Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish a process for selecting delegates from Minnesota to attend an amendment convention under Article V of the United States Constitution. This convention is intended to propose amendments to the Constitution.

Main Provisions

• Delegate Qualifications: To be a delegate, one must be a U.S. citizen and Minnesota resident for at least five years, be 25 years or older, a registered Minnesota voter, and have no federal lobbying, employment, or elected position ties within the past ten years. Delegates must not have any felony convictions in the last decade and should be current or former Minnesota legislators.

• Delegate Selection: Five delegates will represent Minnesota. Four are appointed by the Senate and House leaders (majority and minority), and a fifth is chosen by unanimous agreement among them. Alternates are also appointed in case of delegates' inability to serve.

• Commissioning Resolution: This resolution details the delegates' binding instructions, emphasizing that each state has one vote and prohibition against altering the Constitution's rights guarantees. Additional instructions can be issued by the Minnesota Legislature.

• Delegate Oath and Credentials: Delegates must take an oath to adhere to their commission's limits, filed with the Secretary of State. Their credentials include this oath and the commissioning resolution.

• Vacancies: Interim delegates fill vacancies until a permanent replacement is selected by a joint Legislative vote.

• Compensation and Gifts: Delegates receive the same compensation and expense allowances as state house members. They are prohibited from accepting significant gifts or benefits exceeding $200, except from family members.

• Delegate Conduct: Delegates must unite in public and media communications. Infractions could lead to removal or penalties.

• Advisory Committee: Comprising key legislative leaders, this committee selects a chair and oversees delegate actions, providing guidance on legality, investigating scope breaches, and ensuring adherence to instructions.

• Oversight and Penalties: The advisory committee monitors delegate authority. If exceeded, the delegate is removed and may face a civil penalty up to $20,000, enforceable by the attorney general.

Significant Changes

The bill introduces a formalized process within Minnesota statutes for the selection, instruction, and oversight of delegates to an Article V convention, which is new to Minnesota law.

Relevant Terms

• Amendment Convention
• Article V
• Delegates
• Commissioning Resolution
• Minnesota Legislature
• Civil Penalty
• Advisory Committee