SF4757 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Governor's appointment power to fill vacancies on the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota limitations provision
Related bill: HF4413
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill aims to change how vacancies on the University of Minnesota Board of Regents are filled. Specifically, it requires the Governor to appoint only a candidate recommended by the Joint Legislative Committee if the Legislature has not elected someone to fill the vacancy.
Main Provisions
- Adds a new subdivision to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 137.0246, titled “Governor appointments.”
- Scenario described: When the Joint Legislative Committee recommends a candidate to the joint convention for a vacancy on the Board of Regents and the Legislature does not elect a person to fill that vacancy.
- If that situation occurs, the Governor may only appoint a candidate who was recommended by the Joint Legislative Committee.
Changes to Existing Law
- Creates a binding constraint on the Governor’s appointment power for the University of Minnesota Board of Regents in the specific case where the Legislature has not elected a replacement.
- Shifts the appointment decision from the Governor alone to a requirement that the Governor selects from committee-recommended candidates if the Legislature does not elect someone.
Potential Implications
- Increases legislative influence over who can be appointed to the Board of Regents in unresolved vacancy scenarios.
- Could affect appointment timelines and candidate selection dynamics.
- May alter political dynamics around governance of the University of Minnesota by creating a formal check on gubernatorial discretion.
Relevant Terms - Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota - Governor appointments - Joint Legislative Committee - Joint convention - Vacancy - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 137.0246 - Subd.3 (Governor appointments)
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 23, 2026 | Senate | Action | Introduction and first reading | ||
| March 23, 2026 | Senate | Action | Referred to | Higher Education |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Adds a new subdivision (Subd.3) to 137.0246 establishing Governor appointments for Board of Regents vacancies.",
"Specifies that the Governor may appoint only a candidate recommended by the joint legislative committee when the joint legislative committee has recommended a candidate to the joint convention and the legislature has not elected a person."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 137.0246 by adding a subdivision that restricts governor appointments to vacancies on the University of Minnesota Board of Regents to candidates recommended by the Joint Legislative Committee after it has recommended a candidate and the legislature has not elected someone.",
"modified": [
"Amends 137.0246 to include a new subdivision governing gubernatorial appointment power."
]
},
"citation": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 137.0246",
"subdivision": "Subd.3"
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee