MOBILE, Ala. - Gov. Robert Bentley’s first attempt at a state insurance reform committee will hold the first of five statewide public hearings tonight at the Mobile Convention Center, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The 30-member Affordable Homeowners Insurance Commission was tasked by the governor to listen to as many Alabama homeowners as possible to find solutions to stop the rising costs of insurance in Alabama.

Primarily a problem for coastal residents, whose premiums have risen as much as five times the statewide average in the last 3-5 years, Bentley was concerned the tornadoes in April would have the same effect on the northern part of the state. The commission was formed in July and held its first meeting in Montgomery earlier this month. Dan Hanson of the grassroots organization Homeowners Hurricane Insurance Initiative said the goal of tonight’s meeting would be two-fold.

“We need to first of all define the problem, so every member of this commission understands what’s unfair and unreasonable about the current insurance situation,” Hanson said. “We also want them to understand that from our point of view, if they fail to lower premiums and get them in line with the rest of the state or other coastal areas, they have failed as a commission.”

Hanson said ultimately, he would like to see the commission endorse the Property Insurance Clarity Bill, which the legislature could pass in a special session. The bill would require the insurers to be more transparent by providing data about policies and premiums written in the state and actuary and risk calculation information.

“We should not be forced to subsidize the rest of the state,” Hanson said. “We’ve always been here and hurricanes have always been here so we’re not convinced the difference is justified.”

Hanson said the HHII has met with nearly 4,000 people at community meetings during the last two years.

Tonight’s meeting will consist of two, one-hour public speaking sessions followed by a regular business meeting of the commission. Parking will be provided for free and anyone wishing to speak is asked to sign up before 5:30.