Oklahoma Lawmakers Consider Resilient, Durable Construction Legislation

Oklahoma state lawmakers have an opportunity to make their communities safer by enacting House Bill 1720, legislation that provides a discount on homeowners’ insurance for those who build their homes with tornado-resistant construction techniques, like concrete. The legislation would join the efforts of other extreme weather-prone states, including Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama and North Carolina, which encourage resilient construction with a tax credit and/or an insurance rebate.

Over the weekend, a string of deadly storms spawned tornadoes and spread destruction throughout the Southeast U.S., making real the potential dangers. After U.S. property insurers were stuck with the most expensive first quarter in 20 years due to exceptionally harsh and costly weather events, passage of this incentive will save lives and reduce property damage for one of the most disaster-prone states in the nation. At the behest of the Oklahoma Ready Mixed Concrete Association and Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak, who supports the legislation, Oklahoma state senators moved forward on the legislation and recently sent it back to the Oklahoma House of Representatives for final consideration.

 

Through the Build with Strength initiative, NRMCA has resources to help members and state affiliates advocate for resilient and safer construction, including model legislation, talking points, public relations and other key strategies.