Faye Thompson — Representative Faye Thompson asked the witness what the average loan amount is, and the witness responded by addressing her directly, thanking her for the question, and indicating that he believed he had the requested number before beginning his answer.
Josh Wheeler — Josh Wheeler, the Vice Chair and Representative from District 35, was introduced to present House Bill 707 and then delivered his opening remarks on the bill. During the ensuing discussion, he confirmed the bill’s description of adequate legal access, explained that it applies where access is already built in, and emphasized that the measure is a simple tool giving municipalities an option rather than requiring action. He also agreed that the bill is intended to remove government barriers and make the process easier for landowners. The discussion concluded with the note that Wheeler would carry the bill on the floor.
Josh Wheeler — The speaker addresses Chair Wheeler at the start of testimony.
Josh Wheeler — He votes yes in the roll call vote.
Josh Wheeler — Representative Josh Wheeler questions how the bill’s exemption for regulated lenders would apply to MoneyTree, continuing the same line of inquiry across both mentions.
Vito Barbieri — Representative Vito Barbieri asked for clarification on the term 'adequate legal access,' specifically whether it means an easement or some other written legal right of access, such as a driveway access arrangement.
Vito Barbieri — Asked whether planning and zoning or city ordinances could also prevent manufactured homes in addition to CC&Rs.
Vito Barbieri — Representative Vito Barbieri raised concerns about the durability of modular/manufactured homes, asking whether there was data comparing maintenance costs with stick-built homes and whether these homes deteriorate faster. The witness responded that no numbers were available to support that claim.
Vito Barbieri — He votes yes in the roll call vote.
Vito Barbieri — Representative Barbieri questioned the witness about whether interest-rate caps could drive borrowers to loan sharks or illegal offshore lenders, what recourse those lenders have, and whether the bill is really aimed at predatory offshore actors rather than the witness's business model. He then shifted to asking for statistics on default or failure rates, how the company handles borrowers who cannot repay without resorting to collections, and how extended payment plans work for borrowers who need more time.
Vito Barbieri — Asked Representative Scott about the proposed 30% cap and expressed concern about the rate.
Vito Barbieri — Questioned whether a 30% cap would reduce default or re-borrowing and asked if the proposal might later be lowered.
Vito Barbieri — Addressed by the speaker regarding the 30% limit.
Vito Barbieri — Said the issue is difficult and acknowledged the problem of repeated re-borrowing.
Vito Barbieri — Raised concern that restricting the industry could push borrowers to illegal offshore lenders.
Vito Barbieri — The speaker says he is echoing the same position and will support the motion, but reserve final judgment.
Vito Barbieri — Likely the intended member behind the mis-transcribed 'Representative Vili' reference, though uncertain.
Kyle Harris — Representative Harris sought confirmation that the bill does not require cities to take action, but instead only gives them the option to approve or adopt the process.
Kyle Harris — Representative Kyle Harris responded to the witness by expressing agreement, then followed up with a clarification question about what a "multi-family manufactured home" means, asking whether it is similar to a duplex or a multi-section home with separate entrances.
Kyle Harris — Kyle Harris questions the witness’s safety statistics on manufactured homes, asking what homes and what time period the data came from. He argues that newer manufactured homes in Idaho are built to current electrical, plumbing, roofing, siding, and fire codes, especially compared with pre-1976 homes, and presses for the source of the witness’s claims. He then adds that modern manufactured homes are essentially stick-built homes on a chassis and asks whether the witness is simply opposing them in favor of 3D-printed homes.
Kyle Harris — His earlier point about modern manufactured homes is referenced and affirmed.
Kyle Harris — He moves House Bill 800 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Kyle Harris — He makes the motion on House Bill 800.
Kyle Harris — Voted yes.
Kyle Harris — Representative Veeley questioned whether the entity discussed by Mr. Madsen already falls within the bill’s guidelines and asked whether there are other, more predatory entities that should be targeted by the legislation. The transcript also repeatedly identifies him as Representative Veeley during this exchange.
Kyle Harris — Representative Kyle Harris said the decision was difficult, framing it as a balance between regulation and protecting people from predatory loans. He then stated that he would support the motion to advance the bill, but wanted to reserve the right to change his vote later on the House floor.
