1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to state government operations; establishing a biennial budget; 
1.3 	appropriating money for the legislature, certain constitutional offices and state 
1.4 	agencies, the Minnesota Historical Society, the Minnesota Humanities Center, 
1.5 	certain retirement accounts, certain offices, departments, boards, commissions, 
1.6 	councils, general contingent account, and tort claims; transferring money; raising 
1.7 	fees; making changes to policy provisions for state government operations and 
1.8 	local government policy; modifying state personnel management policies; 
1.9 	modifying business filing and fraud policies; creating a task force; repealing 
1.10 	provisions; modifying various laws related to election administration; modifying 
1.11 	voting and absentee voting requirements and procedures; formalizing the election 
1.12 	reporting system; clarifying terminology; expanding laws relating to reprisals for 
1.13 	political activity; expanding election-related bribery and solicitation prohibitions; 
1.14 	amending fair campaign practices laws; requiring the Campaign Finance and Public 
1.15 	Disclosure Board to study campaign spending limits; modifying campaign finance 
1.16 	definitions; establishing and modifying disclaimer requirements; amending 
1.17 	standards for coordinated and noncoordinated expenditures and disbursements; 
1.18 	modifying laws on transition expenses; modifying campaign finance definitions; 
1.19 	modifying statement of economic interest requirements; modifying payment for 
1.20 	the presidential nomination primary; providing for civil causes of action and civil 
1.21 	enforcement; providing criminal and civil penalties; authorizing rulemaking; 
1.22 	repealing the voting equipment grant account; requiring reports and publications;
1.23 	amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 3.06; 3.084, subdivision 2; 3.971, 
1.24 	subdivisions 2, 8a, 9; 10A.01, subdivisions 16a, 18, 21, 22, 24, 26, 26b, 35, by 
1.25 	adding a subdivision; 10A.04, subdivisions 4, 6; 10A.06; 10A.07, subdivisions 1, 
1.26 	2; 10A.08, subdivision 1; 10A.09, subdivisions 1, 5, 5a, 6a; 10A.175, by adding 
1.27 	a subdivision; 10A.176; 10A.177; 10A.20, by adding a subdivision; 10A.201, 
1.28 	subdivision 6; 10A.202, subdivision 4; 10A.36; 11A.24, by adding a subdivision; 
1.29 	13.485, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 13D.02, subdivisions 1, 4; 14.48, 
1.30 	subdivisions 1, 2; 14.62, subdivisions 1, 2a, by adding a subdivision; 15B.06, 
1.31 	subdivision 1; 16A.152, subdivision 8; 16B.055, subdivision 1; 16B.335, 
1.32 	subdivision 2; 16B.48, subdivision 4; 16B.54, subdivision 2; 16B.97, subdivision 
1.33 	1, by adding a subdivision; 16B.98, subdivisions 1, 4; 16B.981, subdivision 4; 
1.34 	16B.991, subdivision 2; 16C.05, by adding a subdivision; 16C.137, subdivision 
1.35 	2; 16C.16, subdivisions 2, 6, 6a, 7; 16D.09, subdivision 1; 43A.01, subdivision 3; 
1.36 	43A.02, subdivision 14; 43A.04, subdivisions 1, 4, 8; 43A.05, subdivision 3; 
1.37 	43A.08, subdivisions 1a, 4; 43A.11, subdivision 9; 43A.121; 43A.15, subdivisions 
1.38 	4, 7, 12, 14; 43A.17, subdivision 5; 43A.181, subdivision 1; 43A.1815; 43A.19, 
2.1 	subdivision 1; 43A.23, subdivisions 1, 2; 43A.231, subdivisions 3, 4, 6; 43A.24, 
2.2 	subdivisions 1a, 2; 43A.27, subdivisions 2, 3; 43A.33, subdivision 3; 43A.346, 
