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The Reporter
March - April 2025
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“Don't follow the crowd. Let the crowd follow you!”
-- Margaret Thatcher --
| | THA Was Successful In Session! | |
| |  | THA successfully introduced legislation this session to update Tennessee's legal definition of a "manufactured home" across three different sections of state code (Titles 47, 55, and 68), by directly referencing the definition found in 42 U.S.C. § 5402(6), a federal statute. This means whenever the federal definition changes, Tennessee's definition will automatically update to match, which currently excludes homes built without a chassis. The change ensures consistency in how manufactured homes are defined across different areas of Tennessee law, including commercial transactions, vehicle (title) registration, and housing regulations. By adopting the federal definition, THA's legislation will provide a standardized and dynamic definition which can adapt to future federal changes without requiring separate state legislative action. This legislation passed both the Senate and House Chambers with unanimous votes. The Governor signed the bill on April 3rd and THA's bill became Public Chapter 112 on April 8th. The act takes effect July 1, 2025.
For reference, HUD is proposing to change the definition of a manufactured home to state: 'with or without a chassis'. The industry would maintain it's product lines but have the ability to expand product lines to provide greater flexibility as we strive to become a larger player in the affordable/attainable housing arena. States would then need to certify their respective laws would allow a HUD-Code home which is not built on a chassis. THA took the first steps to frame TN statutes to mirror the federal definition of a manufactured home, for future proposed federal law changes.
| | End of Legislative Session - State Recap | | |
The 114th Tennessee General Assembly adjourned its first regular session on April 22, 2025, capping a legislative period marked by major policy shifts and significant budgetary adjustments. Lawmakers addressed a wide range of issues, including education reform, disaster relief, and immigration enforcement. The General Assembly is scheduled to reconvene for its second session on January 13, 2026.
At the outset of the term, lawmakers held a special session to advance Governor Bill Lee’s key initiatives on school choice, disaster response, and immigration policy. Major outcomes included the passage of the Education Freedom Scholarship Act, which expanded the state’s school choice program; the approval of a $450 million disaster relief package for areas affected by Hurricane Helene; and the creation of a new immigration enforcement division within the Department of Safety. Together, these measures reflected the governor’s priorities and resulted in more than $1 billion in new state spending.
Throughout the regular session, the legislature made substantive changes to Governor Lee’s proposed $59.5 billion budget, ultimately approving a $59.8 billion plan. Lawmakers reallocated roughly $179 million to fund their own priorities, emphasizing healthcare, workforce development, and emergency preparedness. One significant revision was a reduction in funding for the Duck River, with $65 million allocated—down from the originally proposed $100 million—to support regional water supply planning, hydraulic modeling, and habitat conservation. Despite the cut, the investment remains notable due to the river’s role in supplying water to approximately 250,000 Tennesseans. Other adjustments included cuts to a proposed starter home loan fund and zoo expansion, alongside increased investments in TennCare services, technical education, and disaster aid.
Looking ahead, Tennessee voters will decide on three constitutional amendments on the November 3, 2026, ballot. Each has passed in two consecutive General Assembly sessions, meeting the requirement for inclusion.
The Bail Reform Amendment would allow judges to deny bail in cases involving serious felonies, such as second-degree murder or aggravated rape of a child, when the proof is evident or the presumption great. Currently, bail can only be denied in capital cases. Supporters believe the change would improve public safety, while critics warn of civil liberties concerns and increased pretrial detention.
The Crime Victims’ Rights Amendment, also known as Marsy’s Law, would expand constitutional protections for victims, guaranteeing their rights to be notified of and heard in court proceedings, as well as receiving restitution. The amendment aims to ensure victims are treated with dignity and respect throughout the justice process.
The third measure, the Prohibition of Statewide Property Tax Amendment, would ban the state from ever imposing a property tax. Though Tennessee currently has no such tax, this amendment would constitutionally prevent any future legislature from introducing one, offering long-term protection for property owners.
