A task force to study flood insurance issues and make premiums affordable for Pennsylvanians was established in a bill signed in Yardley by Gov. Josh Shapiro, considered significant action following the deadly, devastating flash flood in parts of Bucks County two years ago.
The House bill (HB735) sets up the Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force to recommend policies “to help improve affordability and expand access to flood insurance coverage.” Sponsored by Rep. Perry Warren (D-31), it passed both the House and Senate, and was signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro in a rite attended by state Insurance Department Commissioner Michael Humpreys, state Sen. Steve Santarsiero and Warren.
In July 2023, two months of rain fell in just two hours, sweeping cars off the road, and flooding homes, schools and businesses in Bucks. Seven people were killed.
“The Task Force established by HB735 will bring together leaders from my Administration and the Legislature to closely review the needs of our communities who are at an increased risk of flooding,” said Shapiro. “They’ll identify the kinds of programs that would make sure flood insurance is accessible and affordable for the Pennsylvanians who need it – and recommend the best course of action our Commonwealth can take to help increase the number of Pennsylvanians protected by flood insurance.”
According to the bill, the Task Force specifically will examine and recommend programs that provide premium discounts, programs that incentivize local governments to support flood mitigation efforts, the implementation of any necessary change to state statue or policy regarding the administration of flood insurance, and how to increase the number of people who purchase, either through the national flood insurance program or the private flood insurance marketplace.
In recent years, the Federal Emergency Management Agency revised its flood maps, which require that flood insurance be obtained for more Pennsylvania properties. As a result, many Pennsylvanians are struggling to pay for flood insurance due to rising premiums. HB 735 attempts to help by establishing a task force to study flood insurance issues, including affordability.
“After flooding disasters, the Insurance Department hears devastating stories from residents who thought they were covered for flood through their homeowners’ insurance policy but were not,” said Humphreys. “FEMA’s revised flood maps now require more Pennsylvania properties to hold flood insurance and many owners are struggling to meet that requirement.”
A standard homeowners’ or renters’ policy does not cover damages resulting from a flood, he said.
