This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 15.0145, by adding a new subdivision that establishes a pool of alternate members for the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs, the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage, and the Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans. Each council will appoint two alternate members for every regular member, creating a two-to-one alternate-to-member ratio. The purpose of this alternate pool is to ensure full participation and maintain a quorum during council meetings. The governor will appoint these alternate members, who must meet the same eligibility and diversity criteria as regular members, and they are encouraged to attend all meetings as non-voting participants.

The bill outlines the terms of service for alternate members, including serving the same term lengths as regular members and being rotated into active service when regular members are absent. It also specifies that alternate members will assume full voting rights when filling in for regular members. Councils are required to track attendance and participation, with provisions for removing alternates who do not fulfill their duties. Additionally, each council must submit an annual report to the governor detailing the use and impact of alternate members on the council's operations. The new provisions will take effect the day following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 15.0145