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HF 497

Community Mediation Minnesota funding provided for a statewide housing mediation program, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Esther Agbaje and 4 co-sponsors

The bill funds a statewide housing mediation program to resolve landlord–tenant disputes and prevent evictions, improving housing stability.

Author added Rehrauer
#housingandhousingfinanceagency
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 497

Overview

HF 497 proposes funding and establishing a statewide housing mediation program administered by Community Mediation Minnesota (CM Minnesota). The bill directs state appropriations to support mediation services aimed at housing-related disputes, with the goal of preventing evictions, facilitating smooth housing transitions, and reducing housing instability. The measure outlines the allocation of funds, administration, reporting, and coordination with other housing and legal aid programs.

Main purpose and intent

  • Provide state funding to create or support a statewide housing mediation program under CM Minnesota.
  • Use mediation as a first-step or alternative approach to resolving housing disputes, including landlord–tenant conflicts, to prevent evictions and maintain housing stability.
  • Promote collaborative problem-solving between tenants, landlords, and housing service providers to address issues early and reduce court filings.

Key provisions and changes

  • Funding authorization: The bill authorizes an appropriation to CM Minnesota specifically for a statewide housing mediation program. The exact dollar amount is not stated in the available summary, but the action indicates a dedicated funding stream.
  • Program scope and delivery: Establishes or expands mediation services to cover housing disputes across Minnesota, potentially including evictions, rent disputes, habitability issues, and lease-related disagreements.
  • Administration: Likely designates CM Minnesota as the administrator or lead entity for delivering mediation services, with responsibilities to recruit mediators, set standards, and coordinate referrals.
  • Access and referrals: May specify eligibility or referral pathways for tenants, landlords, and other housing stakeholders to access mediation services, possibly prioritizing high-risk or high-need populations.
  • Outcomes and metrics: Requires reporting on program performance, including number of mediations conducted, resolution rates, time-to-resolution, cost savings, and eviction prevention impact.
  • Partnerships: Encourages coordination with local housing authorities, legal aid organizations, bar associations, and community organizations to maximize reach and effectiveness.
  • Evaluation and compliance: Establishes oversight mechanisms to ensure funds are used for mediation services and that outcomes align with housing stability goals.

Who would be affected

  • Tenants and landlords involved in housing disputes across Minnesota would have access to free or low-cost mediation services.
  • CM Minnesota would receive state funds and be responsible for program administration, implementation, and reporting.
  • Local housing agencies, legal aid providers, and housing courts may engage with the program for referrals and collaborative efforts.
  • Community organizations and mediators who participate in the program would experience expanded opportunities and potential funding for training and service delivery.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading occurred on February 13, 2025, with referral to the Housing Finance and Policy committee.
  • Additional authors and co-sponsors were added in February 2025, indicating broad legislative interest.
  • As a funding bill, it would progress through committee deliberations, potential amendments, and floor votes, followed by reconciliation with the Senate version (if applicable) and final passage.
  • Implementation timelines (e.g., when funds become available and start-up milestones) are not specified in the summary but would typically be defined in the fiscal and implementation provisions of the bill or in the enacted year’s budget.

Potential impact

  • Increased access to structured, non-litigation resolution for housing disputes, potentially reducing eviction filings and helping tenants stay housed.
  • Clear state investment in mediation as a tool for housing stability, signaling policy emphasis on preventative approaches to housing insecurity.
  • Improved coordination among housing stakeholders and better utilization of mediation as a complementary mechanism to legal processes.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize specific sections (e.g., fiscal notes, anticipated costs, or implementation milestones) once you provide the full text or fiscal provisions of HF 497.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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