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House Committee Votes Down Starter Homes Act
The bill failed in committee on a 7-5 roll call vote.
On March 23, the House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee considered HF 3895, known as the “Starter Homes Act.” The bill is sponsored by the House Housing Finance and Policy Committee co-chairs, Rep. Michael Howard (DFL-Richfield) and Rep. Spencer Igo (R-Wabana Township).
Following testimony from stakeholders, including several city officials, the committee voted down the bill on a 7-5 roll call vote.
The Senate companion, SF 4123, sponsored by Senate Housing Chair Sen. Lindsey Port (DFL-Burnsville) was scheduled for a hearing in the Senate State and Local Government Committee during the week of March 23. However, it was removed from consideration ahead of the March 27 first and second policy committee deadlines.
Because the bill did not meet the policy deadline — which requires committees to act favorably on bills in their chamber of origin — its path forward is uncertain. Still, the legislation, or portions of it, could reemerge before the Legislature adjourns May 18.
The League of Minnesota Cities will continue to engage in discussions on the Starter Homes Act if efforts to advance zoning and land use legislation continue this session.
For more information on the current version of the bill, read a previous article.