Massachusetts Bill Aimed at Reducing Impact of Flood Insurance Rules

Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a proposal aimed at softening the impact of new federal flood insurance rules on many coastal homeowners.

The bill, backed by House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Attorney General Martha Coakley, is scheduled for debate on Wednesday. It would tie the level of flood insurance that must be purchased to a homeowner’s outstanding mortgage balance, rather than the full replacement value of the home.

State officials have pointed to enormous increases in flood insurance premiums resulting from the new rules that were approved in an effort to keep the National Flood Insurance Program solvent.

A bill that passed the U.S. House last week would roll back provisions of the federal law, while the Senate has backed a measure calling for a four-year delay in implementation of the law.