Purpose of the Bill

This bill proposes a significant reform of Minnesota's legislative process by amending the state's constitution. It introduces an Independent Redistricting Commission to manage the drawing of legislative and congressional districts. Additionally, it imposes restrictions on former legislators becoming lobbyists and alters various legislative procedures.

Main Provisions

• Independent Redistricting Commission: Establishes a commission to draw congressional and legislative districts after each federal census. The commission includes members from the state's major political parties and independents to ensure impartiality in redistricting.
• Lobbying Restrictions: Prohibits legislators from working as lobbyists while in office and for one year after leaving office.
• Legislative Session Changes: Amends how legislative sessions are convened and conducted, capping the session days and setting new adjournment rules.
• Constitutional Amendments: Suggests amendments to allow the Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State to cast tie-breaking votes in the legislature under certain conditions.
• Public Participation and Transparency: The commission is required to hold public hearings and accept public comment on proposed district maps to maintain transparency.
• Screening Panel: Establishes a panel to review and select qualified applicants for the commission, ensuring diverse and impartial membership.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Redistricting Process: Shifts the responsibility of redistricting from the legislature to an independent commission, reducing potential political biases.
• Lobbying and Legislative Roles: Adds new ethical standards by preventing immediate transitions from legislative roles to lobbying positions.
• Bicameral Voting System: Introduces a new tie-breaking mechanism involving state officers, which is not present in the current system.

Relevant Terms

• Independent Redistricting Commission
• Lobbyist restrictions
• Legislative session reforms
• Public hearings and transparency
• Redistricting Commission Applicant Screening Panel
• Tie-breaking votes