Yardley, PA – Governor Josh Shapiro today joined Pennsylvania Insurance Department Commissioner Michael Humphreys, Representative Perry Warren, Senator Steve Santarsiero and local elected officials in Bucks County to sign House Bill (HB) 735, which establishes the Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force to recommend policies to make flood insurance more affordable for Pennsylvanians.
After deadly flooding struck communities in Bucks, Northampton and Berks counties in July, Governor Shapiro and his administration were immediately on the groundOpens In A New Window providing support and resources to help communities recover from the damage. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency coordinated with local municipalities to repair bridges and roads as quickly as possible – and all state roads in Northampton, Berks and Bucks counties were reopenedOpens In A New Window by PennDOT less than two weeks after the flooding.
After leading a coordinated response to help communities recover, Governor Shapiro signedOpens In A New Window HB 735 into law as Act 22Opens In A New Window on 1 November after it passed both the House and Senate with bipartisan support.
HB 735 establishes the Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force to develop policies to increase access to and affordability of flood insurance. Specifically, the task force will study and recommend potential programs that provide premium discounts, programs that incentivize local governments to support flood mitigation efforts, the implementation of any necessary changes to state law or policy regarding the administration of flood insurance, and how to increase the number of people who purchase flood insurance, either through the National Flood Insurance Program or the private flood insurance marketplace.
“After a devastating storm this summer dumped a month’s worth of rain in just two hours and caused flash flooding that swept cars off the road and flooded homes, schools and businesses in Bucks County, my administration was on the ground immediately to support rescue and recovery efforts, set up detours and keep people safe,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “The task force established by HB 735, chaired by Insurance Commissioner Mike Humphreys, will bring together leaders from my administration and the legislature to closely examine the needs of our communities at increased risk of flooding. They’ll identify the types of programs that would ensure flood insurance is accessible and affordable to Pennsylvanians who need it – and recommend the best courses of action our Commonwealth can take to increase the number of Pennsylvanians protected by flood insurance.
In recent years, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has revised its flood maps, requiring more properties in Pennsylvania to have flood insurance. As a result, many Pennsylvanians are struggling to afford flood insurance due to rising premiums. HB 735 seeks to help by establishing a task force to study flood insurance issues, including affordability, and PID Commissioner Michael Humphreys will serve as chair of the task force.
“In the aftermath of flood disasters, PID hears devastating stories from residents who thought they were covered for flooding under their homeowner’s insurance policy, but were not. FEMA’s revised flood maps now require more Pennsylvania properties to have flood insurance, and many property owners are struggling to meet this requirement,” said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys. “PID strongly encourages insurance agents to highlight the availability of flood insurance when meeting with customers to discuss new or renewal coverage – and we urge homeowners and renters to ask their insurance agents and insurance companies about flood coverage.”
“Flood insurance is one of the best ways to protect your home and belongings from a very real threat that could happen to you, even if it hasn’t happened in your neighbourhood in the past,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “Making flood insurance more affordable will help make our communities more resilient and better able to recover after a flood.”
HB 735, sponsored by Rep. Perry Warren, passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support after devastating flooding hit several Pennsylvania communities, including Bucks County, over the summer.
“Thank you to Governor Shapiro for coming to Yardley to sign House Bill 735 into law as Act 23 of 2023. This year, through the combined efforts of Senator Santarsiero, the House Insurance Committee, the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee and myself, and in the wake of the devastating flooding in Upper and Lower Makefield in July, the bill passed the House and Senate and became law with Governor Shapiro’s signature,” said Rep. Perry Warren. “As Vice-Chairman of the House Insurance Committee, this new law combines the committee’s efforts to contain insurance costs while expanding coverage with our efforts to reduce and contain the costs of flooding. Senator Santarsiero and I worked with our local communities to advance this legislation, and Governor Shapiro’s visit to Yardley to sign the bill into law demonstrates the positive impact Act 22 will have on our communities. I look forward to the Task Force’s recommendations.
“Eight years ago, I introduced what was then HB 1299, the precursor to HB 735, to help Pennsylvanians living in flood zones with flood insurance premiums,” said Senator Steven Santarsiero. “Then, as now, residents in neighbourhoods along the Delaware River were facing skyrocketing flood insurance costs that threatened their ability to protect their homes and made them nearly impossible to sell. I want to thank my friend and successor in the House, Representative Warren, for continuing to work with me on this issue. This is an important step in helping Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth find relief from rising flood insurance premiums.
“The creation of a Flood Insurance Task Force is a proactive step to ensure that Bucks County homeowners and businesses can more easily recover from future flash floods,” said Bucks County Commissioner Chairman Bob Harvie. “My fellow commissioners and I are committed to working closely with Governor Shapiro, state and local officials, insurance providers and our dedicated first responders to improve our response to these devastating floods.”
PID reminds Pennsylvanians that a standard homeowner’s or renter’s policy does not cover flood damage. Traditionally, flood insurance has only been available to homeowners or renters through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), but today there are more options for consumers to consider. Flood insurance is available from private insurers, including surplus lines insurers, and can be purchased through licensed property and casualty insurance agents in Pennsylvania to cover almost any building and its contents, including rental properties and condominiums. Tenants can also purchase protection for their belongings.
