Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance the effectiveness and participation of ethnic councils in Minnesota by establishing a pool of alternate members. These members will ensure that councils can operate efficiently and maintain a quorum during meetings.

Main Provisions

• Alternate Member Pool: The bill mandates the creation of a pool of alternate members for three ethnic councils: the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs, the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage, and the Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans.
• Appointment and Ratio: For each council member, there will be two alternates, maintaining a two-to-one alternate-to-member ratio. These alternates will be appointed by the governor with the same eligibility, diversity, and expertise requirements as regular members.
• Terms and Duties: Alternates will have the same term length limits as regular members, with a maximum service of eight years. They will rotate into active service as needed to fill in for absent members, assuming full voting rights during these periods.
• Activation and Participation: Alternates are encouraged to attend all council meetings as non-voting participants and must complete the same orientation and training. They will be activated on a rotating basis when needed and temporarily elevated to full membership if a regular seat becomes vacant.
• Monitoring and Reporting: The councils must track attendance and participation of both regular and alternate members, with specific protocols for removal if obligations are not met. An annual report highlighting the use of alternate members will be submitted to the governor and relevant legislative committees.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 15.0145 by adding a new subdivision to formalize the structure and responsibilities of alternate members within ethnic councils. It specifies conditions under which alternates may assume roles and responsibilities and outlines procedures for maintaining active participation and meeting attendance.

Relevant Terms

• Ethnic Councils
• Alternate Members
• Quorum
• Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs
• Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage
• Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans
• Appointment and Voting Rights
• Public Policy and Diversity Criteria