SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2339

BYHouse Committee on Housing (originally sponsored by Representatives Brough, Nutley, Winsley, Leonard, R. King, Jacobsen, Todd, Crane and K. Wilson) 

Allowing mobile home tenants to hold forums for candidates and public officials.

House Committe on Housing

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 16, 1990

Senate Staff:David Cheal (786-7576)

AS OF FEBRUARY 14, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act prohibits landlords of mobile home parks from restricting or denying park tenants from engaging in certain activities.  The act specifies that landlords may not prohibit meetings by tenants to discuss mobile home living and affairs.  Any such meetings must be held at reasonable times and in an orderly manner on the premises.  Landlords also may not penalize any tenant for participating in these activities.

Nothing in the Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act specifically prohibits landlords from denying forums for or speeches by public officials or candidates for public office.  Public officials and political candidates have been prohibited from having forums and giving speeches in some mobile home parks.

SUMMARY:

Mobile home park landlords may not prohibit forums for or speeches of public officials or candidates for public office held in any of the park community or recreation halls if these halls are available for the use of the park tenants. Landlords are also prohibited from preventing public officials or candidates from meeting with or distributing information to tenants at their individual mobile homes.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested