SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    HB 2492

        AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR, FEBRUARY 28, 1992

Brief Description:  Correcting double amendments relating to regulation of mobile and manufactured homes.

SPONSORS: Representatives Franklin, Mitchell, Nelson and Winsley

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

      Signed by Senators Matson, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, McMullen, Moore, Murray, and Skratek.

Staff:  Catherine Mele (786‑7457)

Hearing Dates: February 27, 1992; February 28, 1992

BACKGROUND:

In 1989, the Legislature enacted double amendments to two statutes contained in the motor vehicle law that pertain to mobile homes.

The definition of "mobile home" was amended in two separate bills.  Both bills required that the structure of a mobile home must meet the National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards  Act of 1974.  Only one of the bills, however, stated that the definition does not include modular homes.

The statute that governs the transfer of ownership of a mobile home was also amended in two separate bills.  One of the bills eliminated the requirement that both spouses must sign the title certificate to transfer ownership in a community mobile home.  Eliminating the requirement that both spouses must sign in order to transfer ownership interest is inconsistent with community property and homestead laws.

The Washington Law Revision Commission is attempting to remove double amendments from the Revised Code of Washington in order to reduce conflicts of interpretation.

SUMMARY:

The definition of mobile home is amended to specifically state that modular homes are not included within the definition.

Both spouses must sign the title certificate to transfer ownership in a community mobile home.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 20, 1992

TESTIMONY FOR:  None

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  No one