1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to real property; landlord and tenant; establishing a landlord's right to 
1.3 	seek police or emergency assistance; prohibiting certain fees, penalties, and 
1.4 	charges; preempting local law;proposing coding for new law in Minnesota 
1.5 	Statutes, chapter 504B.
1.6 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.7 	Section 1. [504B.280] RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD'S RIGHT TO SEEK POLICE 
1.8 	AND EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE.
1.9 		Subdivision 1.Police or emergency assistance. A political subdivision may not:
1.10 	(1) bar or limit the right of a residential landlord to call for police or emergency 
1.11 	assistance to respond to or investigate an emergency or conduct on or near residential 
1.12 	premises that might constitute criminal activity, a nuisance, or a disturbance, or other 
1.13 	activity that violates a rental licensing ordinance, regulation, or similar law; or
1.14 	(2) impose a fee or penalty on or otherwise penalize a residential landlord for a call 
1.15 	for police or emergency assistance described in clause (1).
1.16 		Subd. 2.Cooperation with licensing requirements; reasonable witness fees. (a) 
1.17 	This subdivision applies to a political subdivision that has a residential licensing ordinance, 
1.18 	regulation, or similar law that requires a residential landlord to be proactive in preventing 
1.19 	or responding to criminal activity, a nuisance, a disturbance, or other activity on a rental 
1.20 	property that violates a rental licensing ordinance, regulation, or similar law. The political 
1.21 	subdivision may not unreasonably impose a witness fee or other charge for obtaining 
1.22 	the testimony of a police officer, building official, or other employee of the political 
1.23 	subdivision who was involved in reporting, responding to, or documenting incidents or 
1.24 	activities that gave rise to a notice by the political subdivision that the landlord must take 
2.1 	proactive action or face adverse licensing consequences. The political subdivision may 
2.2 	not require advance payment of a witness fee that is greater than $20, plus mileage.
2.3 	(b) It is a defense to an action to revoke a residential rental license, impose a fee or 
2.4 	penalty for a license violation, or assess a higher or additional inspection charge that the 
2.5 	landlord is unable to obtain testimony that is relevant to the landlord's defense because the 
2.6 	political subdivision requested a witness fee or other charge in violation of this subdivision.
2.7 		Subd. 3.Local preemption. This section preempts an inconsistent local ordinance, 
2.8 	regulation, or similar law.