Legislative Update - Standing Up for Student Renters

Dear Neighbors, 

The 2024 Legislative Session is moving along, with this year’s work largely focused on policy. One piece of legislation I’m working on would provide more legal options for renters when their promised unit isn’t ready - a situation that became a harsh reality for college students in our district when they moved to the Identity Dinkytown residence last fall. 

These were students that had already paid rent and prepared for the process of moving in, all to be told that they would not have a place to stay. The imbalance of power between the housing providers and tenants is significant, and by bill, House File 3961, seeks to rectify that. 

You can watch our hearing on the bill in the Housing Committee here.

My bill would expand the legal remedies tenants have if they cannot move into a rental unit on the promised move-in date. For example, if a management company cannot provide a livable rental unit on the date promised in a lease, the landlord must notify a tenant at least seven days prior to the start of the lease, plus offer the tenant:

• an equivalent unit to rent until the unit is ready;
• an amount equivalent to the rent they would be paying so that the tenant can find other housing; or
• the option to cancel the lease and have any money paid toward the housing returned.

You can read more about the bill here.

2024 Tax Changes

This Tax season, make sure you’re taking advantage of the new changes we implemented last year - changes that made Minnesota’s tax system the most equitable among US states, with several new credits, refunds, and exemptions are now available.

You can find more information and resources at the Minnesota Department of Revenue. 

101 Environmental Projects

Last week on the House Floor, we passed legislation to fund 101 projects across our state that protect our wildlife, water, air, and soil. 

Minnesotans take pride in our legacy of environmental stewardship, and thanks to the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, even though the vast majority of us won’t win big playing the lottery, the proceeds from it ensure our environment and natural resources are protected for generations to come.

The 2024 Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Bill includes funding for environmental education projects, climate change and natural resources research, clean water resources, invasive species response, conservation land acquisition, and habitat protection and restoration projects. A full list of projects can be found here.

MPCA Small Business Environmental Loan Program

Small businesses in our community looking to reduce on-site air emissions, clean up contamination, or generate less waste can now apply for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Small Business Environmental Loan program. The program offers zero-interest loans up to $75,000 to tackle these high-impact projects. You can learn more and apply here.

Stay Connected

If you have any questions or comments on our work this year, always feel free to contact my office at (651) 296-4257 or rep.mohamud.noor@house.mn.gov. I always appreciate hearing from you!

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Ramadan filled with joy, harmony, and countless blessings. Ramadan Mubarak!

Sincerely, 

Mohamud Noor

State Representative

District 60