Sen. Jeff Wilson’s (R–Longview) SB 5249, providing for a local option to permit and site kit homes as emergency housing, has passed the Senate Ways & Means Committee ahead of the fiscal cutoff.

Under the proposal, cities may provide for the temporary permitting of factory-constructed “kit homes” as emergency housing, provided that the city establishes an ordnance for the inspection of the home every five years to ensure it meets sufficient life, health, and safety standards. The bill defines “kit homes” as “any structures intended for residential use that are comprised of prefabricated walls, floors, and roofs which are assembled on-site and are 800 square feet or smaller in size.” These homes can be sited in any zones allowing for residential uses or any other limited development space for emergency housing purposes.

The bill is in Rules Committee for a second reading.