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SF3133 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Bill of rights establishment for people utilizing shelter

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish a bill of rights for individuals utilizing homeless shelters in Minnesota. It seeks to ensure that people experiencing homelessness are treated with dignity, respect, and equality in shelter environments while also accessing necessary services and rights.

Main Provisions

  • Definitions: The bill defines key terms such as "homeless," "homeless shelter," and "people utilizing shelter" to clarify the contexts and individuals covered.

  • Right to Dignity and Respect: People in shelters have the right to be treated courteously and without discrimination based on various characteristics including race, gender identity, and disability.

  • Adequate Facilities: Shelters must provide safe, clean, and accessible accommodations, including restrooms, storage, and food facilities, meeting health codes.

  • Reasonable Accommodations: This includes modifications for people with disabilities, the right to use service animals, and adjustments for working hours and other personal obligations.

  • Privacy and Confidentiality: Shelters must respect personal privacy, particularly during changing and medical examinations, and maintain confidentiality of personal records.

  • Information and Resources: Shelters are required to inform occupants of their rights, the rules, grievance procedures, and local resources for additional support.

  • Access to Professionals: Individuals in shelters have the right to meet privately with attorneys, advocates, and other professionals at reasonable times.

  • Grievance Right: The bill outlines a process for filing complaints about shelter conditions or treatment without facing retaliation.

  • Ending Shelter Stay: Details circumstances under which a shelter may end an individual's stay, prioritizing safety and providing a fair process, including mediation options.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill proposes the addition of a new section to the Minnesota Statutes (Chapter 256K) specifically addressing the rights of people utilizing shelters. It introduces explicit protections and rights for individuals using homeless shelters, thereby providing a structured legal framework for operations and interactions within these facilities.

Relevant Terms

  • Homelessness
  • Shelters
  • Rights and Equality
  • Dignity and Respect
  • Reasonable Accommodations
  • Privacy and Confidentiality
  • Grievance Procedures
  • Mediation
  • Service Animals
  • Non-discrimination

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 31, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 31, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services
April 08, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This section defines the meaning of service animal as given in section 504B.113, paragraph b.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "504B.113",
    "subdivision": "paragraph b"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This section defines the meaning of support animal as given in section 504B.113, paragraph c.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "504B.113",
    "subdivision": "paragraph c"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Defines dangerous weapon as used for determining reasons for ending a shelter stay.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 6"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "References criminal sexual conduct statutes as conditions where a shelter stay might be ended.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.342 to 609.3451",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors