The St. Paul City Council will host two public hearings Wednesday on an effort to exempt rent control for residential buildings constructed after 2004 and a separate initiative to install new tenant protections, including notification requirements after affordable housing has been sold.

Final council votes are not likely until May.

Hours before those discussions take place, a new council member will be sworn in Wednesday morning. Mayor Melvin Carter is appointing Matt Privratsky, a clean energy advocate and former council legislative aide, to fill the vacant Ward 4 seat on an interim basis through the Aug. 12 election.

Here’s an overview of what’s on the table:

Rent control

In 2021, St. Paul voters approved one of the stiffest rent control ordinances in the country, capping annual residential rent increases at 3%. Landlords have said that number falls far below inflation, property taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses elevated by rising construction costs.

Given those expenses, many residential units qualify for temporary exemptions from the rent caps, making getting around rent control when inflation is high mostly a question of filing the correct paperwork, to the frustration of those on all sides of the issue.

Developers have complained that the lending market has been unforgiving, undermining efforts to finance new housing construction, which has dwindled in the capital city. Even some advocates for more affordable housing and greater density, like the leaders of Sustain St. Paul, say it’s time to at least partially roll back rent control, provided it’s coupled with new tenant protections.

In response, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter proposed last August eliminating the rent cap for buildings that were issued their first certificate of occupancy after Dec. 31, 2004. Council President Rebecca Noecker, Council Member Anika Bowie and Council Member Saura Jost have sponsored an amendment to do that.

Council Member HwaJeong Kim has said she is staunchly opposed, and said more study is needed of the benefits of rent control.

Critics say the rent control limits have already been heavily watered down. In 2022, the previous council softened the voter-approved ordinance, exempting newly-constructed units for 20 years, with a 20-year lookback period. They permanently exempted deed-restricted and federally-backed affordable housing, while allowing newly vacant units to seek rent increases of 8% plus inflation.

The changes have made as much as a third of the city exempt.

Tenant protections

Council Member Cheniqua Johnson, who chairs the city’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority, has said any vote to roll back rent control should be contingent upon the council fully embracing tenant protections she is sponsoring. That package has drawn a majority of the council as co-sponsors, including Kim, Noecker and Jost, while drawing concerns from Bowie that the rules may be unenforceable.

In July 2020, the previous council approved a package of wide-ranging protections aimed at limiting — but not entirely eliminating — onerous security deposits, criminal history reviews, surprise building sales and other tools used to screen or oust tenants.

The previous package also included a “just cause” requirement to force landlords to explain in writing why they had chosen not to renew a tenant’s lease. The S.A.F.E. Housing protections went into effect in March 2021, but were challenged by landlords and temporarily put on hold the next month by a federal judge who expressed open skepticism they were constitutional.

Rather than press their case in court, in June 2021 the city council voted 4-3 to rescind the package entirely.

Johnson’s newly-introduced protections do not include the “just cause” provision. Still, Bowie has expressed doubt that the new package would survive a fresh legal challenge and judicial scrutiny.

Newly-proposed tenant protections

Here’s what the newly-proposed protections call for:

• Security deposits: Security deposits would be limited to the equivalent of a single month’s rent, unless the tenant’s application might otherwise be denied because of their criminal history, credit history or rental history. In that case, a security deposit could be equivalent to two months of rent.

• Screening criteria: A landlord must make their screening criteria “readily available” to any prospective tenant. A prospective tenant could not be rejected because of a conviction for a crime that is no longer illegal in Minnesota, a petty misdemeanor, a gross misdemeanor older than three years, and most felony convictions for which the last day served was more than seven years prior.

• Criminal history: For certain crimes, such as first-degree assault, arson or murder, a landlord could look back 10 years. Screening criteria could not include an arrest or charge in an inactive case in which the prospective tenant was not convicted, participation in a diversion program, or a conviction that has been vacated or expunged. Certain federal screening rules may kick in for lifetime sex offender registrations and controlled substance crimes.

• Credit scores: Landlords would not be able to reject tenants based solely on their credit score alone, insufficient credit history or insufficient rental history, though they could use a credit report that shows a failure to pay rent or utility bills. A prospective tenant cannot withhold their credit history or rental history.

• Eviction history: Landlords would not be allowed to consider pending evictions, evictions that are more than three years old and evictions that have not resulted in an order to vacate.

• Minimum income tests: If a landlord uses a minimum income test requiring two and a half times the rent or higher, the landlord must allow an exception if the applicant can demonstrate a history of successful rent payment using a similar or lower ratio.

• Alternative assessments: A landlord applying screening criteria that is more prohibitive than any of the criminal history, rental history and credit history limits in the rules “must conduct an individualized assessment” showing why they intend to deny an application. The landlord will have to “accept and consider all supplemental evidence” provided with the application.

• Tenant notice: Landlords would have 14 days to explain in writing to a tenant which criteria they failed to meet. Any local, state or federal funding or loan requirements would trump the city’s screening rules.

• Evictions for nonpayment: Evictions for nonpayment of rent would require advance written notice to the tenant specifying the total amount due, as well as their right to seek legal help and a phone number and web address for legal and financial assistance.

• Sale of affordable housing: If affordable housing is sold, the new landlord may not terminate or fail to renew a tenant’s rental agreement without just cause, raise rent or rescreen existing tenants during a certain period of time known as the “tenant protection period” of three months without providing relocation assistance.

• Relocation assistance: Relocation assistance must be equal to three months of rent for a unit priced for a median-income family, or 7.5% of the annual area median income, adjusted for family size.

• Tenant notification: Within 30 days of the transfer of ownership, the new landlord must give written notice to each tenant in an affordable unit that the property is under new ownership and explaining whether the new landlord will require them to re-screened, whether they will be terminated without cause and whether the new landlord intends to increase rent.

• Complaints: Landlords, tenants and prospective tenants can issue a complaint to the city’s Department of Safety and Inspections, and appeal DSI determinations to the city’s legislative hearing officer within 30 days. Tenants also can appeal to the courts.

If approved by the council, the new tenant protections still require the mayor’s signature, and then take effect a year later.

The city’s Office of Financial Empowerment would oversee coordination of the new rules by creating an online portal for all landlords and tenants to view rules, resources and enforcement tools and annually publish phone numbers for relocation assistance and other “know your rights” materials.

Related Articles

St. Paul Mayor Carter appoints Matt Privratsky as interim council member

St. Paul Ward 4 race: School Board member Chauntyll Allen declares; Hamline-Midway Coalition disavows Cole Hanson campaign

Rent control, budget, acrimony, attendance issues dog St. Paul City Council

Joe Soucheray: Test the sirens! The season of Trash Emergencies is upon us!

St. Paul City Council OKs 90-day extension for trash site

Late in the Minnesota Wild’s Tuesday morning practice at Xcel Energy Center, recovering star forward Kirill Kaprizov caught a pass in the corner and was immediately checked into the boards by a teammate — not an overly hard check, but the kind of normal contact that puck-carriers face in the heat of an NHL game.

Almost all of the building’s 18,000-plus seats were empty, but their star player taking a check was perhaps the best thing that Wild fans could have seen in months.

While making no promises that Kaprizov would return to the lineup for Wednesday night’s game versus San Jose, Wild coach John Hynes has made it clear that the left wing being exposed to contact in practice is another step in his long road back to the line chart.

That goes for center Joel Eriksson Ek, as well.

Kaprizov has played three games since the Christmas break and had surgery to repair a lower body injury on Jan. 31. Eriksson Ek has been out of the lineup since late February, also with a lower body injury.

“It’s the first time they’ve had (contact) in that type of environment,” Hynes said. “They have had contact and did some battling and stuff like that with each other … but that was the first time (for) kind of a five-on-five situation.”

While acknowledging that Tuesday was a positive step, Hynes stopped short of saying it was the final step until having a chance to talk with the team’s trainers.

“I would keep it vague right now because it just changes so much,” he said. “This was the next progression, for them to get into a regular practice, five-on-five drills, normal stuff, other guys out there, not in such a controlled setting. … And then it will truly come down to, I think, how they respond to this, how comfortable they feel.”

Hynes said defenseman Jake Middleton, injured in a road loss to the New York Islanders last Friday, will not return to face the Sharks because of an upper body injury.

Fourth-line work helps snap losing streak

After every Wild win, a player who had a superlative role in the victory is recognized for their hard work on the ice with a thick chain that holds a green sign with the word “HARD” emblazoned on it in red lettering.

