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Lawmakers Consider Reforms to Assisted Living Facility Oversight
Proposals heard in the House and Senate human services committees aim to improve coordination between state agencies and local governments and address facility concentration.
During the week of March 16, the House and Senate human services committees considered legislation that would change how group assisted living facilities are licensed and overseen, with a focus on coordination with local governments.
The bills — HF 4144, sponsored by Rep. Danny Nadeau (R-Rogers), and SF 4279, sponsored by Sen. John Hoffman (DFL-Champlin) — include several provisions supported by cities. The measures build on discussions from last session and aim to improve communication between state licensing agencies and municipalities, strengthen property maintenance oversight, and expand proximity requirements.
Key provisions would:
- Prohibit agencies from granting provisional licenses for assisted living facilities with six or fewer residents within 650 feet of an existing facility of the same type, to help prevent overconcentration.
- Require agencies to notify cities at least 30 days before issuing a provisional license, including the proposed location and operator contact information.
- Allow agencies to delegate authority to cities, upon request, to enforce minimum property maintenance standards.
- Update the process for vulnerable adult investigations to improve communication between licensing agencies and municipalities.
League support and testimony
The House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee heard HF 4144 on March 17. The League submitted written testimony in support, along with city representatives from Brooklyn Park and Champlin. A coalition of Hennepin County cities including Brooklyn Center, Fridley, Golden Valley, Crystal, New Hope, Maple Grove, Coon Rapids, and Robbinsdale also submitted supporting materials. The committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill.
View the League’s submitted testimony on HF 4144 (pdf).
The Senate Human Services Committee heard the Senate companion on March 18. The League again submitted written testimony, joined by metro-area cities and the North Metro Mayors Association. The committee referred the bill to the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.
- View the League’s submitted testimony on SF 4979 (pdf).
- View metro-area cities’ letter in support of SF 4979 (pdf).
- View the North Metro Mayors Association’s letter in support of SF 4979 (pdf).
The League will continue to support policy changes aimed at improving outcomes for residents of assisted living facilities and strengthening coordination between state licensing agencies and cities as omnibus legislation takes shape.