SCS SB 1096 -- INSTALLATION OF MANUFACTURED HOMES

SPONSOR:  Caskey (Sutherland)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass - federal mandate" by the
Committee on Professional Registration and Licensing by a vote of
10 to 0.

This substitute requires a person who engages in the business of
installing manufactured homes to be duly licensed by the Missouri
Public Service Commission.  The substitute:

(1)  Requires the commission to implement a program consistent
with federal guidelines for the proper installation of
manufactured homes;

(2)  Establishes licensing criteria;

(3)  Authorizes the commission to waive training and examination
requirements for persons holding licenses from other states and
allows for reciprocal agreements to be made with other states;

(4)  Allows for the issuance of limited licenses for certain
applicants;

(5)  Authorizes the commission to revoke, suspend, and refuse to
issue licenses; file and investigate complaints; issue subpoenas;
and file petitions with courts;

(6)  Requires the commission to adopt uniform standards for the
proper installation of manufactured homes and requires installers
to purchase a decal from the commission to be affixed to the home
after the installation is completed; and

(7)  Creates the Manufactured Housing Fund for the deposit of
fees to cover the costs.

The substitute contains penalty provisions.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on General Revenue Fund in FY 2005, FY
2006, and FY 2007.  Estimated Income on Other State Funds of $0
to Unknown in FY 2005, FY 2006, and FY 2007.  Assumes fees would
equal or exceed costs.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that there has been a mandate from
the federal government to create a regulatory agency for
manufactured home installers.  Currently, there is no regulatory
authority for installers; and if Missouri does not enact
legislation to regulate them under the Public Service Commission,
the federal government will regulate them through the United
States Department of Housing and Urban Development.  This is a
consumer protection bill because currently home owners have no
recourse against independent installers for improper
installation.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Sutherland for
Senator Caskey; Missouri Public Service Commission; and Missouri
Manufactured Housing Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Bob Dominique, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:16 am