Purpose of the Bill

The proposed legislation aims to amend the Minnesota Constitution to protect individuals' free speech rights in relation to government contracts, employment, or benefits. Specifically, it seeks to prevent any law from requiring a waiver of these rights, including political boycotts, as a condition for receiving government-related opportunities.

Main Provisions

• Constitutional Amendment: The bill proposes adding a new section to Article IV of the Minnesota Constitution.
• Protection of Free Speech: It seeks to ensure that individuals are not compelled to waive their free speech rights, especially concerning political activities like boycotts, in order to qualify for government contracts, employment opportunities, or benefits.
• Voter Submission: The amendment will be presented to the voters in the 2026 general election for approval.

Significant Changes

• Legal Framework: If approved, this constitutional change would formally embed the protection of free speech rights within the state’s highest legal document, specifically concerning the government's conditioning of these rights for contracts or benefits.
• Implementation: Upon voter ratification, the amendment would take effect starting January 1, 2027.

Relevant Terms

free speech rights, political boycotts, constitutional amendment, government contracts, employment benefits, waiver of rights, Minnesota Constitution