SF2724 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Voter registration provisions modification for individuals in jail
Related bill: HF2600
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
This bill aims to modify voter registration processes for individuals in jail and establish a system to facilitate their ability to vote, particularly by absentee ballot. It requires the Secretary of State of Minnesota to provide grants to county sheriffs to support these efforts.
Main Provisions
- Grants to Sheriffs: The Secretary of State will allocate grants to sheriffs based on the number of jail beds they oversee. These grants are intended to implement plans for voter education and assistance in county jails.
- Election Day Registration:
- Expands the ways individuals, including those in jail, can prove their residence in order to register to vote on Election Day. For individuals in jail, the residence can be proven by the address on their intake form.
- Continues to allow other forms of identification, like driver's licenses and student IDs, for those not in jail.
- County Sheriffs' Responsibilities:
- Sheriffs must collaborate with county auditors to create plans for voter education and mail voting assistance for jailed individuals.
- A designated jail voting coordinator will handle voting materials and facilitate jail voting.
- Sheriffs must report efforts and outcomes related to jail voting to the Secretary of State by November 30 of even-numbered years.
- Use of Telephones for Voting Support: Jail staff must enable eligible voters in jail to contact the county auditor for absentee voting assistance during business hours.
- Appropriation of Funds: $2,500,000 is appropriated in fiscal year 2027 for grants to sheriffs, with funding levels outlined for subsequent years.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The bill modifies existing statutes by specifying procedures and responsibilities for facilitating voting for individuals in jail.
- It updates voter registration processes on Election Day to accommodate individuals using their jail intake forms as proof of residence.
- It mandates reporting on jail voting activities and outcomes, which will be included in post-election reports to the legislature.
Relevant Terms
- Voter registration
- Absentee ballot
- County jail
- Voter education
- Grant allocation
- Intake form
- Voting coordinator
- County auditor
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 19, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| March 19, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Referred to | Elections |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of election day registration process that includes proving residence with a driver's license or Minnesota identification card issued pursuant to section 171.07.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "171.07",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Relates to the procedure for submitting absentee ballots.",
"modified": [
"Includes number of absentee ballots submitted and those accepted or rejected."
]
},
"citation": "203B.16",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Relates to absentee voting procedures and reporting.",
"modified": [
"Includes added details on efforts made by sheriffs for voting in jails."
]
},
"citation": "203B.27",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Defines transitional housing under section 256K.48 subdivision 1 for the purpose of election day registration.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "256K.48",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Includes supervised living facility licensed by the commissioner of health under section 144.50 subdivision 6 for election day registration purposes.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "144.50",
"subdivision": "subdivision 6"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Nursing home defined under section 144A.01 subdivision 5 is included for election day registration as a residential facility.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "144A.01",
"subdivision": "subdivision 5"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Defines residential program under section 245A.02 subdivision 14 relevant to election day registration.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "245A.02",
"subdivision": "subdivision 14"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Includes residential facilities for individuals with a developmental disability licensed by the commissioner under section 252.28.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "252.28",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Section 256I.03 subdivision 10a invoked for defining housing support setting in context of election day registration.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "256I.03",
"subdivision": "subdivision 10a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Section 611A.37 subdivision 4 used to define shelter for battered women for election day registration.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "611A.37",
"subdivision": "subdivision 4"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Defines residential treatment program under section 245.462 subdivision 23 in the context of election registration.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "245.462",
"subdivision": "subdivision 23"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Adult foster care program definition under section 245A.02 subdivision 6c relevant for election day registration.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "245A.02",
"subdivision": "subdivision 6c"
}
]