HF2702 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Candidate elected to the office of state senator or state representative permitted to resign the position prior to the commencement of the term for which the candidate was elected, and procedures established for the conduct of a special election in the event of an expected vacancy.
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
The bill aims to introduce a legal mechanism allowing candidates elected to the positions of state senator or state representative in Minnesota to resign before their term begins. This is intended to manage expected vacancies efficiently.
Main Provisions
- Resignation Prior to Term Start: Allows an elected candidate to resign from their state senator or state representative position before officially starting their term.
- Special Election Procedures: Establishes that once a resignation causes an expected vacancy, the governor must call a special election within five days. This election is to fill the vacancy, ensuring that it happens promptly—within 35 days of the writ being issued.
- Timing Considerations for Office Handover: Specifies that the newly elected individual from the special election will assume the office either at the start of the new term or immediately if the legislature is currently in session.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 204D.19, adding a subdivision that introduces the process for handling expected vacancies due to pre-term resignations. It formalizes a timeline and procedure for conducting special elections in these instances, streamlining the transition process.
Relevant Terms
resignation, expected vacancy, special election, state senator, state representative, governor, writ, Minnesota legislature, statutory amendment
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 23, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Elections Finance and Government Operations |
| March 23, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Elections Finance and Government Operations |
| March 25, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author added |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Clarification on timing of special elections relative to expected vacancies."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill involves procedures related to the scheduling and notice of special elections under section 204D.22.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "204D.22",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
}
]