Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to create a formal process for selecting delegates from Minnesota to participate in a convention for proposing amendments to the United States Constitution, as outlined in Article V of the U.S. Constitution.

Main Provisions

• Delegate Selection: Minnesota will send delegates to an Article V amendment convention. Five delegates will be appointed by the state's legislative leaders: one each by the Senate majority leader, Senate minority leader, Speaker of the House, and House minority leader, with a fifth selected by unanimous agreement.
• Delegate Qualifications: Delegates must have been United States citizens and Minnesota residents for at least five years, be at least 25 years old, and registered voters in the state. They must also not be federal lobbyists, employees, or officials within the past ten years, and must have no felony convictions within the past ten years. Delegates cannot hold statewide office during their service.
• Duties and Limitations: Delegates' authority will be outlined in a commissioning resolution. They cannot vote to alter basic constitutional liberties or change the single-vote rule for each state during the convention. Additional instructions can be provided by the legislature at any time.
• Delegate Conduct: Delegates must take an oath to adhere to their commission's limitations, cannot accept significant gifts, and may face removal and penalties for exceeding their authority.
• Advisory Committee: An advisory committee will consist of legislative leaders and will oversee delegates’ adherence to their authority, offer guidance, and manage any issues of overstepping their authority.

Significant Changes

• This bill establishes a specific protocol to ensure Minnesota's representation at a constitutional amendment convention is orderly, rules-bound, and monitored, with clear criteria for delegate selection and conduct.
• It creates an advisory committee to manage delegate activities and ensure alignment with legislative instructions, promoting accountability.

Relevant Terms

• Article V Convention
• Amendment Convention
• Minnesota Delegates
• Commissioning Resolution
• Advisory Committee
• Delegate Qualifications