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SF1310 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Ballot language amendment to school district referenda

AI Generated Summary

The legislative bill S.F. No. 1310 aims to modify the existing laws regarding ballot language for school district referenda in Minnesota. The key changes proposed are as follows:

  1. Capital Project Levy Referendum: Allows a district to levy a local tax rate decided by majority voter approval to fund specified projects. Key points include:

    • Elections for the levy must be held no more than five years before the project starts.
    • If the project’s review by the commissioner isn't positive, at least 60% of voters must approve it.
    • The ballot must clearly describe the project, total costs, approval status from the commissioner, and specify the financial implications, including the tax duration and rate.

  2. Referendum revenue adjustments for schools: Adjusts procedures for school districts to propose and conduct referenda for increasing levy authority for funding needs. Notable elements include:

    • Referendums must specify the maximum additional revenue per student and may include a schedule of revenue changes over the authorized years or include adjustments based on inflation.
    • Such elections should be conducted close to when the additional funding is needed and detail any expiring levies for proper voter understanding.

  3. Mandatory Notifications and Transparency: School districts must furnish detailed notifications about upcoming referendums, including financial effects on typical properties and a direct acknowledgment of the tax increase. Additionally, the district must inform state officials before and after the referendum about the details and outcomes.

  4. General Ballot Information: Any ballot question asking voters to approve a property tax levy or any tax rate enhancement after June 8, 1995, must prominently inform voters that they are voting for a tax increase.

These changes aim to increase transparency, provide clear information to voters regarding financial implications, and ensure proper timing and authority for school funding increments through referendums.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 12, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 12, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toElections

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies the conditions and requirements for when a referendum can be called or held."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Removes ambiguity regarding the combination of levy and debt obligation questions."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill amends provisions related to capital project levy referendums under section 123B.63.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts descriptive ballot language requirements for projects and referendums."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "123B.63"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Ensures new referendums adhere to existing project planning and review requirements."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill involves compliance with project funding rules under section 123B.71.",
      "modified": [
        "Refines review and comment procedure alignment with current practices."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "123B.71"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Specifies notice requirements and timeframes for upcoming referenda."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Eliminates duplicative language regarding multiple referenda per year."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies referendum revenue increment conditions under section 126C.17.",
      "modified": [
        "Revises maximum authorized revenue increase detail per adjusted pupil unit."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "126C.17"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Mandates new ballot language on tax implications for voters."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill updates the ballot notice requirements for levy or bond referendums under section 275.60.",
      "modified": [
        "Enhances clarity of language by emphasizing potential tax increases in boldface."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "275.60"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Aligns elections to specific authorized dates for organizational consistency."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references election dates for school district ballots per section 205A.05.",
      "modified": [
        "Aligns school board election procedures with statutory guidelines."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "205A.05"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allows concurrent levy and debt issuance questions for streamlined approvals."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill discusses the conjunction of levy and debt questions under section 475.59.",
      "modified": [
        "Provides clarification on combining debt obligations with levy approval on ballots."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "475.59"
  }
]

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