Waugh's Modular Building Legislation Receives Final Passage, Heads to Governor

HARRISBURG – Concurring in a technical amendment made by the House, the Senate unanimously approved Senator Mike Waugh's (R-York) Senate Bill 195, amending the Industrialized Housing Act to regulate the construction of industrialized and commercial modular buildings. 

Waugh's legislation would authorize the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to enter a multistate agreement for the purpose of regulating the construction of industrialized and commercial modular buildings. 

Currently, DCED regulates and provides standards for manufactured housing.  Senate Bill 195 would establish a similar program for modular buildings used for industrial and commercial purposes. 

"We already regulate the modular residential housing industry for purposes of public safety and value,” said Waugh.  "It is only appropriate to do the same for industrial and commercial modular buildings." 

The legislation also defines "industrialized/commercial modular building” and "industrialized/commercial building module” and calls for buildings that are certified under this program to be deemed to meet the requirements of the Uniform Construction Code (UCC). 

"Considering this is a matter of uniformity and safety in the modular building industry, I am pleased with the prompt action by both the House and the Senate,” said Waugh.  "It is now in the hands of the Governor, and it is my hope he will act swiftly to approve the bill."