Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to propose amendments to the Minnesota Constitution to establish an Independent Redistricting Commission responsible for creating congressional and legislative district boundaries. Additionally, it seeks to prevent members of the Minnesota Legislature from serving as lobbyists during and for a period after their legislative service. It also aims to amend laws related to legislative sessions, tie-breaking votes, gubernatorial appointments, and the eligibility of legislative members.

Main Provisions

• Independent Redistricting Commission:

  • To be established within the legislative department, comprising 15 members: five from each of the two main political parties and five who are not affiliated with either party.
  • The commission will be responsible for adopting congressional and legislative district boundaries after each decennial census.

• Redistricting Commission Applicant Review Panel:

  • Will screen applicants for the commission to ensure qualifications and impartiality.
  • Ensures diversity within the commission and a fair representation of Minnesota’s demographics.

• Prohibitions on Legislators:

  • Legislators are prohibited from being employed or compensated as lobbyists while in office and for one year after their term ends.

• Legislative Procedural Changes:

  • Allows the Lieutenant Governor to cast tie-breaking votes in the Senate and the Secretary of State to do so in the House of Representatives.
  • Sets regulations for legislative sessions, limiting them to 120 days every two years and specifying adjournment periods.

• Gubernatorial Appointments:

  • Adjusts procedures for the confirmation of appointments made by the Governor by the Senate, particularly relating to the time frame within which the Senate must act.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduction of an Independent Redistricting Commission to take over the task of redistricting, which traditionally might involve legislative input.
• Introduction of a cooling-off period for legislators to prevent them from immediately moving into lobbying roles after they leave office.
• Changes to how legislative bodies operate concerning voting and sessions.

Relevant Terms

• Independent Redistricting Commission
• Lobbyist Restrictions
• Legislative Sessions
• Tie-breaking Votes
• Gubernatorial Appointments
• Redistricting
• Constitutional Amendment