The proposed bill establishes the "Strengthen Washington Homes Program," aimed at mitigating wildfire risks in Washington State by providing financial grants to property owners, contractors, nonprofit organizations, and tribes for wildfire risk reduction efforts. The bill creates a program account to manage funds from donations and legislative appropriations, with grant eligibility contingent upon compliance with necessary permits and wildfire preparedness standards. Additionally, the bill allows the insurance commissioner to conduct pilot projects to assess the program's effectiveness and ensure equitable access for underserved populations. A significant provision prohibits insurers from using wildfire risk as a disqualifying factor for property insurance coverage if the property meets specific wildfire preparedness designations, thereby enhancing insurance accessibility.

Moreover, the bill amends existing laws related to the treasury income account, specifying that it will now include the "strengthen Washington homes program account" as an eligible recipient of earnings from the treasury income account. This addition reflects a commitment to support housing initiatives within the state. The bill also clarifies that no appropriation is required for certain payments and refunds related to federal mandates, and it outlines the monthly distribution of earnings to various accounts based on their average daily balance. Additionally, the bill establishes expiration dates for certain provisions, ensuring that specific sections will cease to be effective by July 1, 2028, or January 1, 2029, depending on the section.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 48.02.190
Substitute bill: 48.02.190