Bill > SF1097

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to strengthen Minnesota's single subject and title clause for legislative bills, focusing on improving government transparency and accountability. The amendment would require that each law embrace only one subject, which must be clearly expressed in its title, and that every provision in the law must be directly and logically related to that subject. Critically, the bill would prohibit legislators from amending a bill in a way that changes its original purpose, with courts instructed to narrowly construe what constitutes a "single subject" and "original purpose". The amendment would also allow any Minnesota resident to bring a legal action challenging a bill's constitutionality without needing to demonstrate personal injury, and if a provision is found unconstitutional, the entire act would be considered void and unenforceable. The proposed amendment would be submitted to voters in the 2026 general election, with the legislature explicitly stating its intent to combat practices like omnibus bills with hundreds of unrelated provisions and amendments that fundamentally alter a bill's initial intent. The goal is to enhance public transparency by ensuring that legislative bills remain focused and true to their original purpose throughout the lawmaking process.

Government Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1097&ssn=0&y=2025