Stars such as Matt Boldy, Marco Rossi and goalie Filip Gustavsson have been the obvious recipients of the award on many occasions, but following the overtime win over Dallas on Sunday, the team’s fourth line was acknowledged, with winger Devin Shore wearing the chain.

The trio of Shore and wingers Yakov Trenin and Justin Brazeau didn’t appear on the score sheet in the 3-2 victory, but their solid work in countering the Stars and playing key minutes was recognized on a team where every healthy body has played a role in the team staying in the playoff hunt.

“It’s always nice, but we don’t do it for the recognition, especially this time of year,” Shore said. “The individual recognition doesn’t really matter. You win or you lose or you get a point. That’s really all that matters this time of year.”

He added that the mindset of bringing intensity and a “jam” to every shift has led to the fourth line’s success. After the Wild went 0-1-2 on their three-game East Coast trip, having all four lines and all six defenders contribute versus Dallas was vital.

“No passengers. Everyone was ready to go and that’s the response you need after the week like we had,” Boldy said following the win. “I think that’s more of the team that we’re used to and expect from each other. So, for us to go out there and play that way after kind of the struggles we’ve been going through, I think speaks a lot to a group.”

Related Articles

Frozen Four is first priority for Wild prospect Zeev Buium

John Shipley: Wild’s prospects, near and far, depend on Kirill Kaprizov

Wild end four-game losing skid with overtime victory over Dallas

Jake Middleton latest Wild regular sidelined by injury

Wild loss costly on many levels as playoff position now in real danger

In about a month, Minnesotans who do not have a REAL ID could face extra screening and air travel delays, the Metropolitan Airports Commission says.

Beginning May 7, the REAL ID Act will be enforced nationally and the Transportation Security Administration is encouraging travelers to obtain their REAL ID or prepare for delays, according to the Airports Commission, which owns and operates Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

A sample Minnesota Real ID driver’s license. REAL ID-compliant identification requires additional documents compared to a standard driver’s license or ID card. (Courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety)

“Now is the time for anyone age 18 years and older who plans to travel after May 7 to ensure they have an acceptable form of identification once REAL ID enforcement begins,” said TSA Minnesota Federal Security Director Marty Robinson, in a news release.

Passed in 2005, the REAL ID Act is intended to enhance security standards for states to issue driver’s licenses and ID cards that are accepted by federal agencies. Minnesota began issuing REAL IDs on Oct. 1, 2018.

The current processing time for a Minnesota REAL ID driver’s license or Minnesota enhanced driver’s license, which is also compliant with the new REAL ID Act, is about 45 days from application, according to the release.

“We want to make sure everyone can enjoy their travel plans this summer and beyond,” said Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services Director Pong Xiong in the release. “Minnesotans who want a REAL ID should allow enough time to have their card in hand before needing to board a plane.”

As of April 1, fewer than half – 40.82% – of Minnesotans had a REAL ID, according to the DVS.

How do I get one?

To apply for a REAL ID, you must know your Social Security number and provide documentation that proves your identity, date of birth, legal U.S. presence and current Minnesota residency. Most commonly, Minnesotans provide a birth certificate, bank statement and utility bill.

How much does it cost?

For a Class D REAL ID-compliant license, expect to pay $46, or $41 if you’re renewing, according to the DVS. To renew to a REAL ID-compliant identification card, those 65 and older should expect to pay $27.

Don’t want one?

If you decide not to get a REAL ID, you can still pass through airport security with your driver’s license, passport and boarding pass, according to Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services. If you do not have a passport, you can find alternative accepted documentation at http://pipr.es/kz6RGfi.

For more information on TSA airport security screening requirements, visit tsa.gov/travel.

Related Articles

Passenger flight to MSP and Air Force jet diverted from potential collision at DC airport

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport upgrading snow removal equipment

FBI: Hoax by two young children responsible for diverted Sun Country flight to Mexico

MSP Sun Country Airlines flight diverted, no threat found

Passenger from Minnesota files lawsuit after Delta crash in Toronto

By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump has launched tariff wars with nearly all of America’s trading partners. And there’s no end in sight.

A number of sweeping new taxes on goods from other countries are already here — with more set to take effect as soon as Wednesday. Trump has promised higher rates for his latest and most severe volley of duties, which he calls “reciprocal” tariffs.

With so many back-and-forth tariff actions and threats, it can be tough to keep track of where things stand. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know.

What tariffs go into effect on Wednesday?

