This bill (S.F. No. 2214) relates to housing and homelessness prevention in Minnesota. It provides funding for the Minnesota Homeless Study by transferring and appropriating money to support the study conducted by the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation.

Key Provisions:

1. Funding Transfer:

   • $900,000 per year from the general fund to the housing development fund in fiscal years 2026, 2027, 2028, and continuing annually thereafter.

2. Appropriation for the Study:

   • $900,000 per year from the housing development fund will be granted to the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation for the triennial Minnesota Homeless Study.
   • The funding must be distributed by July 15 each year.
   • The commissioner of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency may use up to 1% of the funds for administrative costs.

3. Reporting Requirements:

   • The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation must submit a copy of the Minnesota Homeless Study along with a summary report of the findings.
   • This report must be provided to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees overseeing housing and homelessness by March 1, 2028, and every three years thereafter.

4. Unspent Funds Provision:

   • Any unencumbered funds from fiscal year 2026 will not be canceled and will remain available for use in fiscal year 2027.

Summary:

The bill ensures continuous funding for the Minnesota Homeless Study, supports research on homelessness through the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, and requires regular reporting of findings to the legislature to inform housing and homelessness policies.