SF2214

This bill, S.F. No. 2214, relates to housing and homelessness prevention in Minnesota. It transfers and appropriates funds specifically for the Minnesota Homeless Study, conducted by the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation.

Key Provisions:

1. Funding Transfer & Appropriation:

   • $900,000 is transferred from the general fund to the housing development fund in fiscal years 2026, 2027, 2028, and beyond.
   • $900,000 per year is appropriated from the housing development fund to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) to provide a grant to the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation for conducting the Minnesota Homeless Study.
   • The funds must be disbursed by July 15 each year and used exclusively for the triennial Minnesota Homeless Study.

2. Administrative Costs:

   • The MHFA Commissioner may use up to 1% of the appropriation for administrative expenses.

3. Reporting Requirements:

   • The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation must submit the study and a summary report to the legislative committees overseeing housing and homelessness by March 1, 2028, and every three years thereafter.

4. Carryover of Funds:

   • Any unspent funds from fiscal year 2026 will carry over into fiscal year 2027, instead of being forfeited.

Purpose of the Bill:

This bill ensures ongoing financial support for the Minnesota Homeless Study, which gathers data to help policymakers address homelessness in the state. It guarantees continued funding, mandates regular reporting, and allows unspent funds to be used in subsequent years.