SF3070

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to reform how Minnesota creates legislative and congressional districts by proposing a constitutional amendment to establish an Independent Redistricting Commission. It also seeks to restrict former legislators from becoming lobbyists for one year after their service and proposes changes to the scheduling and conducting of legislative sessions.

Main Provisions

• Independent Redistricting Commission: A commission is proposed to draw electoral district boundaries, ensuring a fair and impartial process. The commission will have members representing the two major political parties and non-affiliated individuals.

• Prohibitions on Lobbying: The bill prohibits members of the legislature from being employed or compensated as lobbyists while in office and for one year after their legislative service ends.

• Legislative Sessions Amendments: Adjustments are proposed for the timing and conduct of regular legislative sessions, limiting the number of legislative days and specifying when sessions can occur.

• Redistricting Commission Applicant Review Panel: This panel will screen applicants for the commission, ensuring candidates are qualified, impartial, and representative of the state's demographic diversity.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Constitutional Amendment: The proposed amendment to the Minnesota Constitution would institutionalize the independent commission for redistricting, currently managed by the state legislature.

• Redistricting Principles: The bill sets principles, like equal population and community integrity, for creating districts and requires transparency and public participation in the drawing process.

• Judicial Oversight: If disagreements or legal challenges arise regarding district plans, the state Supreme Court will have exclusive authority over resolution and adjustments.

• Funding Provisions: The bill mandates sufficient funding for the commission’s activities, even allowing the Supreme Court to allocate state funds if necessary.

Relevant Terms

• Independent Redistricting Commission
• Constitutional Amendment
• Lobbyist Restrictions
• Redistricting Principles
• Voting Rights Act
• Public Hearings
• Decennial Census
• Judicial Oversight
• Conflict of Interest