The proposed legislative bill SF No 824 aims to amend the Minnesota Constitution by establishing a Bipartisan Redistricting Commission. This commission would be responsible for setting the boundaries of congressional and legislative districts in Minnesota, following each federal decennial census. The members of this commission would be appointed by leaders from both major political parties in the state legislature. The bill outlines specific eligibility criteria for commission members, ensuring that currently elected or appointed officials and their immediate families cannot serve.

The commission will have the authority to adopt redistricting plans, which will take effect at the state general elections held two years after each census. Their decisions can only be made with a majority vote that includes at least one appointee from each appointing authority.

Furthermore, the bill addresses how the redistricting plans can be challenged and reviewed by the state Supreme Court, providing the commission the right to defend its plans. If a plan is found non-compliant with legal requirements, the commission may be reconstituted to rectify the issues.

A key aspect of the commission’s role will be following specific principles such as ensuring districts are contiguous, compact, and respect the population equality requirements. They must also not dilute the voting strength of racial or ethnic minorities.

The proposal to establish this commission will be presented to Minnesota voters in the 2026 state general election, asking them whether they agree to amend the constitution for creating this Bipartisan Redistricting Commission. Further statutory implementations and definitions related to the commission are also included in the bill, ensuring the practical application of this newly proposed constitutional amendment.

This new system is designed to create fairer and non-partisan redistricting processes for defining political districts in Minnesota.