Bill > SF3070

This bill proposes a comprehensive constitutional amendment and statutory changes to establish an Independent Redistricting Commission in Minnesota. The bill would create a 15-member commission responsible for drawing legislative and congressional district boundaries after each decennial census, with a unique selection process designed to ensure partisan balance and geographic diversity. The commission members would be chosen through a multi-step process involving a screening panel, random selection, and additional appointments to ensure representation. The bill establishes detailed principles for drawing districts, including requirements for population equality, minority representation, preservation of communities of interest, and partisan fairness. Key provisions include prohibiting districts from being drawn to favor specific candidates or parties, requiring districts to be compact and contiguous, and implementing a test of partisan symmetry to ensure fair representation. The bill also imposes ethics restrictions on commission members, including limitations on political activities and communications. Additionally, the amendment would prohibit legislators from serving as lobbyists for one year after leaving office and makes changes to legislative session rules. The proposed constitutional amendment would be submitted to voters in the 2026 general election, with implementation set to begin in 2030 if approved.

Government Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF3070&ssn=0&y=2025