Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish a new rule within the Minnesota legislative process concerning how bills are handled in standing committees, particularly those that may be included in broader finance or policy omnibus bills.

Main Provisions

• Voting Requirement: A bill cannot be laid over for possible inclusion in a major finance or policy omnibus bill by a standing committee unless it receives approval from at least two-thirds of the committee's members.
• Alternative Actions: If a bill does not receive the necessary votes to be laid over, the committee has several options:
  • Vote to refer the bill to another committee.
  • Refer the bill to the full legislative body.
  • Table the bill, which means setting it aside.
• Post-Vote Procedure: If a bill is tabled or receives no further action due to a failed vote, it cannot be included in a subsequent omnibus bill. The only exception is if a committee adopts an amendment to include the bill, with such amendment limited to the policy items specific to the bill.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces a requirement for a two-thirds majority vote in standing committees for bills to be considered for inclusion in omnibus bills.
• Specifies the committee actions available if a bill does not meet this threshold, ensuring a more structured process for handling failed committee votes.

Relevant Terms

vote threshold, standing committee, finance omnibus bill, policy omnibus bill, Minnesota legislature, procedural rules, two-thirds majority