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HF 4905

Rent Smart, Wise and Ready online rental education course funding provided, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Esther Agbaje

Provides a one-time $4,634,000 FY2027 appropriation to MHFA to purchase licenses and deliver statewide access to the Rent Smart, Wise and Ready online rental education course throu

Introduction and first reading, referred to Housing Finance and Policy
#appropriations #housingandhousingfinanceagency
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Bill Summary · HF 4905

Summary of HF4905 (2025-2026) — Rent Smart, Wise and Ready Online Rental Education Funding

Purpose and Intent

  • HF4905 is an housing-related measure that provides a one-time appropriation to support statewide access to the Rent Smart, Wise and Ready online rental education course.
  • The bill situates the funding within Build Wealth MN and the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) framework, aiming to improve rental stability by ensuring more households have access to educational resources on renting.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Appropriation Amount and Source
    • Provides a onetime appropriation of $4,634,000 in fiscal year 2027.
    • Source: Minnesota General Fund.
  • Agency and Administration
    • The appropriation is made to the commissioner of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA).
    • MHFA is instructed to use the funds to purchase licenses for the Rent Smart, Wise and Ready curriculum.
  • Target Beneficiaries
    • Licenses are to be issued for:
    • Individuals and families seeking rental assistance.
    • Households participating in subsidized housing programs.
  • Contracting and Delivery
    • MHFA must contract with Build Wealth MN, the developer and sole provider of the Rent Smart, Wise and Ready curriculum, to deliver and administer the program statewide.
  • Program Nature
    • The funding supports statewide access to the online rental education course, expanding availability beyond pilot or limited geographic areas.
  • Nature of Appropriation
    • The appropriation is explicitly described as one-time (non-recurring).

Who Would Be Affected

  • Housing agencies and programs: MHFA administers the funding and licensing process.
  • Build Wealth MN: Act as the contractor and administrator of the online course statewide.
  • Renters and prospective renters:
    • Individuals and families seeking rental assistance.
    • Households in subsidized housing programs.
  • Support services for rental assistance: Potentially improved outcomes through greater access to education on renting best practices, budgeting, and tenant rights.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Legislative Status: Introduced and referred on 2026-04-09 to the Housing Finance and Policy committee.
  • Fiscal Year Point of Action: The appropriation is for FY 2027 and described as a one-time allocation, implying a near-term timing for distribution following enactment.
  • Sponsorship: Co-sponsored by Esther Agbaje.

Notes for Readers

  • The bill does not create ongoing annual funding; it provides a single, non-recurring appropriation intended to expand statewide access to the Rent Smart, Wise and Ready course.
  • The success of the program depends on contracting, licensing, and administration efficiency between MHFA and Build Wealth MN.

If you want, I can add a quick comparison to any existing statewide training programs or provide a brief impact assessment based on typical outcomes of statewide online education initiatives.

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

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