims and financial assistance from FEMA. It expresses the Legislature's commitment to ensuring that homeowners have access to fair and affordable flood insurance, while also addressing the need for reform in the NFIP to promote accountability and sustainability. The resolution concludes by directing that copies be sent to relevant congressional leaders and members of the Louisiana congressional delegation to advocate for these critical changes.