Senate committee backs moving manufactured‑housing inspections to Contractors Board

Senator Foyle told the Senate Commerce Committee on April 22 that Senate Bill 398 transfers regulatory oversight of manufactured‑housing installations from the state fire marshal to the Contractors Board to improve inspection coverage and enforcement.

John Kaye, executive director of the Louisiana Manufactured Housing Association, said the bill allows local building officials or approved third‑party inspectors to perform installations checks, increasing the number of inspections across the state from the present two dedicated fire‑marshal inspectors. Brad Hassard, speaking for the Contractors Board, said an existing statutory provision prevented local building inspectors from performing these checks and that moving oversight will allow certified building officials to inspect structural installations and improve compliance.

Hassard described common problems as installation errors—improper leveling or anchoring—that create issues such as wind damage, and said the Contractors Board can improve enforcement and reduce unlicensed installers. Members acknowledged technical amendment packages filed by staff; the committee adopted amendment set 21‑51. Senator Abraham and others questioned whether the changes would produce more inspections and how local officials would implement the program; Hassard said certified local officials would perform the work, not Contractors Board investigative staff.

Senator Foyle moved to report SB 398 as amended; the committee adopted the motion without recorded objection. The author and stakeholders said they would continue to work with staff on details as the bill moves forward.