HB461 Alabama 2012 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Johnny Mack Morrow
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2012
Title: Recreational park trailers, defined, construction standards, third party inspection required of manufacturer, inspection by manufacturer's association or third party inspection program, approval by State Fire Marshal
Summary: HB461 requires recreational park trailers to be built to ANSI A-119.5 standards and pass independent third-party inspections (or an approved program) before sale in Alabama.
What This Bill Does
It defines recreational park trailer as a transportable unit up to 14 feet wide, on a single chassis, designed for seasonal or temporary living with utilities, and up to 400 square feet in setup mode. It requires that any such trailer sold in Alabama be constructed to ANSI A-119.5 standards and verified by independent third-party plant inspections, or by a manufacturer that bears the seal of the Recreational Park Trailer Industry Association certifying compliance; other third-party programs must be approved by the State Fire Marshal. Trailers meeting these standards are not considered mobile homes and are not regulated by the Manufactured Housing Commission. The act takes effect immediately after the governor approves it and repeals conflicting laws.

Who It Affects
Trailer manufacturers: must construct trailers to ANSI A-119.5 and undergo independent third-party inspections, or use an inspection program that carries the RPTIA seal indicating compliance.
Trailer buyers/owners in Alabama: will purchase trailers that meet defined safety and construction standards and will not be regulated by the Manufactured Housing Commission if they are compliant.

Key Provisions
Definition and size/design criteria for recreational park trailers (width ≤ 14 feet, single chassis, seasonal/temporary living with utilities, up to 400 square feet in setup mode).
Construction and inspection requirements: comply with ANSI A-119.5; compliance shown via independent third-party inspections or the RPTIA seal; other third-party programs must be approved by the State Fire Marshal.
Regulatory status: compliant trailers are not mobile homes and are not regulated by the Manufactured Housing Commission.
Effective date and legal effect: act becomes law immediately after governor approval and repeals conflicting laws.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Motor Vehicles