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HF 296

as introduced - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 02/09/2010 01:35am

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.
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Engrossments
Introduction Posted on 01/26/2009

Current Version - as introduced

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A bill for an act
 relating to state government; proposing an amendment to the Minnesota
Constitution, article V, sections 1, 2, 5; abolishing the office of lieutenant
governor.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS PROPOSED.
new text end

new text begin An amendment to the Minnesota Constitution is proposed to the people. If the
amendment is adopted,
 new text end

new text begin article V, section 1, will read:
new text end

Section 1.

The executive department consists of a governor, deleted text begin lieutenant governor,deleted text end
secretary of state, auditor, and attorney general, who shall be chosen by the electors of
the state. deleted text begin The governor and lieutenant governor shall be chosen jointly by a single vote
applying to both offices in a manner prescribed by law.deleted text end

new text begin article V, section 2, will read:
new text end

Sec. 2.

The term of office for the governor deleted text begin and lieutenant governordeleted text end is four years and
until a successor is chosen and qualified. deleted text begin Eachdeleted text end new text begin The governornew text end shall have attained the age of
25 years and, shall have been a bona fide resident of the state for one year next preceding
his election, and shall be a citizen of the United States.

new text begin article V, section 5, will read:
new text end

Sec. 5.

In case a vacancy occurs from any cause whatever in the office of governor,
the deleted text begin lieutenant governordeleted text end new text begin secretary of statenew text end shall be governor during such vacancy. deleted text begin The
compensation of the lieutenant governor shall be prescribed by law.deleted text end The last elected
presiding officer of the senate shall become deleted text begin lieutenantdeleted text end governor in case a vacancy
occurs in deleted text begin that officedeleted text end new text begin the offices of governor and secretary of statenew text end . In case the governor
is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his new text begin or her new text end office, the same devolves on
the deleted text begin lieutenant governordeleted text end new text begin secretary of statenew text end . The legislature may provide by law for the
case of the removal, death, resignation, or inability both of the governor and deleted text begin lieutenant
governordeleted text end new text begin secretary of statenew text end to discharge the duties of governor and may provide by law
for continuity of government in periods of emergency resulting from disasters caused by
enemy attack in this state, includingnew text begin ,new text end but not limited to, succession to the powers and
duties of public office and change of the seat of government.

Sec. 2. new text begin SCHEDULE AND QUESTION.
new text end

new text begin The proposed amendment shall be submitted to the people at the 2010 general
election and, if approved, shall take effect on the first Monday in January 2013. The
question submitted shall be:
 new text end

new text begin "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to abolish the office of lieutenant
governor on the first Monday in January 2013?
 new text end

new text begin Yes .......
 new text end
new text begin No ......."
 new text end