Minnesota House Bill HF156

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/9/23
• Refer: 2/13/23
• Report Pass: 2/27/23
• Engrossed: 3/22/23
• Refer: 3/22/23
• Report Pass: 3/23/23

Caption

Manufactured home park utility billing practice provisions amended.

Impact

If enacted, HF156 would significantly impact existing laws governing utility charges in manufactured home parks in Minnesota. Specifically, it modifies several provisions in Minnesota Statutes, requiring park owners to install individual metering devices and charge residents based on the actual utility rates they incur from their providers. Moreover, it specifies prohibitions against charging residents for any additional administrative costs associated with utility services. These changes are likely to lead to more equitable utility billing practices within these communities.

Summary

House File 156 aims to amend the utility billing practices in manufactured home parks, focusing on the responsibilities of park owners with regards to utility service provision and cost allocation. The bill stipulates that park owners can only charge residents based on the utility service they actually consume. It mandates that adequate metering devices must be installed to accurately measure the consumption of each household, thereby ensuring a fair distribution of utility costs based on actual use rather than a flat rate. The changes are intended to enhance transparency and protect residents from potential overcharging.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HF156 appears to be generally positive among consumer protection advocates and residents of manufactured home parks. Supporters argue that the bill will protect low-income residents from arbitrary increases in utility charges, which are common in communities without regulated metering. However, there may be some hesitance from park owners concerned about the financial implications of complying with the new regulations, especially regarding the costs associated with installing metering devices. The opposing perspectives highlight a tension between the desire for cost transparency and the financial realities faced by property owners.

Contention

Notably, the discussion around HF156 has highlighted concerns from park owners about the potential financial burden resulting from new metering requirements. Some legislators fear that the additional costs of compliance could be passed on to residents in indirect ways, such as through increased lot rents. This contention reinforces the broader issues of balancing fair pricing with the operational capacities of manufactured home park owners. Ultimately, HF156 represents a significant shift in the governance of utility billing practices, prioritizing the protection of residents while posing challenges for park operators.