This bill proposes an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution aimed at modernizing the language in Article I to align with contemporary legal standards and promote inclusivity. Key changes include replacing gender-specific pronouns such as "his" with gender-neutral terms like "the member's" and "the accused's," as well as substituting "man" with "person." The amendment also seeks to clarify rights related to voting, criminal prosecutions, and the responsibilities of public officials, ensuring that the language reflects a more inclusive approach.
Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for severability, stating that if any part of the proposed changes is found to violate the Constitution or is deemed inconsequential through litigation, that specific change will be rendered ineffective while the remaining amendments will still stand. The proposed amendment is set to be submitted to voters during the 2026 general election, asking whether they approve of these updates to the Minnesota Constitution without altering its legal effect.