§ 36-972 — Strengthen Oklahoma Homes (SOH) Program.

A. There is hereby established within the Department of Insurance the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes (SOH) Program, to continue until November 1, 2027. B. This act does not create an entitlement for property owners or obligate the state in any way to fund the inspection, construction, or retrofitting of residential property in this state. Implementation of the SOH Program is subject to the receipt of federal grants or funds or from other sources of grants or funds. The Department shall use its best efforts to obtain grants or funds from the federal government or other funding sources to supplement the financial resources of the SOH Program that may be provided by the state. C. The SOH Program shall apply for financial grants to construct or retrofit insurable property as defined in Section 963 of Title 36 of the Oklahoma Statutes to resist loss due to a tornado or other catastrophic windstorm events or hail as prescribed in subsection B of Section 962 of Title 36 of the Oklahoma Statutes. D. The SOH Program may also make grants or funding available to nonprofit entities for projects to construct or retrofit insurable properties to resist loss due to tornado or other catastrophic windstorm events or hail if such grants or funding to nonprofit entities are allowable under grant or funding rules, requirements, guidelines, or criteria. However, a nonprofit entity shall agree to administer the grants or funds as the SOH Program would be required to administer grants or funds, and the entity shall provide documentation to the Department in a timely manner as requested by the Department. E. All mitigation shall be based upon the securing of all required local permits and applicable inspections in keeping with local building codes and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) Fortified Homes Program. Mitigation projects are subject to random reinspection of all projects. F. The Insurance Commissioner may promulgate rules and eligibility requirements necessary for the proper administration of this act and pursuant to any instructions or requirements on grants or funds received by the Department for the SOH Program.

Legislative History

Added by Laws 2024, c. 293, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2024.