In the wake of a devastating EF2 tornado that hit Rome, New York, in July 2024, lawmakers are moving to strengthen disaster resilience with a sweeping legislative package. Senate Bill 7761, introduced by Sen. Joseph Griffo on May 5, 2025, outlines a three-part initiative aimed at delivering immediate aid and long-term climate mitigation tools for Central New York residents, businesses, municipalities, and insurers.
Part A of the proposal launches the Central New York Extreme Weather Relief and Resiliency Grant Program, delivering up to $75 million in total funding through several pools of state-administered grants. These funds cover storm-related costs that are not reimbursed by insurance or other federal, state, or local recovery programs.
Eligible recipients and grant caps include:
There is also a separate $10 million fund available to municipalities impacted by qualifying events between January 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. These grants may be used for both storm recovery and climate resilience improvements, such as:
Municipalities may issue bonds to finance these initiatives. The Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) will administer this part of the program, prioritizing applicants demonstrating the greatest need.
Part B expands the Resilient and Ready Program- managed by the Division of Housing and Community Renewal—to assist homeowners with both emergency repairs and climate-resilient upgrades.
Two assistance tracks are proposed:
Rapid Response Home Repair Grants
Up to $25,000 per household for urgent repairs such as roofing, heating, and electrical work. Local administrators will be pre-authorized to deploy funds within 30 days of a disaster declaration.
Resilient Retrofits Program
Support for long-term mitigation features such as:
Grants under this section will prioritize low- and moderate-income households. Participation may also make homeowners eligible for insurance premium reductions tied to mitigation improvements.
Part C establishes the Central New York Property/Casualty Insurance Resiliency Incentive Program. The legislation encourages property/casualty insurers operating in New York to offer policyholders loss mitigation tools—such as smart water monitors, shutoff valves, and electrical fire sensors—for free or at a reduced cost.
The bill also directs insurers, rate service organizations (RSOs), and the New York Property Insurance Underwriting Association (NYPIUA) to file actuarially justified discounts with the Department of Financial Services (DFS) for:
DFS may issue further regulations to ensure uniformity, fairness, and transparency in how these incentives are applied under Insurance Law §§2346, 2346-a and DFS regulation 11 NYCRR §160.6.
The bill is currently in committee. If passed, it would take immediate effect retroactively to January 1, 2024, covering weather events already affecting the region—from the Rome tornado to the winter storms of early 2025.
This comprehensive legislative approach reflects New York’s intent to better align disaster response, infrastructure investment, and insurance policy incentives in light of more frequent and severe climate events.
