This bill, S.F. No. 2287, introduced in the Minnesota Senate, aims to provide additional accommodations for children with autism in rental properties. It proposes adding a new section to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B.

Key Provisions:

1. Tenant Requests for Accommodation:

   • A tenant with an autistic child can request reasonable accommodations to protect the child from harm if there is a nearby lake, river, stream, or other attractive nuisance close to the landlord's property.
     

2. Landlord's Obligations:

   • The landlord must make reasonable modifications to rental property policies, procedures, or structural aspects to accommodate the child’s safety needs—unless such modifications would fundamentally alter the property's nature.
     

3. Documentation Requirement:

   • The landlord may request documentation confirming the child's autism, except when the condition is readily apparent or already known to them.
     

4. Anti-Retaliation Protection:

   • A landlord cannot retaliate against a tenant who requests or receives reasonable accommodations under this provision.
     

This bill ensures that rental housing policies in Minnesota account for the unique safety needs of children with autism who may be at risk due to nearby hazards.