Washington State Bill 6079: Wildfire Mitigation Grant Program Approved

The Washington State Senate has approved Senate Bill 6079, aiming to create a voluntary grant program for wildfire mitigation. With a 37-11 vote, this legislative initiative was introduced by Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer and sponsored by Senator Marcus Riccelli. It seeks to address increasing insurance policy cancellations and non-renewals due to wildfire risks, highlighting the challenges of regulatory compliance requirements.

Strengthen Washington Homes Grant Program

Senate Bill 6079 establishes the Strengthen Washington Homes grant program to implement AI-driven wildfire mitigation measures in line with Insurance Institute of Home and Business Safety (IBHS) standards. Recommended by the state's Wildfire Mitigation and Resiliency Standards work group, led by Kuderer and Dave Upthegrove, this program exemplifies industry best practices for risk management and regulatory alignment. It is to be funded by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner's regulatory funds, maintaining budget neutrality while adopting proven strategies from states like Alabama.

Insurance Commissioner Kuderer emphasized the initiative’s role in proactively reducing claims and enhancing underwriting conditions, thereby improving home insurability against wildfire hazards. She noted, “This pilot program gives us time to evaluate cost, effectiveness, and implementation before any broader funding decision is made.” Kuderer acknowledged that these efforts are in tandem with the Department of Natural Resources’ Wildfire Ready Neighbors program, enhancing collaboration with Tribal, state, and local partners. Now that the bill has passed the Senate, it awaits further evaluation in the House of Representatives, poised to reshape regulatory approaches to wildfire risk management.