Bill > HF1890

This bill modifies Minnesota's election laws regarding legislative office vacancies, introducing new provisions for filling vacant seats under specific circumstances. The bill establishes that if a legislative seat becomes vacant due to candidate misconduct or ineligibility, the second-place candidate from the most recent general election can be automatically appointed to the position. Specifically, after a vacancy is declared, the chief clerk of the house or secretary of the senate must notify the secretary of state, who will then issue a certificate of election to the second-place candidate within three days, unless an election contest is filed within two business days. The bill expands the definition of events that can create a vacancy, including scenarios such as conviction of an infamous crime, ineligibility to hold office, or significant violations of campaign finance regulations. Importantly, the bill stipulates that special elections are not required to fill these types of legislative vacancies, providing a more streamlined process for replacing legislators who are found to be ineligible or who have committed misconduct. This approach aims to quickly replace disqualified legislators while minimizing the administrative burden and cost of holding special elections.

Government Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1890&ssn=0&y=2025