This bill proposes significant amendments to the Minnesota Constitution, establishing an Independent Redistricting Commission to reform the process of drawing legislative and congressional district boundaries. It introduces Article IV, Section 27, allowing the lieutenant governor and secretary of state to vote in case of a tie in their respective houses. A new Article XV outlines the commission's structure and responsibilities, requiring it to adopt district boundaries by December 31 following each federal decennial census. The commission will include members from major political parties and independents to ensure balanced representation. The bill also emphasizes transparency and public participation, mandating public hearings in each congressional district and prohibiting legislators from lobbying for one year after their service.

Additionally, the bill establishes a Citizens Advisory Redistricting Commission to draw district boundaries every ten years, beginning in 2030, with provisions for diversity and representation among its 15 public members. It includes regulations on the conduct of commissioners, requiring them to perform their duties impartially and attend training sessions. The commission must adhere to open meeting laws and conduct a minimum of 16 public hearings before adopting districting plans. The bill outlines specific principles for drawing districts, such as population equality and minimizing divisions of communities, and mandates that the secretary of state provide corrections to affected parties. The proposed amendments will be submitted to voters in the 2026 general election, with an effective date set for January 1, 2030, contingent upon the adoption of related constitutional amendments.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 2.031, 2.731, 10A.01, 2.91