2.3 	subdivisions 2, 6; 43A.36, subdivision 1; 43A.421; 124E.03, by adding a 
2.4 	subdivision; 155A.23, by adding a subdivision; 155A.27, subdivision 2; 155A.2705, 
2.5 	subdivision 3; 155A.30, subdivision 2; 201.054, subdivisions 1, 2; 201.056; 
2.6 	201.061, subdivisions 1, 3, 3a, 4, 5, 7; 201.071, subdivisions 1, 4; 201.091, 
2.7 	subdivisions 5, 8; 201.121, subdivisions 1, 3; 201.13, subdivision 3; 201.14; 
2.8 	201.161, subdivisions 4, 5, 8; 201.162; 201.225, subdivisions 2, 5; 201.275; 
2.9 	202A.20, subdivision 2; 203B.04, subdivisions 1, 4; 203B.05, subdivision 1; 
2.10 	203B.06, subdivision 4; 203B.07, subdivisions 1, 3; 203B.08, subdivisions 1, 3; 
2.11 	203B.081, subdivision 4; 203B.11, subdivision 1; 203B.121, subdivisions 2, 4, 5; 
2.12 	203B.17, subdivision 3; 203B.23, subdivision 2; 203B.29, subdivisions 1, 2; 
2.13 	203B.30, subdivisions 2, 3; 204B.06, subdivisions 1, 1b; 204B.07, subdivision 2; 
2.14 	204B.09, subdivisions 1a, 2, 3; 204B.14, subdivisions 2, 4a; 204B.16, subdivision 
2.15 	1a; 204B.175, subdivision 3; 204B.21, subdivisions 1, 2, by adding a subdivision; 
2.16 	204B.24; 204B.25, subdivision 3; 204B.28, subdivision 2; 204B.44; 204B.45, 
2.17 	subdivision 2; 204C.05, subdivision 2; 204C.06, subdivisions 1, 2, 6; 204C.08, 
2.18 	subdivision 1d; 204C.09, subdivision 1; 204C.10; 204C.15, subdivisions 2, 3; 
2.19 	204C.24, subdivision 1; 204C.32, subdivision 1; 204C.33, subdivision 1; 205.07, 
2.20 	by adding a subdivision; 205.075, subdivision 4; 205.13, subdivisions 1, 1a; 
2.21 	205.185, subdivision 3; 205A.06, subdivisions 1, 1a; 205A.10, subdivisions 2, 3; 
2.22 	205A.11, subdivision 2; 206.83; 207A.11; 211A.02, subdivisions 1, 2; 211B.04, 
2.23 	subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 5, by adding a subdivision; 211B.13; 211B.32, subdivisions 
2.24 	1, 4; 211B.35, subdivision 2; 222.37, subdivision 1; 240.131, subdivision 7; 
2.25 	302A.153; 303.06, by adding a subdivision; 303.21; 308A.131, subdivision 2; 
2.26 	308B.215, subdivision 2; 317A.151, subdivision 2; 321.0206; 322C.0201, 
2.27 	subdivision 4; 322C.0802; 323A.0101; 326.05; 326.10, subdivisions 1, 2, 10; 
2.28 	326.111, subdivisions 3, 4, 5, by adding a subdivision; 326A.03, subdivision 6, 
2.29 	by adding subdivisions; 326A.14; 331A.10, subdivision 2; 349A.01, by adding a 
2.30 	subdivision; 349A.06, subdivisions 2, 4, 11; 367.36, subdivision 1; 368.47; 375.20; 
2.31 	383B.041, subdivision 5; 383C.035; 412.02, subdivision 3; 412.591, subdivision 
2.32 	3; 414.09, subdivision 3; 447.32, subdivision 4; 466.01, subdivision 1; 477A.017, 
2.33 	subdivision 3; 609.48, subdivision 1; Laws 2023, chapter 62, article 1, sections 
2.34 	11, subdivision 2; 13; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 
2.35 	1; 5; 6; 8; 10A; 15; 16B; 16C; 204B; 207A; 211B; 300; 383A; 471; repealing 
2.36 	Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 16B.328, subdivision 2; 16B.45; 16B.98, 
2.37 	subdivision 14; 16C.36; 43A.315; 43A.317, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 
2.38 	12; 43A.318, subdivisions 1, 2, 4, 5; 206.57, subdivision 5b; 206.95; 209.06; 
2.39 	211B.04, subdivision 4; 211B.06; 211B.08; 383C.07; 383C.74, subdivisions 1, 2, 
2.40 	3, 4; 471.9998; Laws 2023, chapter 53, article 17, section 2; Laws 2024, chapter 
2.41 	120, article 3, section 2; Minnesota Rules, parts 1105.7900, item D; 4503.2000, 
2.42 	subpart 2; 4511.1100.
2.43 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

