Oregon Legislation Aims to Increase Housing Affordability
A significant bill is advancing through the Oregon Legislature that would prohibit new planned communities from banning manufactured and modular homes, a move hailed as a critical step to address the state’s housing crisis. Sponsored by Rep. Pam Marsh (D-Ashland), House Bill 3144 targets new developments, ensuring that manufactured units adhere to the same design standards as traditional homes.
Rep. Marsh underscored the urgency of the measure, especially following the 2020 Labor Day fires that devastated her district, destroying over 1,500 manufactured homes and worsening the pre-existing affordable housing shortage. Marsh stated, “While successfully addressing the crisis will take many types of creative solutions, frankly, this bill is an easy one.”
The legislation also extends financial assistance for tenants of manufactured home parks and marinas, allowing them to access legal representation in disputes with landlords until January 2031. Funded by a $10 annual fee paid by residents, this initiative addresses the challenges tenants face in finding legal help.
Advocates for the bill, including Lane County legal aid attorney John VanLandingham, emphasize that many individuals living in mobile home parks own their homes but rent the land, highlighting the complexities of their housing situation.
Having already passed the House with a 49-7 vote, the bill now awaits consideration by the Senate committee, which will decide whether to advance it to the Senate floor. If successful there, it will head to Governor Tina Kotek’s desk for approval. Marsh confirmed that the bill would not impose any financial burden on the state.
As Oregon grapples with both a housing and affordability crisis, supporters believe House Bill 3144 could pave the way for more inclusive and affordable living solutions across the state.
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