Schor’s bill died despite the fact that two similar versions of it received unanimous support in separate votes in the House and Senate.
Introduction of the bill was prompted by the February condemnation of the Life O’Riley Mobile Home Park & Campground in Lansing. The Ingham County Health Department had closed down the community due to unsanitary conditions, forcing the evacuation of more than 200 people in 10 days.
If the bill had passed, it would have required municipalities to be notified when state agencies inspect parks, and require park operators to set aside money for future repairs. In addition, the bill would have increased the maximum civil fine for park owners who refuse to comply with state regulations from $10,000 to $50,000.
The Senate version of the bill deleted provisions to allow local health departments to perform inspections in lieu of state agencies. It also would have permitted courts to appoint receivers to monitor repairs, according to Rep. Schor. The House needed to vote to concur with the Senate’s change for the bill to become law. However, that did not occur, which resulted in the failure to pass the bill.
As a community owner told MHProNews, “When we fail to police our own ranks, we often end up with legislation or regulations that are harmful to our industry, and that harms all for the misdeeds of the few.” ##
See related article: http://www.mhpronews.com/blogs/daily-business-news/bill-gives-more-local-control-of-manufactured-home-communities-to-local-governments/
(Photo credits – MI State Capitol – Carlos Osorio/Associated Press. Life O’Reily MHP, LSJ)
