Bill > SF1310

This bill modifies ballot language requirements for school district referenda in Minnesota, making several key changes to how school districts communicate potential tax levies and bond issues to voters. The bill amends three statutes to remove specific prescribed language about tax increases and modify referendum notice requirements. For capital project levies, the bill eliminates mandatory language that previously required ballot notices to explicitly state "BY VOTING YES ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING TO RENEW AN EXISTING CAPITAL PROJECTS REFERENDUM THAT IS SCHEDULED TO EXPIRE." Similarly, for referendum revenue increases, the bill removes language that required notices to state "BY VOTING 'YES' ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING TO EXTEND AN EXISTING PROPERTY TAX REFERENDUM THAT IS SCHEDULED TO EXPIRE." The bill also removes a requirement that levy or bond referendum ballots include the statement "BY VOTING 'YES' ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE" and excludes school districts from certain ballot notice requirements. These changes provide school districts with more flexibility in how they phrase ballot language while still maintaining transparency about potential tax implications. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply to elections held on or after that date.

Government Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1310&ssn=0&y=2025