Colorado lawmakers approved legislation Wednesday that could establish one of the country’s largest programs to harden homes against extreme weather.
The bill, approved on party-line votes in the Democratic-controlled Legislature, would impose a fee on insurance companies and use the money to defray homeowner costs of strengthening their roofs against hail and wind damage.
Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway has called such a program the “cornerstone” of state efforts to make property insurance more affordable and available by reducing damage from severe storms and wildfires.
The measure passed the state Senate on the final day of the Colorado legislative session Wednesday, with all 12 Republicans in opposition. On Tuesday, it passed the state House over universal Republican opposition. It goes to Gov. Jared Polis (D), who supports the program.
