SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, Governor Tim Walz signed the compromise Housing Finance and Policy bill into law. The measure funds a variety of programs aimed at helping create more affordable housing, and provisions to ensure Minnesotans are safely and stably housed.
“This measure will immediately begin making an impact across the state,” said Rep. Alice Hausman (DFL-Saint Paul), chair of the Minnesota House Housing Finance and Policy Committee. “Investments in closing home ownership racial disparity, among other provisions, will result in greater stability for more Minnesotans. We still have work to do, but this is a good start to help those affected by COVID-19 emerge stronger and safer.”
A notable inclusion in the budget bill is the orderly off-ramp to the current eviction moratorium. Championed by DFLers, the bill provides renters and landlords with the time to take advantage of federal housing assistance funds, with the off-ramp concluding 105 days after enactment. Landlords will be required to send a notice to renters with outstanding rent 15 days prior to eviction. In addition, renters with an outstanding rental assistance claim cannot be evicted and will have that protection until June 1, 2022.
“Governor Walz’s eviction moratorium has saved lives, and now this new law will as well by ensuring an eviction crisis doesn’t replace our health crisis.” said Rep. Michael Howard (DFL – Richfield) vice chair of the House Housing Finance and Policy Committee. “As we bounce back from the pandemic, the bipartisan consensus we reached on housing will deliver access to a safe and secure place to call home for more Minnesotans and lays the foundation for our future work in addressing our state’s housing crisis.”
The bill also provides Minnesota Housing with $10 million in one-time funds for FY22-23, along with $12 million in the tails to cover the debt service for $100 million in Housing Infrastructure Bonds (HIBs).
Other provisions of the bill:
- Authorizes $100 million in Housing Infrastructure Bonds, contingent on there being no funding in an upcoming federal infrastructure bill for the same purposes.
- Funds the Manufactured Home Park Infrastructure Grant Program to address the needs of manufactured home parks whose infrastructure has reached the end of its expected lifespan by providing funds for improvements in eligible permanent year-round parks.
- Establishes a 24-member shelter provider task force consisting of members from state agencies and advocates to make recommendations to the legislature regarding how to strengthen the shelter system to provide safe and appropriate services.
Video of the House Floor session will be available on House Public Information Services’ YouTube channel.
