From the 83rd: Governor Signs HB 3613 into Law

There was a bit more going on in the world of Texas politics yesterday than Father’s Day.  June 16 marked the 20th day following adjournment of the regular session.  This important deadline was the last day the governor can sign or veto bills passed during the regular session.

Most important to our industry was Gov. Perry’s signature of HB 3613.  Recall HB 3613 was the TMHA supported legislation that would create a process by which TDHCA can remove delinquent tax liens on manufactured homes that are older than the four-year statute of limitations for the collection of personal property taxes.  With HB 3613 completely passed, the new law will go into effect on September 1, 2013.

The final passage of HB 3613 along with the previous passage of TMHA supported SB 672, related to reducing the regulatory jurisdiction over modular homes to two years following final installation, mark the two key legislative victories of the 83rd Session for our association.

In related MH news, Gov. Perry also signed HB 944.  HB 944, which also goes in effect on September 1st, increases the minimum amount of manufactured home sales a person can sell in a year without having to get their retailer’s license.  Current law limits unlicensed sales to only one home sale in a 12-month period.  After September with the passage of HB 944 this amount of unlicensed sales will be increased to three homes in a year.

In total Gov. Perry signed 1,407 bills into law and allowed another 14 bills to become law without his signature.  He vetoed 26 bills.

With the veto deadline passed we are putting the final touches on our special edition of Texas MH Quarterly on the 2013 Texas Session.  We expect this comprehensive look at the last 160 days to arrive in members mailboxes after the July 4th holiday.

TMHA continues to monitor the current special session for any MH related issues.  Recently Gov. Perry expanded the “call” to include along with redistricting legislation related to transportation, abortion procedures, providers and facilities, and legislation to establishing a mandatory sentence of life with parole for a capital felony committed by a 17-year-old offender. Currently there are no direct MH related issues that have surfaced during the special session.