SF4784

Purpose

• The bill increases funding for the Bring It Home rental assistance program (also referred to as the Rent Assistance Program) and updates how the program’s funding is set in law. It ties these funds to the Housing Development Fund and confirms the program’s funding will be part of the agency’s permanent budget base unless otherwise specified. It also specifies details for the program under Minnesota law (Minnesota Statutes section 462A.2095).

Main Provisions

• Subdivision 1 changes:
  • Establishes total appropriation amounts for the programs and reiterates that these appropriations are to be used for the Housing Development Fund.
  • Clarifies that, unless noted otherwise, the appropriations are part of the agency’s permanent budget base.
• Subdivision 6 changes (Rent Assistance Program):
  • Reaffirms that the Rent Assistance Program is the target of this appropriation.
  • Sets a new base funding level for the Rent Assistance Program at $48,000,000 for fiscal year 2028 and beyond.

What the bill seeks to accomplish

• Provide more stable and increased funding for rental assistance programs to help households with housing costs.
• Establish a clear, long-term funding baseline (the $48,000,000 base starting in FY2028) to support ongoing rent assistance.

Significant changes to existing law

• Increases and extends funding for the Bring It Home / Rent Assistance Program beyond current levels.
• Creates a defined base amount ($48,000,000) for the Rent Assistance Program from FY2028 onward, ensuring continued support in the agency’s budget.
• Reaffirms that these appropriations are part of the Housing Development Fund and part of the agency’s permanent budget base unless otherwise specified.

Funding and financial details (highlights)

• The bill references an adjustment to the total appropriation structure for the housing programs, with the Rent Assistance Program receiving a specified funding base.
• The Rent Assistance Program is authorized under Minnesota Statutes section 462A.2095.
• The new base funding level for the Rent Assistance Program is $48,000,000 beginning in fiscal year 2028.

Impact and considerations

• Expected effect: More stable and potentially larger funding for rental assistance, enabling more households to receive aid with housing costs.
• Long-term effect: A defined funding baseline from FY2028 forward could help with budgeting and planning for homelessness prevention and housing stability programs.

Relevant Terms bring it home rental assistance program Rent Assistance Program Minnesota Statutes section 462A.2095 Housing Development Fund appropriation base fiscal year 2028 FY2028 Laws 2025 chapter 32 article 1 section 2 subdivision 6 total appropriation agency permanent budget base Subdivision 1 Subdivision 6