MN SF3596

Appropriates $40 million in fiscal year 2026 for onetime emergency rental assistance distributed to Minnesota counties ($35.2 million) and the 11 federally recognized Tribal governments ($4.8 million)

Eligible households must have income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines, experienced financial hardship after August 31, 2025, and face risk of housing instability or eviction

Assistance covers up to two months of prospective rent, up to two months of prospective utilities, rent and utility arrears incurred after August 31, 2025, and related fines and fees, with maximum assistance capped at five times the local median rent

Counties and Tribal governments must spend 95% on direct assistance and 5% on fraud prevention and compliance, with unspent funds returned to the general fund within four months; no administrative costs may be retained

Temporarily extends the notice period for tenants to correct rent delinquency from 14 days to 30 days before landlords can file eviction actions, expiring when the rental assistance program ends