Washington Wildfire Mitigation Grant Program Bill Passes Senate
Summary
The Washington State Senate has passed Senate Bill 6079, establishing a voluntary wildfire mitigation grant program funded by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. The bill aims to reduce insurance policy non-renewals and cancellations due to wildfire risk by funding mitigation measures based on IBHS standards. It now moves to the House of Representatives.
What changed
The Washington State Senate has passed Senate Bill 6079, which establishes a voluntary wildfire mitigation grant program. This program, requested by the Insurance Commissioner and sponsored by Senator Marcus Riccelli, aims to reduce insurance policy non-renewals and cancellations by funding wildfire mitigation measures based on Insurance Institute of Home and Business Safety (IBHS) standards. The program will be funded by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner's regulatory funds and will not impact the state budget. This bill represents a proactive step to address wildfire risk and its impact on insurability.
While this bill has passed the Senate, it requires consideration by the House of Representatives. Insurers and homeowners in Washington should monitor the progress of SB 6079. If enacted, the program would provide grants for home-hardening measures, potentially leading to more stable insurance markets in high-risk areas. The bill's success could influence future legislative actions regarding wildfire risk mitigation and insurance availability.
What to do next
- Monitor the progress of Senate Bill 6079 as it moves to the House of Representatives.
- Review the IBHS standards for wildfire mitigation measures.
Source document (simplified)
State Senate passes wildfire grant program bill
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February 13, 2026
OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington state Senate passed a bill Friday night to establish a voluntary wildfire mitigation grant program by a 37-11 vote.
Senate Bill 6079, requested by Washington state Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer and prime sponsored by Sen. Marcus Riccelli (D – Spokane), aims to reduce insurance policy non-renewals and cancellations due to wildfire risk.
The bill would create the Strengthen Washington Homes grant program to fund wildfire mitigation measures based on the Insurance Institute of Home and Business Safety’s (IBHS) standards. It was one of the recommendations from the Wildfire mitigation and resiliency standards work group, which was co-chaired by Kuderer and Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove over the summer.
Several states, including Alabama, have implemented similar programs using IBHS standards to reduce claims from extreme weather events. Washington’s pilot program would be funded by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s regulatory funds and would have no impact on the state budget.
“These are science-backed mitigation standards that lead to fewer losses, meaning healthier underwriting and more insurable homes,” Kuderer said. “This pilot program gives us time to evaluate cost, effectiveness, and implementation before any broader funding decision is made.”
Kuderer added that the home-hardening program would complement the Department of Natural Resources’ Wildfire Ready Neighbors program and additional work from Tribal, state, and local partners.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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