Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to modify the standards for canvassing in Minnesota by clarifying access rights to multiple-unit dwellings for candidates and census workers. It also seeks to improve communication between property managers and residents regarding visits from these individuals.

Main Provisions

• Access to Multiple-Unit Dwellings: The bill specifies that candidates and census workers must have access to multiple-unit dwellings such as apartment buildings, but this access is subject to certain limitations and requirements.

• Denial of Access: Property owners or managers can deny access to individual units, such as apartments or rooms, especially in cases like nursing homes or assisted living facilities for valid health reasons. They can also deny admittance for good cause.

• Reasonable Access Conditions: Regardless of the dwelling type, access must be granted between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., and visits may be limited to a reasonable number of visitors or necessitate prior appointments with 24 hours' notice.

• Resident Notification: The bill encourages managers or operators of these dwellings to notify residents about the days when census workers or candidates have planned visits.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Resident Notification Requirement: There is a new emphasis on encouraging communication from property managers to residents about scheduled visits by candidates or census workers, which was not detailed in the previous statutes.

• Clarification of Access Hours: The legislation clarifies and standardizes the hours during which candidates and census workers can visit, ensuring consistent statewide access rules.

Relevant Terms

• Canvassing
• Census workers
• Multiple-unit dwelling
• Access rights
• Resident notification
• Candidate visits