The Montana House Business and Labor Committee convened on March 31, 2025, to discuss House Bill 873, which aims to establish a Montana Mobile Home Emergency Relocation Fund. The bill was introduced to address the growing crisis faced by mobile home park residents, who are increasingly vulnerable to displacement due to park closures and redevelopment.

The bill's sponsor highlighted the alarming trend of mobile home park closures across the United States, noting that these parks often serve as the last affordable housing option for many families. With the increasing demand for land and rising property values, the sponsor emphasized the urgent need for a structured support system to assist displaced residents.

House Bill 873 proposes a one-time funding allocation of $500,000, which would provide mobile home residents facing park closures with either a $10,000 moving stipend or a 50% displacement stipend. The bill also allows the Department of Commerce to administer the fund and includes a four-year sunset provision to evaluate its effectiveness.

The funding mechanism is designed to ensure that all stakeholders contribute, with adjustments to mobile home license fees and a small annual assessment on mobile homes. The estimated revenue from these sources is projected to bring in an additional $500,000 over time, based on an estimated 50 park closures per year.

Supporters of the bill, including representatives from affordable housing advocacy groups and local governments, voiced their strong backing during the meeting. They underscored the importance of mobile home parks as a critical component of the affordable housing landscape, particularly for low-income individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities. Proponents argued that the bill would help prevent homelessness by providing necessary financial assistance to those displaced.

Several testimonies highlighted real-life experiences of residents facing eviction and the financial burdens associated with relocating mobile homes. Advocates stressed that without such support, many families would struggle to find alternative housing, leading to increased homelessness.

The committee did not hear any opposition to the bill, and the discussion concluded with a call for further questions from committee members. The meeting underscored the pressing need for legislative action to protect vulnerable Montanans and ensure access to stable housing in the face of ongoing challenges in the housing market. The committee's next steps will involve further deliberation on the bill and its potential impact on the state's housing crisis.