Bill > SF1812

This bill expands Minnesota's existing election-related bribery and solicitation prohibitions by creating more comprehensive restrictions on attempting to influence voting behavior. Specifically, the bill makes it a felony for a person to provide money, goods, or other things of value with the intent to: (1) persuade a voter to refrain from voting or vote in a particular way, (2) induce an individual to register to vote, or (3) encourage a registered or eligible voter to sign an election-related petition during the period between the start of absentee voting and election day. The legislation clarifies that minor refreshments (up to $5 in value) at public meetings or private gatherings remain permissible, and candidates can still publicly express support for other candidates. The bill also adds a new provision allowing the attorney general or county attorney to civilly enforce these prohibitions under existing legal mechanisms. The changes will take effect on August 1, 2025, and will apply to crimes committed on or after that date, providing a clear timeline for implementation of the expanded election interference protections.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1812&ssn=0&y=2025