June 6, 2025 | by Mark Luis Foster

This year certainly started out as an interesting, if not concerning, one for HOAs in Minnesota.  Back in February, once the legislature got its act together and everyone got back to work following a painfully delayed start, two companion bills started out in both houses that sought to “reform HOAs” and provide even more controls on what were perceived as “boards that are out of control.” The House bill eventually lost steam while the Senate bill evolved into something that was still unnecessary.  We rallied against it. we testified. And in the end, there the bill sat as the legislative session came to a pitiful and ignominious end. Ironically, similar to how it began.

Bottom line: There are bigger problems than HOAs for state elected officials. Way bigger.

If you’ve been following the news, you know that not much got done in this state session and even agreement on a budget couldn’t be reached.  The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports:

Minnesota legislative leaders said earlier this week that they’re inching toward the finish line as they work to draft bills and secure enough votes to pass budget bills. If lawmakers don’t finish their work by July 1, the state could go into a partial government shutdown. A first round of layoff notices was sent to state employees on June 1, warning of the shutdown possibility. Gov. Tim Walz said the second round, affecting 28,000 employees, go out June 9, but he’s hoping to finish work before then.

So we’ve gone from HOAs under attack to a potential government shutdown. How quickly things can devolve in St. Paul.

And now, things are looking a bit dire. From the PP:

The budget is looking to be $66 billion to $67 billion, roughly $5 billion less than 2023’s budget. Cuts are coming in heavy for the 2026-2027 budget after a February forecast showed the state could be headed toward a $6 billion deficit in 2028-2029.

We can only imagine what’s next.  Remember when they said HOA boards are out of control? There’s a mirror to look into.

HOAs will be off their plate, at least for a while.