Rent control prohibition exception repealed.

HF 3245 repeals an exception that previously allowed Minnesota cities, counties, and towns to impose rent control on private residential properties through voter-approved ordinances. The bill removes the specific provision (Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 471.9996, subdivision 2) that permitted local governments to enact rent control if approved by voters in a general election. This change makes the statewide rent control prohibition absolute, meaning local governments can no longer implement rent control measures - even if voters approve them. The bill directly affects local communities' ability to address housing affordability through rent control policies.