These amendments will appear in the ballot following the gubernatorial race. To be ratified, each must receive a majority of votes cast in the gubernatorial election—not just a majority of those voting on the amendment itself, making voter participation especially critical in shaping the future of Tennessee’s constitution.
| | Stan & Thelma Plumlee Scholarships Awarded to Two Students! | | THA announced this week, two students will each receive $5,000 scholarships from the Stan & Thelma Plumlee Scholarship program. Both students this year have a strong tie to the industry and have plans to pursue careers which support the construction industry. | | |
Noah Murray of Jonesborough, attends Greeneville High School and plans to earn an A.S. in Civil Engineering by attending two years at a local community college, then continue his education by pursuing a B.S. degree in Construction Engineering Technology and Construction Management through a secondary University.
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Abbey Watkins of Paris, attends Henry County High School and plans to earn a B.S. degree majoring in business at the University of Tennessee at Martin, in order to expand an established, growing, family business, in the manufactured housing industry!
| | DOE Considers Postponing Compliance Deadline | | |
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it is considering postponing the July 1, 2025, compliance deadline for Tier 2 manufactured homes under the 2022 energy conservation standards. The public comment period for this proposal will be open for thirty days once this announcement is published in the Federal Register.
This action follows the lawsuit filed by MHI and the Texas Manufactured Housing Association (TMHA) in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, seeking to set aside the 2022 standards as unlawful under the Administrative Procedure Act. The court challenge argues that DOE failed to consult with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), ignored affordability concerns, and imposed unrealistic compliance timelines.
The lawsuit, filed on February 14, 2023, is currently in the summary judgment phase.
While the litigation proceeds, the manufactured housing industry continues to lead voluntarily on energy performance. In fact, manufactured homes today represent the highest percentage of ENERGY STAR and Zero Energy Ready certifications of any housing sector—without the need for federal mandates.
| | President Trump's Tariff Takeaways | | |
President Trump declared a national emergency to counter unfair global trade practices that threaten America’s economic and national security. Using his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, he imposed a 10% tariff on all imported goods, with higher tariffs on nations with the largest trade deficits.
These tariffs aim to rebuild domestic manufacturing, reduce dependency on other countries and protect American jobs. The policy seeks to level the playing field by addressing non-tariff barriers that restrict American exports.
Certain goods are exempt from the tariffs, including lumber and steel. View the full list here. Our national organization (MHI) is working with industry members to understand the impacts of the tariffs on manufactured housing.
You can view the White House Fact Sheet to read more about President Trump's strategy.
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FINALLY... AN END
U.S. Companies Exempt From BOI Reporting Requirements
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The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an interim final rule that removes the requirement for U.S. companies and U.S. citizens to report beneficial ownership information (BOI) to FinCEN under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).
FinCEN revised the definition of “reporting company” to only include companies formed under the law of a foreign country that have registered to do business in the U.S. FinCEN also exempts entities previously known as “domestic reporting companies” from BOI reporting requirements. Therefore, all entities created in the United States and their beneficial owners will be exempt from reporting BOI to FINCEN.
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HUD Secretary Scott Turner to be Keynote Speaker
Secretary Turner will address attendees at the Congress & Expo on Tuesday, May 6 at 9:30 AM during the opening keynote session. Secretary Turner is the 19th HUD Secretary.
| | COMING SOON: HUD's 2025 Innovative Housing Showcase | | |
HUD's Innovative Housing Showcase "The American Home is the American Dream" will return to the National Mall. This year's showcase will highlight history-defining events in housing, the pride of achieving the American Dream of homeownership, and the future of housing innovation, in accordance with President Trump's Executive Order (EO) celebrating America's 250th Birthday.
| | Bipartisan Plan Includes Manufactured Housing as a Solution to the Housing Crisis | | The Bipartisan Policy Center Action published the American Housing Act of 2025, a comprehensive plan that aims to increase the supply of affordable homes, preserve existing affordable housing, and enhance access to housing for families. Key strategies include supporting the affordability of manufactured housing by amending outdated regulations such as requiring manufactured housing to be built on a permanent chassis and reaffirming HUD's authority over manufactured housing and prohibiting the Department of Energy from regulating manufactured homes. The plan hopes to boost economic growth and create more stable communities nationwide. | | 2025 Most Beautiful Home Awards | | |
The selection process for the 2025 winners (2) has now concluded and those selected have been notified! Winners will receive a $2,500 check from the Association for their winning entry!
