This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 327.30, to establish new regulations for sacred communities, which are defined as areas where religious institutions can provide permanent housing in micro units for individuals who are chronically homeless, extremely low-income, or designated volunteers. The bill introduces a requirement for religious institutions to comply with both community standards and an administrative approval process if established by the municipality. It also specifies that sacred communities must provide access to essential utilities, be appropriately insured, and have a certain percentage of units occupied by designated volunteers. Additionally, the governing board of the religious institution must authorize individuals to ensure compliance with these requirements.

Furthermore, the bill allows municipalities to regulate micro units as rental properties and mandates that religious institutions adhere to local rental housing licensing regulations. It establishes an administrative approval process for municipalities to verify compliance with the new requirements and allows municipalities to seek injunctions to enforce these regulations. New provisions include the necessity for a written plan from the religious institution detailing various operational aspects of the sacred community, and the requirement for at least one compliance authority to be present on-site at all times.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 327.30