2.44 	ARTICLE 1
2.45 	STATE GOVERNMENT AND ELECTIONS APPROPRIATIONS

2.46	Section 1. STATE GOVERNMENT AND ELECTIONS APPROPRIATIONS.
 	
2.47 	The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies 
2.48 	and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the general fund, 
2.49 	or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose. 
2.50 	The figures "2026" and "2027" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under 
2.51 	them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, or June 30, 2027, respectively. 
3.1 	"The first year" is fiscal year 2026. "The second year" is fiscal year 2027. "The biennium" 
3.2 	is fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

3.3				APPROPRIATIONS
	
3.4				Available for the Year
	
3.5				Ending June 30
	
3.6					2026
		2027

3.7	Sec. 2. LEGISLATURE

3.8	Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation
 	$
	107,298,000
	$
	113,066,000
	
3.9 	The amounts that may be spent for each 
3.10 	purpose are specified in the following 
3.11 	subdivisions. The base for this appropriation 
3.12 	is $111,377,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each 
3.13 	fiscal year thereafter.

3.14	Subd. 2.Senate
 		38,238,000
		39,690,000

3.15	Subd. 3.House of Representatives
 		36,922,000
		39,985,000
	
3.16 	The base for this appropriation is $38,296,000 
3.17 	in fiscal year 2028 and each fiscal year 
3.18 	thereafter.

3.19	Subd. 4.Legislative Coordinating Commission
 		32,138,000
		33,391,000
	
3.20 	Legislative Auditor. $12,076,000 the first 
3.21 	year and $12,567,000 the second year are for 
3.22 	the Office of the Legislative Auditor.
3.23 	Revisor of Statutes. $9,094,000 the first year 
3.24 	and $9,466,000 the second year are for the 
3.25 	Office of the Revisor of Statutes.
3.26 	Legislative Reference Library. $2,278,000 
3.27 	the first year and $2,369,000 the second year 
3.28 	are for the Legislative Reference Library.
3.29 	Legislative Budget Office. $2,800,000 the 
3.30 	first year and $2,965,000 the second year are 
3.31 	for the Legislative Budget Office.

3.32
3.33	Sec. 3. GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT 
GOVERNOR
 	$
	9,231,000
	$
	9,231,000
	
4.1 	(a) $19,000 each year is for necessary 
4.2 	expenses in the normal performance of the 
4.3 	governor's and lieutenant governor's duties for 
4.4 	which no other reimbursement is provided.
4.5 	(b) By September 1 of each year, the 
4.6 	commissioner of management and budget shall 
4.7 	report to the chairs and ranking minority 
4.8 	members of the legislative committees with 
4.9 	jurisdiction over state government finance any 
4.10 	personnel costs incurred by the Offices of the 
4.11 	Governor and Lieutenant Governor that were 
4.12 	supported by appropriations to other agencies 
4.13 	during the previous fiscal year. The Office of 
4.14 	the Governor shall inform the chairs and 
4.15 	ranking minority members of the committees 
4.16 	before initiating any interagency agreements.

4.17	Sec. 4. STATE AUDITOR
 	$
	14,493,000
	$
	14,734,000

4.18	Sec. 5. ATTORNEY GENERAL
 	$
	50,135,000
	$
	50,432,000

4.19	Appropriations by Fund
	
4.20		2026
	2027
	
4.21	General
	46,719,000
	47,016,000
	
4.22
4.23	State Government 
Special Revenue
	3,021,000
	3,021,000
	
4.24	Environmental
	145,000
	145,000
	
4.25	Remediation
	250,000
	250,000
	
4.26 	The general fund base for this appropriation 
4.27 	is $46,657,000 in fiscal year 2029 and each 
4.28 	fiscal year thereafter.

