SF 4234

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 03/11/2020 03:44pm

A bill for an act
relating to housing; appropriating money for legal assistance to tenants.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin STABLE HOUSING LEGAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS;
APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $300,000 in fiscal year 2021 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
of the Housing Finance Agency to provide grants to organizations to fund legal assistance
for tenants in cases where an unlawful detainer has been filed or where the tenant has an
immediate threat of an unlawful detainer being filed against them. The grants shall be
distributed to organizations that have expertise and experience in assisting tenants in housing
matters or organizations that serve diverse communities and can partner with qualified legal
professionals to provide legal assistance to tenants in housing matters. Grants shall be
distributed to provide services to tenants throughout the state and shall be prioritized for
tenants with an income of less than 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline. The
commissioner of the Housing Finance Agency must report to the legislative committees
with jurisdiction over housing and judiciary on the program objectives and outcomes for
clients served and the program's impact on housing stability.
new text end