Jordan Redman — Jordan Redman introduced House Bill 800 and then answered a series of questions about its practical effects. He explained that, absent CC&R restrictions, manufactured homes could be placed in traditional residential subdivisions, and that higher-end developments would likely already have architectural and size limitations in their CC&Rs. He clarified that the bill does not require a foundation and likely does not affect existing local restrictions, describing the measure as another affordability option. He also emphasized that modern manufactured homes can be high-quality and visually comparable to stick-built homes, and noted that placement would still depend on the property owner’s decision and existing restrictions. Finally, he confirmed that the bill does not change current code regarding foundation language.
Jordan Redman — The witness twice expressed respect for Representative Jordan Redman, offering brief praise during testimony.
Jordan Redman — The chair says the podium will be turned back over to Chairman Redman to close out.
Jordan Redman — He closes testimony by clarifying that historical districts and CC&Rs can limit manufactured homes and says modern manufactured homes are high quality.
Jordan Redman — He asks for a due pass recommendation and is thanked by name.
Jordan Redman — He responds that developers can choose that strategy and says it is happening around the state.
Jordan Redman — He is called first in the roll call vote and votes yes.
Jordan Redman — The gavel is turned back over to Chairman Redman.
Jordan Redman — Jordan Redman is addressed as Honorable Chairman Redman in the witness’s opening remarks.
Jordan Redman — Jordan Redman is repeatedly addressed as Mr. Chairman, Mr. Chair, and Chairman Redmond throughout a continuous procedural segment of the meeting. The references occur during transitions in testimony, article reading, and the move into questions, reflecting the ongoing role of the chair rather than separate topics.
Brent Crane — Representative Brent Crane questioned whether the bill would allow manufactured homes to be placed in traditional residential subdivisions, including high-end neighborhoods with million-dollar homes, potentially creating a mix of luxury and entry-level manufactured housing. He then extended the concern to ask whether, in the absence of CC&Rs, a manufactured home could be placed on an empty lot on Harrison Boulevard in Boise under the legislation.
Brent Crane — His question about Harrison Boulevard is referenced in the chair's remarks.
Brent Crane — He asks whether there was discussion about developing manufactured communities and advertising them as starter homes.
Brent Crane — He is recorded as voting no.
Brent Crane — Asked about the average term of the average $300 loan.
Brent Crane — Referenced as having cited the newspaper article earlier.
Ginger Bidegatai — Ginger Bidegatai, executive director of the Ada County Manufactured Housing Association, testified in support of the bill and explained that modern manufactured housing offers a responsible path to attainable housing. In response to members’ questions, she described manufactured homes as available in single-wide and multi-sectional configurations, noted that they are built to HUD standards and are non-subsidized, and said she did not have maintenance-cost numbers but believed modern homes are much better built than older perceptions suggest. She added that there is no evidence supporting claims that manufactured homes deteriorate faster, invited members to tour the Nampa factory, and emphasized that she uses the term “modern” to distinguish current manufactured homes from pre-1976 homes, highlighting improvements in energy efficiency, construction methods, and options such as two-by-six framing and snow-load considerations.
Jeff Schumacher — Jeff Schumacher opposes House Bill 800, arguing that manufactured homes are outdated and present safety risks such as fire hazards, electrical issues, and other health concerns based on HUD and U.S. Fire Administration information. In response to questions, he says his sources are online and generalize from 1976 to the present, and he urges the committee to pause and do more research before moving forward. He then pivots to affordable housing alternatives, promoting 3D-printed homes as safer, cheaper to insure, and a better modern option than manufactured homes.
Joe Palmer — Joe Palmer is referenced in a repeated, likely mis-transcribed request involving 'Senator Ben Toes' to decline House Bill 800. The two mentions are duplicates of the same brief statement and should be treated as one consolidated moment.
Joe Palmer — He is called during the roll call vote, but the response is not captured in the transcript.
Mr. Schumacher — The speaker addresses Mr. Schumacher directly, says they share his enthusiasm for 3D-printed homes, and asks whether House Bill 800 would prevent 3D-printed homes from being used on small lots. Mr. Schumacher responds that he does not see 3D-printed homes mentioned in the bill and suggests that if such homes are to be included, they would need to be added explicitly.
Kelly Packer — She introduces herself as the executive director for the Association of Idaho Cities and says the board has not yet taken a position.
Ms. Packer — The chair thanks Ms. Packer and asks for questions; none are offered.
Reese Empi — He identifies himself as a state policy manager with Pacific Legal Foundation.