4.29	Sec. 6. SECRETARY OF STATE
 	$
	12,306,000
	$
	10,426,000
	
4.30 	The base for this appropriation is $10,356,000 
4.31 	in fiscal year 2028 and $10,426,000 in fiscal 
4.32 	year 2029.

4.33
4.34	Sec. 7. CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND PUBLIC 
DISCLOSURE BOARD
 	$
	2,319,000
	$
	1,846,000
	
5.1 	$500,000 the first year is to pay fees and 
5.2 	expenses if an order granting plantiff's motion 
5.3 	for them is filed in Minnesota Chamber of 
5.4 	Commerce v. Choi (23-CV-02015). The board 
5.5 	must pay, on behalf of all defendants, all fees 
5.6 	and expenses awarded to the plaintiff.

5.7	Sec. 8. STATE BOARD OF INVESTMENT
 	$
	139,000
	$
	139,000

5.8	Sec. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS
 	$
	11,110,000
	$
	11,709,000

5.9	Appropriations by Fund
	
5.10		2026
	2027
	
5.11	General
	705,000
	715,000
	
5.12
5.13	Workers' 
Compensation
	10,405,000
	10,994,000

5.14
5.15	Sec. 10. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 
SERVICES
 	$
	10,939,000
	$
	11,150,000
	
5.16 	During the biennium ending June 30, 2027, 
5.17 	the Department of Information Technology 
5.18 	Services must not charge fees to a public 
5.19 	noncommercial educational television 
5.20 	broadcast station eligible for funding under 
5.21 	Minnesota Statutes, chapter 129D, for access 
5.22 	to the state broadcast infrastructure. If the 
5.23 	access fees not charged to public 
5.24 	noncommercial educational television 
5.25 	broadcast stations total more than $400,000 
5.26 	for the biennium, the office may charge for 
5.27 	access fees in excess of these amounts.

5.28	Sec. 11. ADMINISTRATION

5.29	Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation
 	$
	37,109,000
	$
	38,281,000
	
5.30 	The amounts that may be spent for each 
5.31 	purpose are specified in the following 
5.32 	subdivisions.

5.33	Subd. 2.Government and Citizen Services
 		17,840,000
		18,117,000
	
6.1 	Council on Developmental Disabilities.
6.2 	$222,000 each year is for the Council on 
6.3 	Developmental Disabilities.
6.4 	State Agency Accommodation 
6.5 	Reimbursement. $200,000 each year may be 
6.6 	transferred to the accommodation account 
6.7 	established in Minnesota Statutes, section 
6.8 	16B.4805.
6.9 	Office of Enterprise Translations.
6.10 	$1,010,000 each year is for the Office of 
6.11 	Enterprise Translations. $100,000 each year 
6.12 	may be transferred to the language access 
6.13 	service account established in Minnesota 
6.14 	Statutes, section 16B.373.