Trump announced his latest — and most sweeping — round of tariffs on April 2, which he dubbed “Liberation Day,” as part of his “reciprocal” trade plan. In a fiery speech claiming that other countries had “ripped off” the U.S. for years, Trump declared that the U.S. would now tax nearly all of America’s trading partners at a minimum of 10% — and impose steeper rates for countries that he says run trade surpluses with the U.S.

Related Articles

US expected a big travel year, but overseas visitors — angered by Trump — are heading elsewhere

As China and the US spar, countries brainstorm over how to cope with the trade war

Trump says high tariffs may have prevented the Great Depression. History says different

5 top mistakes to avoid during a market sell-off

US stocks dive after another stunning reversal as uncertainty reigns about Trump’s tariffs

The 10% baseline already went into effect Saturday. And when the clock strikes midnight Wednesday, Trump’s higher import tax rates on dozens of countries and territories will take hold — that is, unless anything changes in the eleventh hour.

The steeper levies run as high as 50% — with that biggest rate landing on small economies that trade little with the U.S., including the African kingdom of Lesotho. Some other rates include a tax of 47% on imports from Madagascar, 46% on Vietnam, 32% on Taiwan, 25% on South Korea, 24% on Japan and 20% on the European Union.

Economists warn that the levies will raise prices for goods consumers buy each day — particularly as these new tariffs build on some of previous trade measures. Trump last week announced a tariff of 34% on China, for example, which would come on top of 20% levies he imposed on the country earlier this year.

Trump has since threatened to add an another 50% levy on Chinese goods in response to Beijing’s recently-promised retaliation. That would bring the combined total to 104% against China.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a Tuesday briefing that Trump had not been considering an extension or delay for coming rate increases.

“He expects that these tariffs are going to go into effect,” she said.

Are more tariffs coming?

As part of a flurry of countermeasures, China has said it will levy its own 34% tariff on all U.S. goods — matching Trump’s rate — starting Thursday.

Trump was quick to criticize China’s move — but China has maintained that it will “fight to the end” and take countermeasures against the U.S. to protect itself. On Tuesday, China’s Commerce Ministry called Trump’s threat to escalate tariffs “a mistake on top of a mistake” that “once again exposes the blackmailing nature of the U.S.”

The trade war between the U.S. and China isn’t new. The two countries exchanged a series of tit-for-tat levies in recent months — on top of tariffs imposed during Trump’s first term, many of which were preserved or added to under former President Joe Biden.

While China has taken the toughest approach so far, several countries signaled that they are evaluating their own responses to Trump’s levies.

It’s possible that we’ll see more retaliation in the future, but others have signaled some hopes to negotiate. The head of the European Union’s executive commission is among those offering a mutual reduction of tariffs — while warning that counter measures are still an option.

Trump could also roll out more product-specific tariffs down the road. The president has previously threatened import taxes on goods like copper, lumber and pharmaceutical drugs — all of which are currently exempt from Trump’s “reciprocal” levies.

What other import taxes are already here?

A handful of tariffs are already in effect, including Trump’s 10% baseline tax on Saturday.

But prior to that sweeping levy, Trump had rolled out several other rounds of tariffs targeting particular countries and products. His 25% tariffs on auto imports began last Thursday, for example — kicking off with taxes on fully-imported cars. Those levies are set to expand to applicable auto parts in the following weeks, through May 3.

Canada responded on Tuesday with a 25% levy on auto imports from the U.S. that do not comply with the 2020 US-Mexico Canada Agreement. Those are slated to go into effect on the same day as Trump’s higher tariffs on Wednesday.

And Trump’s expanded steel and aluminum tariffs went into effect last month. Both metals are now taxed at 25% across the board, with Trump’s order to remove steel exemptions and raise aluminum’s levy from his previously-imposed 2018 import taxes taking effect March 12.

Beyond levies on China, Trump has also previously targeted Mexico and Canada. While Mexico and Canada were spared from last week’s heightened rates, Trump imposed — and later partially suspended — 25% duties on goods from both countries.

Meanwhile, goods complying with the USMCA can continue to enter the U.S. duty-free, according to the White House. Other imports are still levied at 25%, as well as a lower 10% duty on potash and Canadian energy products.

But once the two countries have satisfied Trump’s demands on immigration and drug trafficking, the White House said the tariff on non-USMCA compliant imports will drop from 25% to 12%.