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SB 119

Mobile Homes and Manufactured Buildings - As enacted, requires this state's definition of manufactured home to automatically update with the definition of manufactured home under title 42 of the United States Code, which currently excludes a self-propelled recreational vehicle. - Amends TCA Title 47; Title 55 and Title 68.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Tom Hatcher

Tennessee adopts the federal definition of “manufactured home,” excluding self-propelled RVs, aligning state law with federal criteria.

Pub. Ch. 112
#mobilehomesandmanufacturedbuildings
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 119

Summary of Bill: SB 119 (Session 114) – Tennessee

Purpose and Intent

SB 119, as enacted, updates Tennessee’s statutory definition of “manufactured home” to align with the federal definition found in Title 42 of the United States Code. The bill also replaces several existing state-specific definitions to reflect this federal standard. The intended effect is to harmonize state law with federal criteria, while excluding self-propelled recreational vehicles from the definition of a manufactured home.

Key Provisions

  • Definition alignment with federal law

    • Amends three code sections to define “manufactured home” as:
    • “the same meaning as defined in 42 U.S.C. § 5402(6).”
    • Affected sections:
    • TCA 47-9-102(a)(53) (Manufactured home)
    • TCA 55-1-105(a) (Manufactured home)
    • TCA 68-126-202(2) (Manufactured home)

  • Exclusion of self-propelled RVs

    • The revised definition explicitly excludes self-propelled recreational vehicles, consistent with Title 42 of the U.S.C.

  • Effective date

    • The act takes effect July 1, 2025, as public welfare requiring it.

Who/What is Affected

  • Manufactured housing sector and related state programs
    • Definitions used for regulatory purposes, zoning, financing, titles/registrations, and any administration relying on the statutory definition of “manufactured home.”
  • Local and state agencies
    • Agencies enforcing or interpreting the term in Titles 47, 55, and 68 will use the federal definition going forward.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • Legislative history (highlights)
    • Passed both chambers in 2025 and was signed by the Governor.
    • Effective date set for July 1, 2025.
  • Fiscal/Commerce impact
    • Fiscal note states: Not significant.
    • Assumes that updating to the federal definition will not meaningfully alter registrations, titles, or commercial activity in Tennessee.

Notes for Readers

  • The change is primarily definitional. It does not introduce new regulatory requirements beyond adopting the federal standard.
  • The exclusion of self-propelled recreational vehicles aligns Tennessee law with the federal framework, ensuring consistency across jurisdictions and potentially reducing interpretive disputes.

If you need a side-by-side comparison of the prior Tennessee definitions versus the new federal-aligned definition, I can provide that as well.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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