Sacred community requirements amendment

SF 1723 authorizes religious institutions in Minnesota to establish "sacred communities" - housing developments using small micro units - for chronically homeless, extremely low-income individuals, or designated volunteers. The bill requires these communities to provide utility access (via connection to main buildings or shared facilities meeting R-2 boarding house standards), maintain 1/3 to 40% volunteer occupancy, and submit annual compliance certifications to local governments. Municipalities may create simple administrative approval processes for these communities but cannot impose additional requirements beyond the bill’s specified standards. Religious institutions must also provide written safety plans covering sewage disposal, emergency access, security, and weather protocols. The bill ensures sacred communities are regulated under existing landlord-tenant laws (Chapter 504B) and cannot be denied approval solely for not meeting unrelated housing standards.