UPDATE: Gov. Chris Sununu signed House Bill 1361 into law on May 20 and it takes effect in July. Read the bill's text.

A bill that would create more opportunities for manufactured housing across the state passed the New Hampshire House March 30, and is headed for the Senate.

The bipartisan House Bill 1361 is one of many in the current session that seek to address the state’s housing crisis. It would clarify current law on how local zoning ordinances must address manufactured housing and require municipalities to allow “reasonable and realistic” opportunities for developing and expanding manufactured-home parks.

The bill’s prime sponsor, GOP Rep. Joe Alexander of Goffstown, praised the work of the House Special Committee on Housing, which unanimously recommended the bill’s passage.

“The committee is receiving a clear picture of the work needing to be done to encourage more affordable housing in more parts of the state, including small towns,” he said. “I think manufactured homes are a key piece in this entire puzzle. They are perfect for first-time homebuyers as well as those looking to downsize. HB1361 is one step in the right direction, and I look forward to its passage in the Senate.”

New Hampshire Community Loan Fund President and CEO Steve Saltzman, whose organization has helped create or preserve more than 11,000 affordable homes, pointed out that modern single-floor manufactured homes are both ideal and affordable for retirees, people with disabilities, and individuals and families with low incomes.

“The social and health benefits of homeownership are well known,” he said. “At a time when owning a manufactured home is far less expensive than renting a comparably sized apartment, we should be doing everything we can to make that option available.”

Other organizations who have spoken or signed in favor of the bill include the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority, New Hampshire Manufactured Housing Association, Americans for Prosperity, and Housing Action NH.

The bill is co-sponsored by Reps. Sheila Seidel of Goffstown, Benjamin Baroody of Manchester, Ellen Read of Newmarket, Mark McConkey of Freedom, Josh Yokela of Fremont, Charlotte DiLorenzo of Newmarket, Scott Wallace of Danville, Hope Damon of Sunapee and Meryl Gibbs of Concord; and Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka of Portsmouth.