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HF 935

Criminal history background checks permitted for nonresident tenant organizers.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Spencer Igo and 1 co-sponsor

HF 935 permits using criminal history checks for nonresident tenant organizers to guide participation decisions by housing providers and related organizations.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Housing Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 935

Summary of HF 935 (2025-2026) – Minnesota

Title

Criminal history background checks permitted for nonresident tenant organizers.

Purpose and Intent

HF 935 authorizes the use of criminal history background checks in certain contexts related to nonresident tenant organizers. The intent appears to be to regulate and potentially screen individuals who organize or participate in tenant organizing activities by allowing access to criminal history information. The bill’s sponsors are Rep. Spencer Igo (co-sponsor) and Rep. Jim Nash (co-sponsor). It was introduced and referred to the Housing Finance and Policy committee on February 17, 2025.

Key Provisions (highlights)

  • Authorization for Criminal History Checks: The bill permits the use of criminal history background checks for nonresident tenant organizers. The exact scope (which offenses, how far back, and which authorities conduct the checks) would be defined in the statute or subsequent amendments.
  • Persons Covered: The target is nonresident tenant organizers. This suggests individuals who organize tenant-related activities but do not reside in the same jurisdiction as the housing units or properties involved.
  • Access and Use: The bill would establish how criminal history information may be accessed, who may request it, and how results can be used in decision-making related to organizing activities or participation.
  • Protections and Compliance: As with typical background-check frameworks, the bill would likely include provisions to protect privacy, ensure accurate reporting, and comply with applicable state and federal laws (e.g., limitations on use, retention, and destruction of records).

Note: The provided summary is based on the bill title and introductory action. Full statutory text is needed for precise detail on procedures, time frames, limitations, fees, and appeals.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Nonresident tenant organizers seeking to engage in tenant organizing activities.
  • Employers, housing providers, or organizations that interact with or oversee tenant organizing efforts and would request criminal history information.
  • Potential tenants or residents who are subject to organizing activities and may be impacted by background-check processes.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and First Reading: February 17, 2025.
  • Referral: Housing Finance and Policy committee.
  • Next steps would typically include committee hearings, possible amendments, and floor votes in the Minnesota House of Representatives. If passed, the bill would move to the Senate and follow a parallel process.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Balancing Safety and Civil Liberties: The bill raises considerations about privacy, potential discrimination, and the fairness of background checks in the context of tenant organizing.
  • Implementation Burden: Housing providers and organizers would need procedures to request, review, and act on criminal history information, including compliance with record-keeping and retention rules.
  • Legal Compatibility: The measure would need to align with state and federal laws governing background checks, fair housing, and employment/volunteer screening.

Note

For a complete and precise understanding, review the full text of HF 935, including definitions, scope (which offenses, how far back, exceptions), notification duties to individuals, penalties for noncompliance, and any effective date or sunset provisions.

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

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