Coordination for onsite photos and interviews is underway for sometime in May and the winners will formally be announced during the June 2025 Annual Member's Meeting. We are going to showcase the photos! Congratulations to our homeowners!
The 2026 Contest will be announced mid-summer of 2025.
| | Article - FHA’s Title I Residency Requirement
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Make Plans Now to Attend This
Special Anniversary Event in 2025
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2025 THA Annual Member’s Meeting
"Power of the Past - Force of the Future"
June 8 - 10, 2025
Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort
1210 Dollywood Resorts Blvd
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
| | THA is proud to announce Tim Larson, President and CEO of Champion Homes will be joining Bill Boor, CEO of CAVCO and Kevin Clayton, CEO of Clayton, during our Monday morning educational sessions. | | |
2025 - 2026 Slating of THA Officers & Directors
for Member Voting Consideration
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The Election Committee has completed the process of slating Officers and Directors for the next election cycle of 2025 - 2026, for member voting consideration on June 10, 2025, during the scheduled Business Meeting, to be held at the Member's Annual Meeting (June 8 - 10, 2025). As always, members will have the right to submit names to the slated officers, on the day of voting.
If elected as slated, the 24 Board composition will be as follows:
- 06 Manufacturers (4 brands)
- 05 Finance (5 brands)
- 04 Retailers (2 independent, 2 corporate)
- 04 Service/Suppliers (4 brands)
- 02 Community/Parks (1 independent, 1 corporate)
- 02 Installer/Transporters (1 division)
- 01 Corporate Trainer
| | The current Executive Board has served the maximum two consecutive one-year terms in the position they currently hold. The following will be slated for advancement to the next level position. (Officers are elected to a one (1) year term and may be re-elected to an unlimited number of terms with no more than two (2) consecutive terms within the same position.) As such the slating of Officers is as follows: | | | President - Elect | Rhyn Brogden | HouseSmart Construction | | Vice-President - Elect | Matt Belcher | Clayton Homebuilding Group | | Secretary - Elect | Paula Reeves | Land Home Financial Services, Inc. | | Treasurer - Elect | Bobby Campbell | Champion Homes | | Immediate Past President
(Required by Bylaws) | Owen Robertson | UFP Distribution, LLC | | | |
The following Directors are serving a term which does not expire until 2026.
Community Director - Kenneth McPherson, Yes! Communities
Installer/Transporter - Charlie Morgan, HouseSmart Construction
Retailer Director - Tupper Baker, Baker Housing
Service/Supplier - Sean Norem, LP Building Solutions
East TN Regional Director - Steve Trent, Preferred Choice Homes
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The following Directors are serving a 1st term which is expiring, but each are eligible for re-election to a 2nd term, which will not expire until June 2027.
'At Large' & MHI Delegate - James McGee, Deer Valley Homebuilders, Inc.
Insurance/Finance Director - Mark Byers, Cascade Financial
Insurance/Finance Director - Rob Peterson, Common Sense Lending
Manufacturer Director - Wade Wells, Cavco
Service/Supplier - Trey Moyer, Blevins, Inc.
Middle TN Regional Director - Barry Noffsinger, Credit Human
Mid-West TN Regional Director - Scott Oliver, Oliver Technologies
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The following Directors are slated for a 1st term in the noted position which will not expire until June 2027.
