Last Update: Jul 5, 2007 10:53 AM

KFTY Channel 50

(Sacramento, CA) - A bill aiming to slow mobile home park conversions has passed a key Senate Committee.

AB 1542 is sponsored by Assemblyperson Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa).

Evans says the bill is necessary to provide enough affordable housing for seniors and low income families.

The bill slows the process of converting mobile home parks into subdivisions and condos.

Mobile home park owners complain similar laws infringe on their property ownership rights.

Mobile home park conversions are currently pending in Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, and Hayward.

Some communities have passed ordinances and placed moratoriums on the conversions to prevent them.

Evans says even though Santa Rosa, Calistoga, Concord, and Sonoma County are working to slow the conversions locally, the bill is needed to close a loophole in state legislation.

AB 1542 now goes to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further review.