Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to improve the transparency and fairness of the redistricting process and to amend the Minnesota Constitution to establish an Independent Redistricting Commission. Additionally, it seeks to impose a lobbying ban on former legislators and to modify certain legislative procedures and appointments.

Main Provisions

• Independent Redistricting Commission:

  • Establishes a commission to draw congressional and legislative district boundaries following the federal decennial census.
  • Consists of 15 members: five from the first political party, five from the second, and five unaffiliated.
  • Sets detailed eligibility criteria for commission members, excluding current and recent elected officials, lobbyists, and their immediate family members.
  • Requires transparency and public involvement, including public hearings and comments.

• Redistricting Commission Applicant Review Panel:

  • Composed of retired judges to oversee the application process for the Independent Redistricting Commission.
  • Screens applicants, ensuring diverse and qualified selection pools.

• Redrawing District Priorities:

  • Districts must be contiguous, roughly equal in population, and minimize splitting communities of interest.
  • Must not favor any political party unfairly.

• Lobbying Ban for Legislators:

  • Prohibits legislators from lobbying while in office and for one year after their service ends.

• Legislative Session Rules:

  • Sets a maximum of 120 legislative days in a biennium.
  • Specifies procedural rules for adjournment and special sessions.

• Tie-Breaking Votes:

  • Allows the lieutenant governor and the secretary of state to cast tie-breaking votes in the Senate and House, respectively.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Establishment of an independent body for redistricting, moving this duty away from the legislature.
• Introduction of a cooling-off period before former legislators can become lobbyists.
• Amendments to the process and logistics of legislative sessions, aiming to enhance efficiency and accountability.
• Procedural and structural changes in the system of legislative appointments and district numbering.

Relevant Terms

• Independent Redistricting Commission
• Lobbying
• Legislative Sessions
• Congressional and Legislative Districts
• Redistricting
• Constitutional Amendment
• Public Hearings
• Political Party Affiliation