In response to the large influx of housing foreclosures and struggling families, Rep. Larry Springer (D-Kirkland) introduced a bill that provides an additional option for those affected by the economic downturn.

Springer’s House Bill 1227 passed through the House March 4 and will now move to the Senate.

The bill prohibits cities and counties from preventing entry or requiring removal of recreational vehicles from manufactured/mobile home communities, when those vehicles are used as a primary residence.

“Mobile home parks are often a last refuge for these people to live,” Springer said. “This bill will save families and provide them with the amenities they need.”

Springer added that the bill has the support of the Association of Washington Cities.

The bill applies to cities, towns, counties, and code cities, requiring them to keep their doors open to RV’s and to allow them to park in their manufactured/mobile home communities. Under the current law, manufactured/mobile home communities are able to turn away RV’s if they don’t comply with design standards. This leaves people with access only to RV parks, which are typically more expensive, or worse, to simply park in parking lots or dead-end roads.

“Many families have lost their homes and may only have their RV. This bill provides them with an alternative to homelessness,” Springer said. “They have endured enough throughout this recession.”