SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5731

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

            Labor, Commerce & Trade, March 1, 1995

Title:  An act relating to approval of mobile home and factory built housing modifications.

Brief Description:  Transferring approval of mobile home and factory built housing modifications from department of labor and industries to the appropriate local government agency.

Sponsors:  Senators Haugen, McCaslin, Johnson, Rasmussen, Pelz, Winsley and Schow.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Trade:  2/27/95, 3/1/95 [DP, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & TRADE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Pelz, Chair; Deccio, Franklin, Fraser, Hale, Newhouse, Palmer and Wojahn.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

  Signed by Senator Heavey.

Staff:  Traci Ratzliff (786-7452)

Background:  Under current law, the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) approves the plans and specifications for each model or production prototype of a manufactured (mobile) home sold in this state.  In addition, any plans to alter or change an existing manufactured home must also be approved by L&I.

Summary of Bill:  Local governments are authorized to approve any alteration or modification made to an existing mobile home, commercial coach or recreational vehicle.  No factory built housing or commercial structure may be modified prior to or during installation unless the local government approves such modification.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This bill will reduce bureaucracy and increase service to consumers by giving local governments the ability to approve modifications to mobile homes, commercial coaches, and recreational vehicles.

Testimony Against:  Local government has not been involved in the inspection of mobile homes for compliance with federal law.  This responsibility currently lies with the Department of Labor and Industries.  This bill would require jurisdictions to take on this new responsibility when they are ill-equipped to do so.

Testified:  PRO:  Senator Haugen, prime sponsor; Ron Clark, Washington Manufactured Housing Association; Mark Brown, Director, Department of Labor and Industries; CON:  Dan Sexton, United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters; Blair Patrick, Washington Association of Building Officials.