Brief Description: Regulating movement of older mobile homes.

Sponsors: Representatives Buri, Grant, Cox, B. Sullivan, Condotta, Dunshee and Chase.

Hearing Date: 2/1/05

Staff: CeCe Clynch (786-7168).

Background:

Currently, before moving any mobile home on a public highway, a person is required to obtain a special permit from the Department of Transportation and local authorities. No permit or certification is required from the Department of Labor and Industries( L&I) in connection with the movement of a mobile home.

The L&I has adopted safety rules for mobile homes. Compliance with the L&I safety rules is deemed compliance with county or city ordinances. The L&I is also responsible for establishing uniform installation standards for mobile homes. An installation inspection, by its nature, occurs after the mobile home has been moved to a new location, and a safety inspection is generally done at this time.

If a mobile home does not meet the L&I rules and standards, the local jurisdiction will not permit occupancy. Mobile homes which do not meet the safety rules are often abandoned by their owners at the new location, leaving landowners and local jurisdictions to deal with disposal.

Summary of Bill:

A certificate from the L&I that mobile homes constructed before 1976 meet the L&I safety rules is required before movement of the mobile home on the public highways. An exception to this requirement, in the form of an affidavit signed under penalty of perjury by the owner, is made for mobile homes being transferred for disposal. No change is made with respect to the timing of an installation inspection.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.