Session Scoop: Omnibus bills: What’s in and what’s out?
We’re now past the second legislative deadline at the Capitol, meaning that bills that advanced in the House, for example, must also have advanced in the Senate (or vice versa). (There are some exceptions to this rule.)
Omnibus bills (one large bill made up of many smaller bills) are coming together fast in House and Senate Committees. For example, this week, the House Housing Finance and Policy Division passed out of committee their housing policy omnibus bill (HF 2542). This article from Session Daily provides an overview of the bill, which emphasizes renter protections.
The House is green lighting bills perceived as less controversial for floor votes, such as HF 495 (Noor), which seeks to even the playing field between landlords and tenants and make leases clearer. The bill is set to be heard on the House floor on Monday, April 1.
A recent MinnPost article highlights several affordable housing investments and tools under debate at the Capitol right now, including a significant bonding request by Governor Walz and the affordable #HousingTaxCredit (HF 1156 / SF 404), both supported by Homes for All MN. In the article, #HousingTaxCredit Senate Chief Author Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) says, “This is an all-hands-on-deck moment, and I believe that getting the private sector involved rather than just the government sector is what we need.” House Chief Author Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL-Shakopee) says, “It is, humbly, an awesome bill.” Thanks to these authors for moving the bill ahead!
Testifiers Barbara Dolan (MHP Community Development Manager) and Randal Hemmerlin (Red Wing HRA Executive Director) made a strong case for a state match for Local Housing Trust Funds (HF 1402 / SF 1961) in hearings in the House and Senate this week. Thank you to Chief Authors Sen. Andrew Lang (R-17, Olivia) and Rep. Michael Howard (DFL-50A, Bloomington/Richfield) for championing this measure to ensure the state is a partner in creating needed affordable homes! (Photos above)
Upcoming Hearings
On Wednesday, April 3 at 8:30am in Capitol Rm 15 the Senate Taxes Committee will hear SF 942 (Senjem), a bill that advances workforce and affordable homeownership.