The General Assembly commenced its two-year legislative term in January. Initially, proceedings were slow due to new member arrangements and committee appointments. After several weeks of organizational sessions, Bills began to be introduced, and committees started holding hearings. Currently, legislative activity is at full throttle with hundreds of Bills being introduced. Legislation is progressing in both the Senate and House, with some measures already enacted into law.

One of the early legislative priorities was addressing relief efforts for western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. Both the House and Senate held joint committee meetings and hearings to finalize the details of a significant second relief package. Initially, legislators convened an emergency session and passed an "immediate needs" package, recognizing that further assistance would be required. The second relief package appropriated over $500 million primarily for infrastructure reconstruction, including roads, bridges, utilities, and various other infrastructural elements. Some funding was allocated for housing needs, although substantial grants and funding for housing will be distributed gradually as infrastructure projects progress. We are collaborating closely with NC Rebuild to stay informed about developments related to requests for proposals and grant requirements. Additional Hurricane Helene funding and relief packages will likely dominate this year's legislative session.

Two Bills specifically impacting our industry are the Mobile Home Park Act and the Create the Office of Engineering and Codes:

*Senate Bill 518 Mobile Home Park Act* - Introduced by Senator Mayfield (D) from Buncombe County. This Bill mirrors last session's Bill that imposes stringent restrictions on the operations and functions of all “mobile home parks” in North Carolina. It includes provisions for rent control, right-of-first-refusal requirements, a special commission for tenant/renter complaints, and property owner compliance. Like last year, it comprises 29 pages of provisions that would overhaul landlord-tenant laws for mobile home parks in North Carolina.

*Senate Bill 700 Create the Office of Engineering and Codes* - Introduced by Senator Sawrey (R) from Johnston County. Last year, the General Assembly transferred the manufactured housing and modular program division (along with other divisions) from the oversight of the Insurance Commissioner to the newly established independent Office of the State Fire Marshall. This Bill proposes moving industry regulation from the OFSM to a newly created division within the NC Labor Commissioner. Consequently, all state-regulated programs related to manufactured and modular homes would fall under the Labor Commissioner's jurisdiction. This includes the State Administrative HUD program, the Manufactured Housing Board, licensing, consumer dispute resolution program for manufactured homes, and the modular program encompassing the State Building Code and State Building Code Council.

Numerous other Bills have been introduced that affect our industry in some manner. Below is a chart of Bills we are lobbying and monitoring on your behalf. For detailed information and summaries, please contact us at the association office, where we are available to provide comprehensive data.

This information is also accessible online via our website www.NC-MHA.org by clicking the 2025 Legislative and Government Advocacy Tab. Alternatively, it can be found on the NC General Assembly website: www.ncleg.gov.

To search for specific Bills, go to www.ncleg.gov,

• Go to ncleg.gov page
• In the upper right corner, you will find Bill Search
• Simply type in the Bill Number (ex. S700)
• It will take you to the Bill (look for the most recent version and summaries)
• Although more challenging to navigate, you may also search by key words (e.g., modular home) to find relevant bills that include modular homes.

 

Lastly, we will hold our industry Legislative Day on April 29th. Attendees will gather at the NCMHA office for lunch and a briefing before traveling by bus to the NC Legislative Building to meet with legislators. This event is crucial, and member participation is essential. It's imperative that we convey the significance of our industry to the state housing market and foster relationships with our legislators. Given the proposed legislation affecting both our customers and business, it is vital for our voices to be heard. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the 2025 NCMHA Legislative Day. For additional details and to register for the event, visit www.NC-MHA.org and click the 2025 Legislative and Government Advocacy Tab, 2025 Legislative Day/ Member Appreciation Luncheon Registration Tab.