The 2024 legislative session has officially concluded and it was one for the record books. For the past few months, your Housing First Minnesota advocacy team worked around the clock to advocate for policies that would positively impact the future of Minnesota’s housing market.
The session began in earnest this February with the announcement of the “Minnesotans for More Homes” initiative. The initiative, announced at a press conference with a bipartisan coalition of legislators, attempted to address the housing crisis afflicting the state by allowing the construction of more homes of all types and price points.
The agenda was supported by one of the largest and most diverse coalitions ever seen at the Minnesota State Capitol. It was even deemed “the most exciting thing happening in the Legislature”. Housing supply, affordability, land use and zoning reform truly took center stage in St. Paul for the first time in decades.
Unfortunately, like in many other states, local governments and their lobbying organizations prioritized ‘local control’ and legislative leadership ceded to their requests. Nevertheless, the foundation for land use reforms was established for next year’s legislative session.
Additionally, Housing First Minnesota led a successful industry defense against an array of issues like:
- The creation of a paint license
- The creation of a new housing tax
- A dramatic expansion of the residential energy code
- The banning of single-family-for-rent construction
- An electric vehicle charger mandate in single-family construction.
The only opposition issue to advance is a new independent contractor test for the construction industry. Housing First Minnesota mounted a comprehensive defense throughout session including testimony from multiple industry experts and attorneys, an array of amendments to improve the bill and a wave of industry grassroots engagement.
In the end, the legislature and Governor Walz pushed forward despite broad construction industry opposition, and the bill will be signed into law. Housing First Minnesota will organize education opportunities to help our institutions understand and comply with the new law.
All-in-all, your Housing First Minnesota legislative team led the industry defense, while also serving as a convener in the housing and homeownership advocacy discussion.
We thank you for your support throughout session and we look forward to the continued conversations about protecting the industry and advancing homeownership opportunities for all Minnesotans.
Issues You Need to Know
- Independent contractor changes in the construction industry: Language that will change the current nine-factor test determining independent contractor status to a 14-factor test passed as a part of a larger omnibus bill. Additionally, this language has many pieces to it that would include severe penalties for violations of misclassifications. Housing First Minnesota mounted a comprehensive defense throughout session including testimony from multiple industry experts and attorneys, an array of amendments to improve the bill and a wave of industry grassroots engagement. Look for future communication on these changes in the coming weeks.
- License to paint: Language that would have required paint contractors to sit for an exam to get a license to buy certain types of paint was originally introduced and scheduled for a hearing. The bill was later withdrawn and never heard in either chamber.
- Preempting municipalities from banning natural gas in residential construction: This language would protect natural gas as a fuel source for residential construction. Housing First Minnesota testified in support of this language. It was not passed.
- Residential Energy Code changes: A bill that would change how the residential energy code is adopted was included in a larger omnibus bill. As always Housing First Minnesota advocates for a balance between energy efficiency, durability, and affordability. Expect further discussion on this item within the Department of Labor and Industry in future years.
- Ban on new single-family for rent: This topic gained some coverage last year and would have originally not allowed the construction of new construction of single-family homes that would be rentals. Housing First Minnesota worked with legislators to gain greater clarity and an exemption for builders and developers who do this type of work. The bill did not pass this year.
- Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan Fix: Cities, developers, and environmental groups are working together to earn a legislative fix following the court’s dismissal of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Housing First Minnesota supported the language and the bill passed as part of a larger omnibus bill.
- Single-Egress Stairway Apartment Building Report: The Department of Labor and Industry will gather stakeholders, including Housing First Minnesota, to evaluate conditions under which apartment buildings with a single means of egress above three stories up to 75 ft. would achieve life safety outcomes equal to our superior to currently adopted codes.
- Electric-vehicle requirements in single-family construction: Following new requirements that required electric-vehicle infrastructure in commercial and some multifamily settings, new legislation that would require electric-vehicle infrastructure in single-family homes was introduced and discussed in both chambers. The language was ultimately not adopted.
- New lobbying requirements at city halls: For many months there has been confusion about what is considered lobbying at the Capitol and within political subdivisions. The broader government relations community worked throughout session to gain greater clarity. Unfortunately, the legislature passed language that may require certain professionals who interact with state and local officials to register as lobbyists. This could include certain lawyers, engineers, architects and more. If you interact with local government, look for future guidance from the Campaign Finance Board.
