The bill introduces comprehensive amendments to Minnesota's election administration and campaign finance laws, focusing on enhancing transparency, accountability, and accessibility. Key provisions include modifications to absentee voting procedures, voter registration timelines, and the appointment of election judges. It establishes new requirements for the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board to study campaign spending limits and mandates that local officials file statements of economic interest. The bill also introduces civil and criminal penalties for election law violations and repeals the voting equipment grant account. Significant financial appropriations are included, such as $500,000 for legal fees related to a specific court case and $200,000 for the Help America Vote Act account.

Additionally, the bill amends definitions related to campaign advocacy, introduces new provisions for transition expenses for state officials, and enhances voter registration processes, including automatic registration through state agencies. It emphasizes the rights of voters, including the right to register or update their registration at polling places, and establishes a "Voter's Bill of Rights." The bill also outlines new procedures for the election of officers within hospital districts and adjusts filing periods for municipal and school district elections. Overall, these amendments aim to strengthen the electoral process, improve voter participation, and ensure the integrity of campaign finance practices in Minnesota.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 204C.09
1st Engrossment: 202A.20, 207A.11, 206.95, 10A.01, 10A.04, 10A.07, 10A.08, 10A.09, 10A.175, 10A.176, 10A.177, 10A.20, 10A.201, 10A.202, 10A.36, 124E.03, 211A.02, 211B.04, 211B.13, 211B.32, 211B.35, 383B.041, 201.054, 201.056, 201.061, 201.071, 201.091, 201.121, 201.13, 201.14, 201.161, 201.162, 201.225, 201.275, 203B.04, 203B.05, 203B.06, 203B.07, 203B.08, 203B.081, 203B.11, 203B.121, 203B.17, 203B.23, 203B.29, 203B.30, 204B.06, 204B.07, 204B.09, 204B.14, 204B.16, 204B.175, 204B.21, 204B.24, 204B.25, 204B.28, 204B.44, 204B.45, 204C.05, 204C.06, 204C.08, 204C.09, 204C.10, 204C.15, 204C.24, 204C.32, 204C.33, 205.07, 205.075, 205.13, 205.185, 205A.06, 205A.10, 205A.11, 206.83, 368.47, 375.20, 414.09, 447.32