'At Large Director - Michael Johnson, 21st Mortgage
Builder/Developer - Marty Mansfield, CMH Appalachia
Community Director - Tom Roche', Lewisdale Grove & Jackson Grove Communities
Manufacturer Director - Stephen Cole - Champion Homes
Retailer Director - Tammy Collett, CMH Retail - Columbia
Northeast Regional Director - Corey Barnes, CMH Homes, Inc. Training
West TN Regional Director - Betty Davis, CMH Retail - Lexington
| | 2025 THA-PAC Campaign - Kicks Off | | |
Annually, we encourage our members to support Tennessee's legislative efforts, by contributing to the Political Action Committee campaign. Click on the Donate Button [right] to make an online contribution or you may choose to download a contribution form.
The 2025 Campaign has a goal of $65,000. We appreciate everyone who worked with the association in 2024 to build the PAC in an effort to support and educate legislators. This is a critical component to our mission of preserving and increasing affordable, attainable housing in Tennessee.
Find the PAC webpage here!
| | | Websites and Social Media Accounts | | |
THA Association Website: https://tnmha.org/
Go to THA’s main website for the latest industry news, show dates, legislative action items, licensing educational news, scholarship information, member listings, PAC updates and so much more! There is no log in or password needed for this site!
THA Educational Website: https://education.tnmha.org/
This is the direct link to the educational platform where courses are available for initial licensing/certification and continuing education! Please check the Association website (tnmha.org) throughout the year for special announcements, field updates, and yearend deadlines. You must have a log in and password for your educational account, but not the Association website.
THA Annual Meeting Website: https://thaannualmeeting.com/
This annual meeting website has been established for the purpose of collecting and posting annual notices and ongoing developments for future member meetings or special events. The main website will link to this site and save space on the member’s ‘business tool’ website to allow for more member photos of those special events!
THA Consumer Website: https://www.tennesseemanufacturedhomes.com/
This is a consumer-facing website which allows consumers to tour homes and send messages directly to THA members for home quotes, community inquiries, inquire about financing or reach one of our service/suppliers. You must be a THA member to have your business listed on this site.
| | Follow us on social media! | | |
Did you see the THA Member Tool Kit emails
in March and April?
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Download the graphics and videos from your e-mails!
If you missed them, go back and search the dates or the subject lines with these titles...
March dated 3/12/2025 -
"The Time is Right"
April dated 4/11/2025 -
"Factory-Built Homes - Quality You Can Trust"
| | Pretty Home? Let Us Film It! | | |
The production team at ManufacturedHomes.com is always looking for installed manufactured and modular homes that will represent the industry in our state. If any of our THA members have recently set a home and the landscaping is now complete, drop a picture of the exterior to Rick@manufacturedhomes.com
| | Use these links to make changes or additions to your TennesseeManufacturedHomes.com listing. | | 2025 Tennessee MH Education | | |
The educational portal opened on January 3rd and will close on December 5, 2025.
Pick your course. Pay online. Access Online.
Print your certificate of completion right from your dashboard!
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2025 Initial Licensing
Opened 01/03/2025
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2025 Continuing Education
Opened 01/03/2025
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Installation Basics Training
Remains Open
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Discounts are available for THA member companies ONLY!
Members were e-mailed their discount code on January 3rd at 1:02 pm, CST.
(If you cannot locate your code, email Office@tnmha.org
for your member discount coupon, prior to purchase!)
| | Community Owners and Managers Education | |
Accredited Community Manager (ACM) - Designation -
The ACM curriculum is a two-part course for owners and managers of manufactured home communities. Topics include management and resident policies, community maintenance, leasing and sales techniques, marketing communities, taxes, insurance, financial management, business planning, physical asset management, and federal and fair housing laws.
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Professional Housing Consultant (PHC)
- Designation -
The PHC curriculum is a comprehensive study of manufactured housing for retail salespeople. Topics include retailer responsibilities, land-home and personal property financing, fair housing, and selling skills.
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