Gov. Beshear Signs Legislation to Protect Kentuckians from Severe Weather

Senate Bill 11 creates rebate program for construction or installation of residential safe rooms

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(Frankfort, Ky.) - Gov. Andy Beshear has signed Senate Bill 11 into law, establishing a residential safe room rebate program and fund to protect eligible Kentuckians from severe weather.   

“Kentucky has faced 15 federally declared weather disasters in just six years and I am committed to doing everything possible to help protect our families from future weather events,” said Gov. Beshear. “This legislation will help Kentuckians build more safe spaces for shelter during severe weather, creating safer homes and protecting more lives.”    

The residential safe room rebate program and fund will begin in January 2027. The program aims to help save lives during natural disasters and will be administered by Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM). Homeowners will be eligible for a rebate of 50% of the costs incurred to construct or install a safe room in their primary residence, not to exceed $5,000.

KYEM has managed FEMA-funded community safe room projects over the last 15 years. These have built 97 safe rooms in 32 counties with a $46.7 million value and the capacity to protect more than 44,000 Kentuckians. For these projects, FEMA has provided $35 million, the commonwealth has provided $5.6 million, and applicants have provided $6 million.

While the Governor supported this bill, he urged legislators to designate funding for its implementation, as KYEM does not currently have funds available from its own budget or from FEMA.