This bill establishes the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program, which aims to provide financial grants to New Hampshire homeowners for protecting their properties against severe weather events such as floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. The program is designed to reduce insurance claims and premiums by mitigating risks associated with these weather-related threats. It creates the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Fund, administered by the New Hampshire insurance department, funded through federal grants, donations, and other sources. The bill specifies that the funds will be used for grant awards and program expenses, and they will not lapse unless required by law.
Eligibility for grants is limited to homeowners with a gross household income not exceeding 60% of the New Hampshire state median income, with a maximum grant amount of $9,500 per residence per year. The bill outlines requirements for grant applications, including the necessity for homeowners to maintain insurance and use certified contractors for mitigation work. It also emphasizes the confidentiality of grant applications and related documents, while ensuring transparency regarding the number and nature of grants awarded. The bill includes new provisions for the establishment of the program and fund, while deleting any conflicting legal language from existing statutes. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of August 31, 2026.