This bill proposes significant amendments to the Minnesota Constitution by establishing an Independent Redistricting Commission tasked with adopting congressional and legislative district boundaries following each federal decennial census. The commission will consist of members from the two major political parties and independents to ensure balanced representation. It mandates the commission to adopt a final redistricting plan by December 31 of the year after the census, conduct public hearings, and file a report detailing public input and adherence to legal requirements. The bill also emphasizes the importance of transparency by requiring open meetings, public access to data, and the hiring of nonpartisan staff free from conflicts of interest.

In addition to the redistricting provisions, the bill includes measures to enhance legislative integrity, such as prohibiting legislators from serving as lobbyists for one year after their service and modifying legislative session requirements. It outlines specific redistricting principles to ensure fairness, such as population equality and representation of racial and ethnic minorities, while prohibiting the drawing of districts that favor any political party or candidate. The bill also establishes a structured application and appointment process for commission members, ensuring diversity and representation, and sets an effective date of January 1, 2030, contingent upon the adoption of related constitutional amendments.

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