Pritzker signs bill to provide damage relief to homeowners ravaged by flooding — Chicago Sun-Times

RESOLVING THE LEDGER

Pritzker signs bill to provide damage relief to homeowners ravaged by flooding — Chicago Sun-Times | AIPROPX

Illinois homeowners impacted by flood damage from powerful storms that hit the state will have help with recovery through a new program signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker.

Severe storms and flooding damage across the state have prompted lawmakers to make relief efforts more accessible, according to the governor’s office.

Following the signing of Senate Bill 3925 into law on Friday, homeowners in the state will be able to participate in disaster relief programs that are typically not covered under standard insurance policies.

“Last summer, severe storms and flooding hit communities across Illinois – leaving hardworking families with thousands in unexpected costs,” Pritzker said in a news release from his office. With the new law, “we are giving communities another tool to help homeowners recover. When Washington refuses to help, we will keep fighting for you while we find ways to help each other.”

Under the new law, the Southwest Equity Home Assurance Program and the Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program can establish legislation that builds on the Home Equity Assurance Act.

A temporary, three-year flood damage direct rebate program will be available to homeowners, and eligible households will get a one-time rebate for up to 50% of flood-related expenses, with a maximum rebate of $1,000, according to the release.

These relief programs come as the federal government declines to help with natural disaster recovery, the governor’s office said in the release.

Two storms in 2025 brought heavy rainfall and flash flooding to parts of the south, southwest and west sides of Chicago, but the Trump administration failed to provide FEMA assistance, the release said.

At the time, Pritzker said the denials were politically motivated, because the president approved similar assistance to other states, like North Dakota and Alaska.

“At the end of the day, this is about the same thing we've always been about: maintaining homeownership and stabilizing our neighborhoods,” Victoria Gaspar, executive director of the Southwest Home Equity Assurance Program, said in the release. “Flooding can be one of the most disruptive and costly things a homeowner faces, and this bill gives us a real tool to help our members recover and stay put. Programs like this, household by household, are what keep our neighborhoods strong.”

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