6.15	Subd. 3.Strategic Management Services
 		2,676,000
		2,716,000

6.16	Subd. 4.Fiscal Agent
 		16,593,000
		17,448,000
	
6.17 	The appropriations under this section are to 
6.18 	the commissioner of administration for the 
6.19 	purposes specified.
6.20 	In-Lieu of Rent. $12,139,000 the first year 
6.21 	and $12,994,000 the second year are for space 
6.22 	costs of the legislature and veterans 
6.23 	organizations, ceremonial space, and 
6.24 	statutorily free space.
6.25 	Public Television. (a) $1,550,000 each year 
6.26 	is for matching grants for public television.
6.27 	(b) $250,000 each year is for public television 
6.28 	equipment grants under Minnesota Statutes, 
6.29 	section 129D.13.
6.30 	(c) $250,000 each year is for block grants to 
6.31 	public television under Minnesota Statutes, 
6.32 	section 129D.13. Of this amount, up to three 
7.1 	percent is for the commissioner of 
7.2 	administration to administer the grants.
7.3 	(d) The commissioner of administration must 
7.4 	consider the recommendations of the 
7.5 	Minnesota Public Television Association 
7.6 	before allocating the amounts appropriated in 
7.7 	paragraphs (a) and (b) for equipment or 
7.8 	matching grants.
7.9 	Public Radio. (a) $1,242,000 each year is for 
7.10 	community service grants to public 
7.11 	educational radio stations. This appropriation 
7.12 	may be used to disseminate emergency 
7.13 	information in foreign languages. Any 
7.14 	unencumbered balance does not cancel at the 
7.15 	end of the first year and is available for the 
7.16 	second year. The Association of Minnesota 
7.17 	Public Educational Radio Stations may use up 
7.18 	to four percent of this appropriation for costs 
7.19 	that are directly related to and necessary for 
7.20 	the administration of these grants.
7.21 	(b) $142,000 each year is for equipment grants 
7.22 	to public educational radio stations. This 
7.23 	appropriation may be used for the repair, 
7.24 	rental, purchase, upgrades of equipment and 
7.25 	software, including computer software, 
7.26 	applications, firmware, and equipment under 
7.27 	$500.
7.28 	(c) $1,020,000 each year is for equipment 
7.29 	grants to Minnesota Public Radio, Inc., 
7.30 	including upgrades to Minnesota's Emergency 
7.31 	Alert and AMBER Alert Systems.
7.32 	(d) The appropriations in paragraphs (a) to (c) 
7.33 	may not be used for indirect costs claimed by 
7.34 	an institution or governing body.
8.1 	(e) The commissioner of administration must 
8.2 	consider the recommendations of the 
8.3 	Association of Minnesota Public Educational 
8.4 	Radio Stations before awarding grants under 
8.5 	Minnesota Statutes, section 129D.14, using 
8.6 	the appropriations in paragraphs (a) and (b). 
8.7 	No grantee is eligible for a grant unless they 
8.8 	are a member of the Association of Minnesota 
8.9 	Public Educational Radio Stations on or before 
8.10 	July 1, 2025.
8.11 	(f) Any unencumbered balance remaining the 
8.12 	first year for grants to public television or 
8.13 	public radio stations does not cancel and is 
8.14 	available for the second year.

8.15
8.16	Sec. 12. CAPITOL AREA ARCHITECTURAL 
AND PLANNING BOARD
 	$
	464,000
	$
	472,000

8.17
8.18	Sec. 13. MINNESOTA MANAGEMENT AND 
BUDGET
 	$
	51,688,000
	$
	52,709,000

8.19	Sec. 14. REVENUE

8.20	Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation
 	$
	215,661,000
	$
	216,973,000

8.21	Appropriations by Fund
	
8.22		2026
	2027
	
8.23	General
	211,401,000
	212,713,000
	
8.24	Health Care Access
	1,760,000
	1,760,000
	
8.25
8.26	Highway User Tax 
Distribution
	2,195,000
	2,195,000
	
8.27	Environmental
	305,000
	305,000
	
8.28 	The general fund base for this appropriation 
8.29 	is $212,197,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each 
8.30 	fiscal year thereafter.

8.31	Subd. 2.Tax System Management
 		179,876,000
		180,453,000

8.32	Appropriations by Fund
	
8.33	General
	175,616,000
	176,193,000
	
8.34	Health Care Access
	1,760,000
	1,760,000
	
9.1
9.2	Highway User Tax 
Distribution
	2,195,000
	2,195,000
	
9.3	Environmental
	305,000
	305,000
	
9.4 	The general fund base for this appropriation 
9.5 	is $175,677,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each 
9.6 	fiscal year thereafter.
9.7 	Taxpayer Assistance and Tax Credit 
9.8 	Outreach Grants. (a) $1,250,000 each year 
9.9 	is for taxpayer assistance grants under 
9.10 	Minnesota Statutes, section 270C.21, 
9.11 	subdivision 3. The unencumbered balance in 
9.12 	the first year does not cancel but is available 
9.13 	for the second year.
9.14 	(b) $1,500,000 each year is for tax credit 
9.15 	outreach grants under Minnesota Statutes, 
9.16 	section 270C.21, subdivision 4.

