Purpose of the Bill

The bill outlines the requirement for an audit of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to ensure compliance with equal opportunity laws and to address disparities in housing access for African Americans in Minnesota. It aims to improve transparency and enforce equitable practices in housing.

Main Provisions

• Audit Requirement: The bill mandates the hiring of an independent auditor to evaluate the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency's adherence to equal opportunity laws, policies, and programs.
• Citizen Oversight Committee: A citizen oversight committee will be formed to monitor the audit process, comprising members designated in collaboration with the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage.
• Responsibilities of the Committee:
  • Create an inventory of relevant state and federal laws affecting the agency.
  • Oversee the activities of the independent auditor.
  • Report findings and make recommendations to state leadership, including the governor and legislative leaders, before the 2026 legislative session begins.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill introduces a new requirement for an audit specifically focused on equal opportunity and housing disparities for African Americans, with an emphasis on public oversight and reporting, rather than the existing general auditing responsibilities of the agency.

Relevant Terms

• Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
• Equal opportunity
• Housing disparities
• African Americans
• Independent auditor
• Citizen oversight committee
• Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage