Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to support the elderly population in Minnesota by facilitating them to continue living in their homes safely and comfortably as they age. It focuses on enabling older homeowners, particularly those with low to moderate income, to modify and renovate their homes to better fit their needs as they grow older.

Main Provisions

• Funding Allocation: The bill proposes an appropriation of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 from Minnesota's general fund.
• Grant Administration: The funds will be directed to the commissioner of human services, who will manage a grant program through "Age Well at Home" to create the Minnesota Age in Place Network.
• Eligible Uses:
  • The grants are intended for home modifications and safety renovations in owner-occupied homes.
  • Renovations are aimed at aiding older adults with low to moderate incomes.
• Financial Limitations: Each individual home project can receive a maximum of $20,000 in funding.
• Administrative Costs: Up to 10% of the grant funds may be used by Age Well at Home for administrative purposes related to establishing, expanding, and maintaining the network.

Significant Changes

This bill introduces a new funding stream specifically for home modifications and renovations targeted at helping elderly low to moderate-income homeowners continue living in their homes safely. It establishes the Minnesota Age in Place Network as a new initiative to support this demographic, marking an increased legislative focus on aging populations and their housing needs.

Relevant Terms

• Minnesota Age in Place Network
• Home modifications
• Safety renovations
• Older homeowners
• Low to moderate income
• Age Well at Home
• Fiscal appropriation
• Grant funding