On Wednesday, the House Housing Committee heard HF 484 from Rep. Mekeland (R), which prohibits natural gas hookups bans in residential construction. This is the bill’s second committee hearing, after House Elections Finance and Government Operations.
Mark Foster, vice president of legislative and political affairs for Housing First Minnesota, testified in support of the bill.
“Protecting natural gas as a fuel source option for residential construction statewide for the immediate future is helpful for consumers, for cost savings, and for predictability of development.”
Foster also emphasized the importance of this bill in helping to prevent future potential legal challenges that we see in other cities and states that have passed natural gas bans.
The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill.
Poll Results
Neighbors for More Neighbors and the Yes to Homes coalition released new polling results this week showing the importance of housing costs and availability among Minnesota voters.
Eighty percent of Minnesota voters say the cost of renting or buying a home is a somewhat or very significant problem. Two thirds (67%) of voters also said there are not enough homes for average people to rent or buy.
Minnesota voters also greatly support more home options, which are allowed for in the Yes to Homes package of bills.
- 68% support allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
- 68% support allowing duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, and fourplexes
- 82% support allowing homes near businesses and shopping
- 78% support allowing homes near shopping centers, light rail, or bus stops
- 74% support allowing smaller homes on smaller lots
- 63% support allowing property owners to determine how much parking is needed on their lot
These bills are popular among Minnesotans and we need your help to keep the momentum going as they move to their next committee stops. Please take a couple of minutes to contact your legislators in support of the Yes to Homes agenda.
The poll was conducted online by YouGov and surveyed 800 Minnesota voters between February 28 and March 6, 2025.
As the Yes to Homes bills and more move forward this legislative session, stay tuned for further updates from the Housing First Minnesota team.
