Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility House passes Kinkead bill to create state-run landslide insurance program

House passes Kinkead bill to create state-run landslide insurance program

Legislation establishing Landslide and Sinkhole Insurance Program heads to Senate

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – State Rep. Emily Kinkead announced today her bipartisan bill with Rep. Valerie Gaydos, R-Allegheny, to create a state-run landslide and sinkhole insurance program passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives 152-51.

“Landslides are causing millions of dollars in property damage annually in Pennsylvania,” said Kinkead, D-Allegheny. “Yet, property owners cannot purchase insurance for landslides like they can for floods and other natural disasters. Until this bill becomes law, homeowners in our Commonwealth remain vulnerable to financial ruin from landslides and sinkholes.”

Kinkead said H.B. 589 would establish the Landslide and Sinkhole Insurance Program with the goal of providing actuarially sound insurance coverage that is universally available and competitively priced. The program would be overseen by a board comprising six state agencies and chaired by the Department of Community and Economic Development secretary.

Kinkead and Gaydos previously held town hall meetings featuring expert testimony on the issue and have visited residents affected by landslides.

The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.