SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5540
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Consumer Protection & Housing, February 20, 2007
Title: An act relating to making an appropriation to the mobile home park relocation fund.
Brief Description: Making an appropriation to the mobile home park relocation fund.
Sponsors: Senators Kastama, Weinstein, Shin and Rasmussen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Consumer Protection & Housing: 1/30/07, 2/20/07 [DP-WM].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON CONSUMER PROTECTION & HOUSING
Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators Weinstein, Chair; Kauffman, Vice Chair; Honeyford, Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Haugen, Jacobsen, Kilmer, McCaslin and Tom.
Staff: Jacob White (786-7448)
Background: The mobile home relocation assistance program applies to those who own a manufactured or mobile home in a mobile home park that is closing. Manufactured/mobile home relocation assistance is provided to eligible low-income households on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to residents in parks closed due to health and safety concerns or park-owner fraud. The mobile home relocation assistance program reimburses eligible applicants for actual expenses up to set limits. The limit is $7,500 for a single wide and $12,000 for a double wide.
Summary of Bill: Four million dollars is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the general fund to the mobile home relocation fund. This appropriation is to be used for payment of mobile home relocation expenses under the mobile home relocation assistance program.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 26, 2007.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Homeowners have been funding the program however the money has run out because of the increased number of mobile home parks closing. The current wait list is long and for the program to be effective more funds need to be allocated. Under the current law, the funds provided to displaced mobile home owners cannot be used for an apartment or home; they have to be used for another mobile/manufactured home. There should be more flexibility in how these funds can be used to allow for displaced owners to use the funds for rent at an apartment or for buying a home.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Ishbel Dickens, Columbia Legal Services; Ken Spencer, Manufactured Housing Communities of Washington.