Committee to consider concept to prevent municipal discrimination against prefabricated homes

The Planning and Development Committee raised a concept on Feb. 20 that would prevent municipalities from discriminating against prefabricated housing and could allow municipalities to receive housing-unit-equivalent points for permitting such units. Senator Raman moved the concept and Representative Winter seconded.

Senator Gordon said she supports recognizing towns that do this work and awarding points but opposed any statewide mandate: “I wouldn't support any mandate.” Representative Dubecky pressed for clarity on what the bill means by 'prefabricated units' — asking whether that includes factory-built houses or trailers — and the Chair said the concept is preliminary and definitions will be developed at hearing.

Clerks conducted a roll call; Representative Haynes and Representative Dubitsky recorded no votes on the item during the roll call. The Clerk later summarized that Senator Gordon voted yes and Representative Haynes voted no. The committee advanced the concept to a public hearing set for Feb. 27.

The concept does not yet include precise statutory text or a firm definition of 'prefabricated,' and committee members asked staff to provide drafting and examples before final action.