The bill modifies the Strengthen Minnesota Homes Program by amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 65A.299, subdivisions 5 and 6. Key changes include extending the project completion deadline from three months to six months after grant approval and introducing new conditions for grant eligibility. Specifically, the commissioner must certify that the property meets program standards, and homeowners whose properties already meet these standards at the time of application may qualify for premium discounts or rate reductions. Additionally, the program will ensure that homeowners receive these benefits regardless of whether they have received a grant.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a preference for grant applicants whose household income is at or below 115 percent of the area median income, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. To support these initiatives, the bill appropriates $35 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to issue grants and administer the program, marking this as a one-time appropriation.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 65A.299