HF 497

as introduced - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026) Posted on 02/19/2025 12:36pm

A bill for an act
relating to housing; appropriating money to Community Mediation Minnesota for
a statewide housing mediation program.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
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new text begin $2,200,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $2,200,000 in fiscal year 2027 are appropriated from
the general fund to the commissioner of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for a grant
to Community Mediation Minnesota to administer a statewide housing mediation program
to support renters and residential rental property owners. The program must:
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new text begin (1) provide housing dispute resolution services to renters and rental property owners
and homeowners;
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new text begin (2) increase awareness of and access to housing dispute resolution services statewide;
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new text begin (3) provide dispute resolution services, including but not limited to eviction prevention,
mediation, and navigation services;
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new text begin (4) partner with culturally specific dispute resolution programs to provide training and
assistance with virtual and in-person mediation and resolution services;
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new text begin (5) increase mediation services for seniors and renters with disabilities and illnesses who
face housing instability;
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new text begin (6) increase the diversity and cultural competency of the housing mediator roster;
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new text begin (7) integrate housing mediation services with navigation and resource connection services,
legal assistance, and court services programs;
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new text begin (8) continue to develop and administer evaluation tools to design, modify, and replicate
effective program outcomes; and
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new text begin (9) provide for necessary administrative expenses.
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