The House/Senate DFL Press Conference held on March 18, 2025, focused on critical legislation aimed at supporting residents of manufactured housing in Minnesota. The meeting featured Senator Liz Bolden, who represents District 25, and emphasized the urgent need for legislative action to address the challenges faced by these communities amid a nationwide housing crisis.

Senator Bolden highlighted the overwhelming support for the proposed bill, citing thousands of petition signatures from residents in manufactured home parks across the state. She stressed that these residents are integral members of their communities, contributing to local life and seeking to remain in their homes. The bill aims to prioritize the needs of these residents, ensuring that the last bastion of unsubsidized affordable housing in Minnesota is preserved.

During the conference, Representative Norris addressed questions regarding existing regulations for manufactured housing. He acknowledged that while there are laws intended to protect residents, enforcement has been a significant challenge due to vague definitions and lack of clarity. The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen these protections by providing clearer enforcement mechanisms, including equitable relief and the potential for attorney's fees.

The discussion also touched on the issue of rent increases in manufactured home parks. Current state statutes limit rent increases to "reasonable" amounts, but this term remains undefined, rendering the regulation ineffective. The new bill aims to clarify these provisions and enhance enforcement capabilities, potentially allowing both the Attorney General's office and private residents to take action against unfair practices.

As the meeting concluded, there was a discussion about the possibility of garnering bipartisan support for the bill. Representative Norris expressed optimism, noting productive conversations with Republican colleagues on the housing committee.

Overall, the press conference underscored the urgency of addressing the needs of manufactured housing residents in Minnesota, with a focus on legislative solutions that provide tangible protections and support for vulnerable communities. The next steps will involve continued discussions and efforts to refine the bill and build broader support among lawmakers.