Bill > SF1723

This bill amends Minnesota statutes to provide clearer guidelines and regulations for "sacred communities," which are housing developments established by religious institutions to provide permanent housing for chronically homeless, extremely low-income, or designated volunteer residents in micro units. The bill authorizes municipalities to regulate these communities by establishing administrative approval processes and rental housing licensing requirements. Key provisions include mandating that sacred communities must: provide utility access, be appropriately insured, have one-third to 40 percent of units occupied by designated volunteers, submit a comprehensive written plan to the municipality detailing safety, infrastructure, and operational protocols, and be established on land exclusively owned by the religious institution. The bill also allows municipalities to approve or deny the submitted plans, regulate the micro units as rental housing, and seek court injunctions to enforce compliance with administrative requirements or address legal violations. Furthermore, the religious institution establishing the sacred community is responsible for ensuring ongoing compliance with local regulations and must have at least one authorized individual with compliance authority present on the premises at all times. The goal appears to be providing structured, safe, and regulated housing solutions for vulnerable populations while giving local governments oversight mechanisms.

Government Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1723&ssn=0&y=2025