Create a state address registry for Minnesotans experiencing homelessness.

 

The purpose of this bill is to provide Minnesotans experiencing homelessness with a legal address.

 

Without an address, homeless Minnesotans are unable to apply for and maintain a job, open a bank account, vote, or

receive mail. Being unable to apply for and maintain a job makes it extremely difficult for homeless individuals to earn

money and achieve housing stability. Without a bank account, homeless individuals have no place to keep their money,

receive income, or apply for loans. In Minnesota, homeless citizens are able to vote using the address of wherever they

sleep; however, many homeless people do not have consistent places to sleep, adding difficulty to the voting process.

The address will be the city hall closest to where they are typically located. Homeless people will be able to apply for

an address by signing up for an appointment with an administrator at the city hall. They will then either provide their

phone number, create a non-cancelable appointment, or, if there is enough availability, have an immediate appointment to

officially have the city hall be their address.

 

Homeless Individual shall be defined as a person who lacks a fixed, regular nighttime residence. This includes

individuals sleeping in places not designated for sleeping, such as cars or benches.

 

A small amount of the Minnesota Department of Human Services budget will cover staffing. We will also partner with local

city halls to provide the addresses to homeless individuals. The Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor will

conduct the audits on the institutions that are being reported for not following this bill.

 

Employers, banks, insurance companies, and any other institutions that do not accept the address as valid will be

subject to daily fines for each day they do not accept the address as valid. They will be fined $75 each day until they

are in compliance. Audits will be conducted after 5 official reports have been made of an institution not accepting the

validity of the provided addresses. If an institution is found noncompliant, weekly audits will be conducted until

compliance is achieved and for two months following.

 

The start of the fiscal year, July 1, 2026.