The bill S.F. No. 2298 aims to enhance housing provisions in Minnesota by establishing a budget for the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency and implementing various policy and technical changes. Key features include the creation of a task force on homeowners and commercial property insurance, the removal of certain real property recording fees, and the appropriation of funds for housing programs such as the economic development and housing challenge program and the homeownership assistance program. The bill also emphasizes the importance of addressing disparities in homeownership rates among different demographic groups and mandates the collection of demographic information from applicants for agency programs. Additionally, it allows for the issuance of up to $50 million in housing infrastructure bonds and outlines the annual transfer of funds to the housing infrastructure bond account.

Further amendments focus on supporting manufactured home owners and renters, expanding financial assistance programs, and enhancing support for first-generation homebuyers. The bill establishes a community-based down payment assistance program for eligible homebuyers and introduces a high-rise sprinkler system grant and loan program to improve fire safety in residential buildings. It also modifies landlord-tenant relationships by establishing new requirements for the treatment of tenant information and clarifying the process for tenants to deposit rent with the court in cases of building violations. The bill allows for the discharge of restrictive covenants related to protected classes at no cost and mandates a report on public housing authorities' participation in repositioning programs. Overall, S.F. No. 2298 seeks to improve housing affordability, accessibility, and safety across Minnesota.

Statutes affected:
1st Engrossment: 16A.287, 462A.43, 327C.095, 462A.051, 462A.07, 462A.2095, 462A.33, 462A.40
2nd Engrossment: 16A.287, 462A.43, 327C.095, 462A.051, 462A.07, 462A.2095, 462A.33, 462A.40
3rd Engrossment: 16A.287, 462A.43, 327C.095, 462A.051, 462A.07, 462A.2095, 462A.222, 462A.33, 462A.40, 507.18
4th Engrossment: 16A.287, 462A.43, 462A.37, 327C.095, 462A.051, 462A.07, 462A.2095, 462A.33, 462C.16, 477A.35, 477A.36, 504B.161, 504B.206, 504B.385, 504B.395, 507.18
1st Unofficial Engrossment: 16A.287, 462A.43, 462A.37, 462A.07
2nd Unofficial Engrossment: 16A.287, 462A.43, 462A.37, 462A.07
CCR-SF2298: 16A.287, 462A.43, 462A.37, 327C.095, 462A.051, 462A.07, 462A.2095, 462A.33, 462C.16, 477A.35, 477A.36, 504B.161, 504B.206, 504B.385, 504B.395, 507.18