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Bill Summary · SF 2629

SF 2629 — Minnesota Fair Chance Access to Housing Act Establishment Provision

Status and basics
- Bill number: SF 2629
- Title: Minnesota Fair Chance Access to Housing Act establishment provision
- Purpose suggested by title: Establishment of a framework to improve fair access to housing, addressing how criminal history may be considered in housing decisions.
- Introduced: March 17, 2025
- Referred to: Judiciary and Public Safety
- Companion bill: HF 2283

Purpose and intent

  • The bill appears to aim at promoting fair access to housing by limiting or guiding the way criminal history is used in housing decisions.
  • It likely seeks to reduce discriminatory or blanket exclusions in rental and housing processes and to promote individualized assessment of applicants.

What the bill would address (based on the title and subject)

Note: The full text would provide precise provisions. The following reflect common elements in fair chance housing legislation and how such a bill typically functions.
- Restrictions on when and how landlords can inquire about an applicant’s criminal history.
- Requirements for individualized assessments rather than automatic denial based on criminal history alone.
- Time-based or offense-based restrictions on consideration of past criminal conduct (e.g., certain offenses or offenses that occurred long ago may be limited or excluded from consideration).
- Prohibition of blanket bans on applicants with criminal records.
- Clear process for applicants to challenge or respond to adverse housing decisions.
- Notice requirements when an adverse action is taken (including opportunities to remedy or appeal).
- Provisions for protected classes and alignment with state human rights enforcement.
- Possible exemptions for specific types of housing or government-assisted housing.

Exact provisions, definitions (e.g., what constitutes “criminal history” or which housing types are covered), and enforcement mechanisms will be in the bill’s text.

Affected parties

  • Renters and housing applicants who have or are suspected of having criminal histories.
  • Landlords, property managers, and rental housing operators.
  • State and local housing and civil rights agencies responsible for enforcement.
  • Entities involved in housing finance and negotiations with tenants (depending on the bill’s scope).

Procedural status and timeline

  • Introduced and first read on March 17, 2025.
  • Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety for committee consideration.
  • No further timeline provided here; standard progression would involve committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in the Senate.

Related bills

  • HF 2283 (companion). Tracking both SF 2629 and HF 2283 can provide a clearer view of the bill’s progression and any amendments.

Next steps for readers

  • Review the full official text of SF 2629 to understand precise definitions, scope, and enforcement mechanisms.
  • Monitor committee hearings in the Minnesota Legislature for the Judiciary and Public Safety committee actions and amendments.
  • Check for updates on HF 2283 as the companion measure to compare provisions and how they align.

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

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