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Committee lays over small pilot to help seniors rent spare rooms through home‑sharing
Summary
Senate File 2085 would fund a Minnesota NICE Home Share pilot to help seniors rent spare rooms to other seniors to defray costs and reduce isolation; the bill proposes $150,000 for a pilot across selected counties and was laid over for possible inclusion.
Senate File 2085, presented by Senator Housley, would establish a Minnesota NICE Home Share pilot program to support seniors who rent spare rooms in their homes to other seniors. The pilot would cover program administration, use of matching platforms, background checks and safety protocols, and partnerships with agencies that serve older adults. The bill requests $150,000 for the pilot and identifies three counties for phase‑one participation: Lake County, St. Louis County, and Washington County.
Senator Housley said similar programs exist in 32 other states and that home sharing can improve both financial stability and social connections for older homeowners. The pilot would enable homeowners to collect modest monthly rent—Housley cited figures roughly in the $500–$800 per month range—to help pay property taxes and other costs. Senator Abler praised the idea as a cost‑effective way to keep seniors housed and suggested area agencies on aging might be well‑suited to participate.
Committee members expressed general support and asked about program evaluation and potential savings to Medicaid or long‑term care systems; the sponsor said she would like to see the pilot’s outcomes and possibly scale the program. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion; no appropriation vote occurred during the hearing.
