Bill > SF3596

This bill establishes a one-time emergency rental assistance program for counties and Tribal governments in Minnesota, appropriating $40 million to help eligible households with rent, utilities, and related fees, prioritizing those with children and those at risk of homelessness, with a maximum assistance limit of five times the median rent for their area. The bill defines "eligible household" as one with rent obligations in Minnesota, income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines, experiencing financial hardship after August 31, 2025, and at risk of housing instability. Counties and Tribal governments must use 95% of the aid for direct assistance and 5% for administration and fraud prevention, with any unspent funds to be returned to the state. Additionally, the bill cancels a prior appropriation related to tax-forfeited land settlements and temporarily extends the time a landlord must wait to file an eviction for nonpayment of rent from 14 days to 30 days, or longer if local law requires, with this extension expiring four months after the bill's effective date.