The Senate Housing and Land Use Committee convened on March 12, 2025, to discuss key legislative matters, primarily focusing on Senate Bill 40, which aims to enhance protections for tenants in manufactured home communities. The meeting began with a roll call of committee members, confirming a sufficient number present to proceed.

Senator Walsh introduced Senate Bill 40, a reintroduction of last year's Senate Bill 172, which aims to strengthen tenant protections against landlord violations. The bill proposes to classify certain landlord actions as unlawful under the Consumer Fraud Act and empowers tenants or the Attorney General to seek receivership if landlords fail to address severe issues within a specified timeframe. An amendment was discussed, clarifying the terms of notice to tenants.

Following the introduction, public comments were invited. Patrick McGill, representing the Delaware Manufactured Homeowners Association, expressed gratitude for the bill and emphasized the need for additional staffing in the ombudsman office to improve oversight and enforcement in manufactured housing communities. Robert Tunnell from Potnet Communities also voiced support for the bill, highlighting the importance of the notice change.

John Whitelaw from the Community Legal Aid Society praised the collaborative effort behind the bill, noting the successful partnership between homeowners and community owners facilitated by Senator Walsh and the Attorney General's office.

After public comments concluded, the committee moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting held on January 29, 2025. Senator Townsend commended Senator Walsh for his leadership on the bill and requested to be added as a cosponsor.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, reflecting a productive session focused on advancing tenant rights and community welfare in Delaware's manufactured home sector.