9.17	Subd. 3.Debt Collection Management
 		35,785,000
		36,520,000

9.18	Sec. 15. GAMBLING CONTROL
 	$
	6,334,000
	$
	6,334,000
	
9.19 	These appropriations are from the lawful 
9.20 	gambling regulation account in the special 
9.21 	revenue fund.

9.22	Sec. 16. RACING COMMISSION
 	$
	954,000
	$
	954,000
	
9.23 	These appropriations are from the racing and 
9.24 	card playing regulation accounts in the special 
9.25 	revenue fund.

9.26	Sec. 17. STATE LOTTERY
 					
9.27 	Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 
9.28 	349A.10, subdivision 3, the State Lottery's 
9.29 	operating budget must not exceed $45,000,000 
9.30 	in fiscal year 2026 and $45,000,000 in fiscal 
9.31 	year 2027.

9.32	Sec. 18. AMATEUR SPORTS COMMISSION
 	$
	401,000
	$
	411,000

10.1
10.2	Sec. 19. COUNCIL FOR MINNESOTANS OF 
AFRICAN HERITAGE
 	$
	938,000
	$
	955,000

10.3	Sec. 20. COUNCIL ON LATINO AFFAIRS
 	$
	829,000
	$
	841,000

10.4
10.5	Sec. 21. COUNCIL ON ASIAN-PACIFIC 
MINNESOTANS
 	$
	655,000
	$
	665,000

10.6
10.7	Sec. 22. COUNCIL ON LGBTQIA2S+ 
MINNESOTANS
 	$
	737,000
	$
	745,000

10.8	Sec. 23. INDIAN AFFAIRS COUNCIL
 	$
	1,381,000
	$
	1,402,000

10.910.10
	Sec. 24. MINNESOTA HISTORICAL 
SOCIETY

10.11	Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation
 	$
	26,763,000
	$
	27,076,000
	
10.12 	The amounts that may be spent for each 
10.13 	purpose are specified in the following 
10.14 	subdivisions.

10.15	Subd. 2.Operations and Programs
 		26,442,000
		26,755,000
	
10.16 	Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 
10.17 	138.668, the Minnesota Historical Society may 
10.18 	not charge a fee for its general tours at the 
10.19 	Capitol, but may charge fees for special 
10.20 	programs other than general tours.

10.21	Subd. 3.Fiscal Agent
 		321,000
		321,000

10.22	(a) Global Minnesota
		39,000
		39,000

10.23	(b) Minnesota Air National Guard Museum
		17,000
		17,000

10.24	(c) Hockey Hall of Fame
		100,000
		100,000

10.25	(d) Farmamerica
		115,000
		115,000

10.26	(e) Minnesota Military Museum
		50,000
		50,000
	
10.27 	Any unencumbered balance remaining in this 
10.28 	subdivision the first year does not cancel but 
10.29 	is available for the second year of the 
10.30 	biennium.

10.31	Sec. 25. BOARD OF THE ARTS

10.32	Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation
 	$
	7,798,000
	$
	7,808,000
	
11.1 	The amounts that may be spent for each 
11.2 	purpose are specified in the following 
11.3 	subdivisions.

11.4	Subd. 2.Operations and Services
 		859,000
		869,000

11.5	Subd. 3.Grants Program
 		4,800,000
		4,800,000

11.6	Subd. 4.Regional Arts Councils
 		2,139,000
		2,139,000
	
11.7 	Any unencumbered balance remaining in this 
11.8 	section the first year does not cancel, but is 
11.9 	available for the second year.
11.10 	Money appropriated in this section and 
11.11 	distributed as grants may only be spent on 
11.12 	projects located in Minnesota. A recipient of 
11.13 	a grant funded by an appropriation in this 
11.14 	section must not use more than ten percent of 
11.15 	the total grant for costs related to travel outside 
11.16 	the state of Minnesota.

11.17
11.18	Sec. 26. MINNESOTA HUMANITIES 
CENTER
 	$
	970,000
	$
	970,000
	
11.19 	$500,000 each year is for Healthy Eating, Here 
11.20 	at Home grants under Minnesota Statutes, 
11.21 	section 138.912. No more than three percent 
11.22 	of the appropriation may be used for the 
11.23 	nonprofit administration of the program.

