Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government
Model Legislature
BILL #: 5601
Download PDFBE IT ENACTED BY THE YOUTH LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA YOUTH LEGISLATURE –
An act to
This act shall be known as the “Emergency Shelter Capacity Act.”
SECTION I - PURPOSE
The purpose of this bill is to protect public safety by ensuring that all residents have access to emergency shelter
during extreme weather events.
SECTION II - JUSTIFICATION
Minnesota gets really dangerous weather, and not every city has enough places for people to stay safe. This bill makes
sure every town has enough emergency shelters so people don’t get hurt or die in extreme weather. It might cost some
money, but it’s worth it to keep people safe.
SECTION III - DEFINITIONS
A. Municipality – Any city, town, or county government.
B. Emergency Shelter – Temporary housing facilities for individuals during extreme weather conditions.
C. Extreme Weather Event – Weather events officially declared hazardous by the National Weather Service.
Section 4: Provisions
A. Municipalities must provide at least one emergency shelter per 10,000 residents.
B. Shelters must meet minimum standards for capacity, sanitation, and safety.
C. Municipalities must submit annual reports to the Department of Public Safety detailing shelter readiness.
SECTION IV - FUNDING
Funding for shelters may come from existing municipal budgets or state emergency management grants.
SECTION V – PENALTIES/ENFORCEMENT
The Department of Public Safety will audit shelter availability annually and respond to complaints.
Municipalities failing to meet requirements may lose eligibility for certain state emergency management grants.
SECTION VI – EFFECTIVE DATE
July 1st 2026