Bill Summary
The "Modular Housing Production Act" is legislation aimed at reviewing and improving the Federal Housing Administration's (FHA) construction financing programs to better accommodate modular homes. The Act defines both "manufactured home" and "modular home," with modular homes being defined as those built in a factory and transported to their final location for installation.
Key provisions include:
1. **Review of FHA Programs**: The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development is tasked with evaluating existing FHA construction financing programs to identify barriers that prevent modular home developers from participating. This includes examining regulatory and programmatic features that may restrict access to financing.
2. **Reporting Requirements**: Within one year of the Act's enactment, the Secretary must publish a report detailing the findings of the review and recommending changes to eliminate identified barriers.
3. **Rulemaking Process**: Following the report, the Secretary must initiate a rulemaking process within 120 days to develop alternative draw schedules for financing loans aimed at modular and manufactured home developers, allowing for public feedback.
4. **Standardized Coding System**: The Act also allows for the potential study and development of a standardized uniform commercial code for modular homes, which aims to enhance the efficiency of design and construction processes while coordinating with financing incentives.
Overall, the Act seeks to promote modular housing production by addressing regulatory obstacles and enhancing financing options.
Possible Impacts
The "Modular Housing Production Act" could affect people in various ways. Here are three examples:
1. **Increased Access to Affordable Housing**: By identifying and reducing barriers for modular home developers in FHA construction financing programs, the Act could lead to a greater supply of affordable housing options. This could benefit low- to moderate-income families who are seeking cost-effective housing solutions, thereby addressing housing shortages in many areas.
2. **Streamlined Construction Processes**: The Act's provision for a review of draw schedules and establishment of a standardized commercial code for modular homes could lead to more efficient construction processes. Homebuilders may experience reduced delays and costs, which could translate into shorter waiting times for homebuyers and potentially lower prices for new homes.
3. **Enhanced Innovation in Home Design**: With provisions for studying the feasibility of a standardized coding system for modular homes, the Act could encourage innovation in modular home design and construction. This might result in more diverse and customizable housing options that meet the evolving needs and preferences of homeowners, thereby fostering a more dynamic housing market.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2489 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 2489
To conduct a review of Federal Housing Administration construction
financing programs, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
July 28, 2025
Ms. Warren (for herself and Mr. Banks) introduced the following bill;
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing,
and Urban Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To conduct a review of Federal Housing Administration construction
financing programs, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Modular Housing Production Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Manufactured home.--The term ``manufactured home'' has
the meaning given the term in section 603 of the National
Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of
1974 (42 U.S.C. 5402).
(2) Modular home.--The term ``modular home'' means a home
that is constructed in a factory in 1 or more modules, each of
which meet applicable State and local building codes of the
area in which the home will be located, and that are
transported to the home building site, installed on
foundations, and completed.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Housing and Urban Development.
SEC. 3. FHA CONSTRUCTION FINANCING PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct a review of Federal
Housing Administration construction financing programs to identify
barriers to the use of modular home methods.
(b) Requirements.--In conducting the review under subsection (a),
the Secretary shall--
(1) identify and evaluate regulatory and programmatic
features that restrict participation in construction financing
programs by modular home developers, including construction
draw schedules; and
(2) identify administrative measures authorized under
section 525 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1735f-3) to
facilitate program utilization by modular home developers.
(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall publish a report that describes the
results of the review conducted under subsection (a), which shall
include a description of programmatic and policy changes that the
Secretary recommends to reduce or eliminate identified barriers to the
use of modular home methods in Federal Housing Administration
construction financing programs.
(d) Rulemaking.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date on
which the Secretary publishes the report under subsection (c),
the Secretary shall initiate a rulemaking to examine an
alternative draw schedule for construction financing loans
provided to modular and manufactured home developers, which
shall include the ability for interested stakeholders to
provide robust public comment.
(2) Determination.--Following the period for public comment
under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
(A) issue a final rule regarding an alternative
draw schedule described in paragraph (1); or
(B) provide an explanation as to why the rule shall
not become final.
SEC. 4. STANDARDIZED UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE FOR MODULAR HOMES.
(a) Award.--The Secretary may award a grant to study the design and
feasibility of a standardized uniform commercial code for modular
homes, which shall evaluate--
(1) the utility of a standardized coding system for
serializing and securing modules, streamlining design and
construction, and improving modular home innovation; and
(2) a means to coordinate a standardized code with
financing incentives.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated such funds as may be necessary to carry out subsection
(a).
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