HB 988 Update: Strengthen Mississippi Homes Grants Could Return in 2026
Mississippi homeowners along the Gulf Coast have been watching the Strengthen Mississippi Homes program closely — and there’s a new development worth tracking. On January 16, 2026, House Bill 988 (HB 988), titled the Strengthen Mississippi Homes Act, was introduced and referred to the Insurance Committee. If passed, the bill would update how Mississippi’s wind mitigation program is structured, including a higher potential grant cap and new reporting requirements.
What HB 988 is proposing
HB 988 is designed to strengthen Mississippi’s approach to catastrophic windstorm mitigation, covering hurricanes, tornadoes, and other major wind events. The bill would rename and formalize the program as the Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program, and it would set clearer rules for how grants can be issued.
Here are the headline items homeowners should know before digging into the fine print:
- Higher grant cap proposed: HB 988 includes language that would allow grants up to $15,000 per recipient if enacted and funded.
- Broader windstorm focus: The program would address hurricane, tornado, and other catastrophic windstorm damage mitigation.
- Rules and eligibility framework: The Insurance Commissioner would be responsible for issuing rules covering eligibility, evaluator requirements, and grant-round criteria.
- Annual public reporting: The Department of Insurance would publish an annual report with grant activity and outcomes, including the number of homes mitigated and related insurance discount estimates.
- Effective date: The bill states an effective date of July 1, 2026, but only if it becomes law.
The key thing to remember is that this is a proposed change, not a finalized program relaunch. Legislative timelines and funding decisions will determine what happens next.
Current status: the program has been paused
As of the latest public guidance from the Mississippi Insurance Department, funding for the Strengthen Mississippi Homes Fortified Home grant program was suspended during a 2025 special session. That means the grant program is not currently accepting applicants for participation until funding is re-appropriated. The state does, however, provide a way for homeowners to submit an interest form so the Department can measure demand and plan future grant rounds.
Official resources:
Mississippi Insurance Department — Strengthen Mississippi Homes information page
Why this matters for coastal Mississippi homeowners
For most homes on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the roof system is the first line of defense. When a roof fails in high winds, the damage can escalate quickly, especially when wind-driven rain reaches the roof deck. That’s why state mitigation efforts often focus on roof upgrades aligned with the IBHS FORTIFIED standard.
If HB 988 moves forward and funding returns, it could expand the program’s ability to help homeowners offset the cost of storm-resilience improvements.
What homeowners can do now
Homeowners who move fastest when programs reopen are usually the ones who already have the basics in place. If you want to be prepared, focus on these steps:
- Get a roof condition check so you know whether your system is aging out, storm-worn, or still serviceable.
- Document what you have by collecting your insurance declarations page and any prior roof invoices or permits.
- Understand upgrade priorities such as sealed roof deck options and stronger roof-edge details for wind resistance.
- Watch for official updates from the Mississippi Insurance Department as funding and guidelines change.
- Compare scopes, not just prices, so you can make an apples-to-apples decision when proposals come in.
Even if you do not pursue a grant, these same steps help you avoid last-minute pressure and make smarter decisions ahead of hurricane season.
Related reading on our site
For a practical overview of how the program works and what homeowners typically need to prepare, read our update here:
Strengthen Mississippi Homes Grant Update
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Free roof inspection in Southeast Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast
If you’re considering a storm-ready replacement or want to explore Fortified-style upgrade options, Southern Home Improvement Center (SHIC) can help you map out the best next step. We’ll inspect your roof, explain upgrade choices clearly, and provide a written estimate you can compare with confidence. Call (985) 643-6611 or (225) 766-4244 to schedule your free inspection and estimate.
