SF2023

Purpose

• This bill aims to provide funding by transferring money from Minnesota’s general fund to the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) state match account. The goal is to satisfy the state’s matching requirement under federal election funding rules.

Main Provisions

• Section 1: In fiscal year 2026, $200,000 is transferred from the general fund to the HAVA account established in Minnesota Statutes section 5.30.
• The transferred amount is credited toward Minnesota’s state match requirement under the federal Help America Vote Act as updated by the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 (Public Law 118-47).

Significance and Changes to Law

• The bill makes a one-time appropriation transfer rather than creating new programs or authorities.
• It adjusts the state’s funding for election-related activities by directing $200,000 in FY 2026 to meet the HAVA state match, aligning with federal requirements without altering existing statutory language beyond the transfer.
• The change affects the general fund by moving $200,000 to the HAVA account for the purpose of securing federal funds.

Context and How It Works

• The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) provides federal support for improving election administration and accessibility, with states obligated to provide a matching contribution to receive those funds.
• Minnesota maintains an HAVA account under Minnesota Statutes section 5.30 to track and manage such funds.
• The transfer aligns Minnesota’s funding with the match requirements described in Public Law 118-47.

Potential Implications

• Ensures eligibility for federal HAVA funds by meeting the required state match.
• Provides predictable funding for election-related improvements funded through HAVA.

Relevant Terms - Help America Vote Act (HAVA) - HAVA account - state match - Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 - Public Law 118-47 - Minnesota Statutes section 5.30 - general fund - fiscal year 2026 - transfer - elections