Bill > HF501

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to the Minnesota Constitution that would guarantee equal rights for all persons and explicitly prohibit discrimination based on several characteristics. The proposed amendment would prevent the state from discriminating against individuals on account of race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex, with sex being broadly defined to include pregnancy-related decisions, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. The amendment would require that any state action that potentially denies equal rights must use the least restrictive means to achieve a compelling governmental interest. The proposed amendment is self-executing, meaning it can be directly applied without additional legislation, and it does not limit existing constitutional rights. Importantly, the amendment also preserves the ability to create laws, regulations, and programs designed to prevent or remedy discrimination. If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, the amendment would become effective on January 1, 2027, and the ballot question will ask voters whether they support guaranteeing equal rights and prohibiting discrimination on the specified grounds.

Government Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0501&ssn=0&y=2025