Bill > SF3513

This bill proposes a comprehensive constitutional amendment and statutory framework to establish an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) for drawing legislative and congressional district boundaries in Minnesota. The bill creates a 15-member commission composed of five members supporting the first political party, five members supporting the second political party, and five members not affiliated with either party. The commission would be selected through a detailed, multi-step process involving a Redistricting Commission Applicant Screening Panel, which would screen and randomly select members to ensure diversity and impartiality. The commission would be required to draw district boundaries according to strict principles, including maintaining population equality, protecting minority voting rights, preserving communities of interest, and ensuring districts are compact and contiguous. The bill also introduces provisions to prevent partisan gerrymandering by requiring that district plans closely match statewide partisan preferences. Additionally, the bill includes ethics provisions prohibiting legislators from serving as lobbyists while in office and for one year after leaving office, and modifies legislative session rules and voting procedures. 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=SF3513&ssn=0&y=2025