HF2830

Purpose of the Bill

The bill proposes an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution aimed at promoting public transparency in the legislative process. It seeks to reinforce the rules governing the drafting and amendment of laws so that each law addresses only a single subject, and it ensures that amendments do not alter the original purpose of the bill.

Main Provisions

• Single Subject Clause: The proposed constitutional amendment mandates that each law must focus on only one subject, which is clearly stated in the title of the bill.

• Original Purpose Clause: Amendments to bills must not change the original intent. This ensures that the bill's purpose remains consistent throughout its journey in the legislature.

• Enforcement and Interpretation: Courts are directed to interpret the requirements narrowly, meaning they should be strict about whether laws actually adhere to the single-subject rule and do not deviate from their original purpose.

• Public Participation: A Minnesota resident can bring a legal action in district court if they believe these rules are violated, without the necessity to show they have suffered direct harm.

• Unconstitutional Provisions: If a law is found unconstitutional under the new sections, the entire law is considered void and unenforceable.

Significant Changes

• Enhanced Scrutiny: The amendment proposes stricter court review for determining if laws meet the single-subject requirement and if amendments preserve the original purpose.

• Resident Enforcement: It allows any state resident to challenge a law's constitutionality based on these criteria, even in the absence of personal injury.

Relevant Terms

single subject, original purpose, Minnesota Constitution, constitutional amendment, public transparency, legislative process, enforceable, unconstitutional, amendment provisions, omnibus bills