Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H5336

Introduced
4/21/26  
Refer
4/21/26  

Caption

Study Order

Impact

The proposed bill could lead to changes in how flood insurance is regulated, potentially affecting policy holders and insurers alike. By focusing on civil liability for improper determinations related to flood hazards, the bill seeks to reinforce the need for accurate assessments and could mitigate risks for homeowners obtaining flood insurance. This move aligns with broader efforts to enhance consumer protection standards in the state, encouraging stricter adherence to regulatory requirements in the insurance industry.

Summary

House Bill 5336 addresses various issues relating to homeowners insurance and flood insurance within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Specifically, the bill aims to facilitate a more effective study and review of existing insurance practices, particularly concerning how civil liability is handled in cases of improper flood hazard determinations. This initiative is intended to promote transparency and accountability among insurance providers while safeguarding homeowners' interests in regions prone to flooding.

Contention

Discussions around H5336 have raised concerns regarding the balance of liability between homeowners and insurance companies. Supporters argue that establishing clearer liability standards would help prevent inappropriate denials or disputes during claims, especially in flood-prone areas. Conversely, some critics fear that such regulations could impose undue burdens on insurers, potentially resulting in increased premiums for homeowners or limitations in the availability of flood insurance. As this bill proceeds through the legislative process, these points of contention are likely to be further debated and refined.

Companion Bills

MA H1176

Replaces Relative to homeowners’ insurance complaint education

MA H1328

Replaces Relative to annuity benefit insurance

MA H1160

Replaces Exempting visiting trainees from certain employment requirements

MA H1252

Replaces Relative to gender identity in insurance

MA H1250

Replaces Relative to greater fairness in insurance

MA H1217

Replaces Relative to modernizing private flood insurance

MA H1087

Replaces Relative to civil liability for improper flood hazard determinations

MA H1225

Replaces Ensuring sufficient notice to homeowners by insurance companies prior to an inspection

MA H1293

Replaces Relative to preserving consumer choice in the purchase of motor vehicle service contracts

MA H1097

Replaces Relative to homeowners’ insurance

MA H1175

Replaces To provide homeowners with fair insurance premiums

MA H1184

Replaces To amend the insurance law, in relation to providing protection to certain retirees from pension de-risking transactions

MA H1303

Replaces To provide prompt payment following settlement by insurance company

MA H1150

Replaces Further regulating the withdrawal of local subscribers from the commission

Previously Filed As

MA H5318

Study Order

MA H5281

Study Order

MA H5149

Study Order

MA H5072

Study Order

MA H5213

Study Order

MA H4931

Study Order

MA H5323

Study Order

MA H5184

Study Order

MA H4883

Study Order

MA H5307

Study Order

Similar Bills

MA H5281

Study Order

MA S2886

Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on The Judiciary to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to judicial matters.

MA S2931

Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Health Care Financing to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to to health care financing matters.

MA H5323

Study Order

MA S2798

Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to public safety matters.

MA H5149

Study Order

MA S2786

Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Public Service, to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to public service matters.

MA S2774

Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to telecommunications, utilities and energy matters.