Minnesota House Bill HF935

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/25
• Refer: 2/17/25

Caption

Criminal history background checks permitted for nonresident tenant organizers.

Summary

HF935 would amend Minnesota landlord-tenant law to allow landlords to require a criminal history background check for a tenant organizer who is not a resident of the rental premises before that organizer enters the property or exercises tenant-organizing rights under section 504B.212. The organizer would have to complete a consent form and pay the landlord the actual cost of the background check. The bill also gives landlords authority to bar a nonresident tenant organizer from entering the premises or using those rights if the organizer has been convicted of a crime of violence or refuses to consent to the background check. In effect, the bill creates a new screening requirement specifically for outside tenant organizers, while leaving the existing tenant-organizing framework in place for residents.

Impact

HF935 would amend Minnesota Statutes section 504B.212 by adding a new subdivision governing nonresident tenant organizers. It would expand landlord authority to screen and potentially exclude certain organizers, and it would shift the cost of the criminal history check to the organizer. The bill affects landlords, tenants, and tenant advocacy or organizing efforts, particularly where organizers are not themselves residents of the property.

Sentiment

The available record shows the bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Housing Finance and Policy, but there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes provided. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears to reflect a landlord-oriented approach to property access and safety concerns, but the absence of discussion or voting history means no clear consensus or opposition can be measured from the provided materials.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely the balance between tenant organizing rights and landlord control over access to rental property. Supporters would likely emphasize safety, property access, and the ability to screen nonresident organizers, especially those with violent criminal histories. Opponents would likely argue that the bill could chill tenant organizing, impose costs on organizers, and give landlords a tool to restrict advocacy activity. No specific positions from legislators, landlords, or tenant advocates are included in the provided record.