The Birmingham News reports the House Financial Services Subcommittee unanimously passed a bill requiring all new manufactured homes to be equipped with a weather alert radio. Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-AL), chairman of the subcommittee, reminded committee members that 100 people in his district died during the April 27 tornado, although some were in site-built housing. Costs for the radio, which provide a continuous broadcast of local weather information, range from $11 to $45 each. The manufactured housing industry has opposed being singled out, but Bachus said it is comparable to a seat belt or smoke detector in terms of providing safety. The bill will now advance to the House floor.

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