Purpose of the Bill

The bill establishes a process for Minnesota to select delegates to attend a convention for amending the United States Constitution under Article V. This aims to ensure proper representation of Minnesota at such a convention and outlines clear guidelines for the selection, roles, and conduct of delegates.

Main Provisions

• Delegate Selection: Minnesota must appoint five delegates to the convention, with appointments made by key state leadership (senate majority leader, senate minority leader, speaker of the house, and house minority leader). A fifth delegate is chosen unanimously by these leaders. Each leader can appoint one alternate delegate in case the primary delegate is unable to serve.

• Delegate Qualifications: Delegates need to be U.S. citizens and Minnesota residents for at least five years, at least 25 years old, and cannot have been involved in federal lobbying or held federal positions in the last ten years. Felony convictions within the last ten years also disqualify individuals from serving.

• Responsibilities and Conduct: Delegates must follow a commissioning resolution that limits their authority. They are prohibited from promoting changes to key constitutional guarantees and must adhere to traditional voting procedures in conventions (i.e., each state gets one vote).

• Oath and Credentials: Before participating, delegates must take an oath to act within their authority. This oath is filed with the state for official record-keeping.

• Advisory Committee: A four-member committee made up of key legislative leaders oversees delegate actions and can recall a delegate if they exceed their mandated authority.

• Vacancies: Any vacancies are initially filled by an interim delegate chosen by the advisory committee, with the legislature later selecting a permanent replacement.

Significant Changes

• Establishes a structured process for Minnesota to participate in Article V amendment conventions, which did not previously exist.
• Sets clear guidelines and restrictions on delegate behavior and interactions, ensuring that actions taken by delegates align strictly with Minnesota's legislative resolutions.
• Implements penalties for delegates who exceed their authority, including potential civil penalties up to $20,000.

Relevant Terms

• Amendment Convention
• Article V
• Delegate Selection
• Commissioning Resolution
• Qualifications of Delegates
• Advisory Committee
• Oath and Credentials
• Emolument and Gift Prohibition
• Civil Penalty