11.24	Sec. 27. BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY
 	$
	873,000
	$
	887,000

11.25
11.26
11.27
11.28	Sec. 28. BOARD OF ARCHITECTURE 
ENGINEERING, LAND SURVEYING, 
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, 
GEOSCIENCE, AND INTERIOR DESIGN
 	$
	928,000
	$
	943,000

11.29
11.30	Sec. 29. BOARD OF COSMETOLOGIST 
EXAMINERS
 	$
	3,659,000
	$
	3,716,000

11.31	Sec. 30. BOARD OF BARBER EXAMINERS
 	$
	459,000
	$
	466,000

11.32
11.33	Sec. 31. GENERAL CONTINGENT 
ACCOUNTS
 	$
	2,000,000
	$
	500,000

12.1	Appropriations by Fund
	
12.2		2026
	2027
	
12.3	General
	1,500,000
	-0-
	
12.4
12.5	State Government 
Special Revenue
	400,000
	400,000
	
12.6
12.7	Workers' 
Compensation
	100,000
	100,000
	
12.8 	(a) The general fund base for this 
12.9 	appropriation is $1,500,000 in fiscal year 2026 
12.10 	and each even-numbered fiscal year thereafter. 
12.11 	The base is $0 for fiscal year 2027 and each 
12.12 	odd-numbered fiscal year thereafter.
12.13 	(b) The appropriations in this section may only 
12.14 	be spent with the approval of the governor 
12.15 	after consultation with the Legislative 
12.16 	Advisory Commission pursuant to Minnesota 
12.17 	Statutes, section 3.30.
12.18 	(c) If an appropriation in this section for either 
12.19 	year is insufficient, the appropriation for the 
12.20 	other year is available for it.
12.21 	(d) If a contingent account appropriation is 
12.22 	made in one fiscal year, it shall be considered 
12.23 	a biennial appropriation.

12.24	Sec. 32. TORT CLAIMS
 	$
	161,000
	$
	161,000
	
12.25 	These appropriations are to be spent by the 
12.26 	commissioner of management and budget 
12.27 	according to Minnesota Statutes, section 
12.28 	3.736, subdivision 7. If the appropriation for 
12.29 	either year is insufficient, the appropriation 
12.30 	for the other year is available for it.

12.31
12.32	Sec. 33. MINNESOTA STATE RETIREMENT 
SYSTEM

12.33	Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation
 	$
	15,064,000
	$
	15,154,000
	
13.1 	The amounts that may be spent for each 
13.2 	purpose are specified in the following 
13.3 	subdivisions.

13.4
13.5	Subd. 2.Combined Legislators and 
Constitutional Officers Retirement Plan
 		9,064,000
		9,154,000
	
13.6 	Under Minnesota Statutes, sections 3A.03, 
13.7 	subdivision 2; 3A.04, subdivisions 3 and 4; 
13.8 	and 3A.115.

13.9	Subd. 3.Judges Retirement Plan
 		6,000,000
		6,000,000
	
13.10 	For transfer to the judges retirement fund 
13.11 	under Minnesota Statutes, section 490.123. 
13.12 	This transfer continues each fiscal year until 
13.13 	the judges retirement plan reaches 100 percent 
13.14 	funding as determined by an actuarial 
13.15 	valuation prepared according to Minnesota 
13.16 	Statutes, section 356.214.

13.17
13.18	Sec. 34. PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT 
ASSOCIATION
 	$
	25,000,000
	$
	25,000,000
	
13.19 	(a) $9,000,000 each year is for direct state aid 
13.20 	to the public employees police and fire 
13.21 	retirement plan authorized under Minnesota 
13.22 	Statutes, section 353.65, subdivision 3b.
13.23 	(b) State payments from the general fund to 
13.24 	the Public Employees Retirement Association 
13.25 	on behalf of the former MERF division 
13.26 	account are $16,000,000 on September 15, 
13.27 	2026, and $16,000,000 on September 15, 
13.28 	2027. These amounts are estimated to be 
13.29 	needed under Minnesota Statutes, section 
13.30 	353.505.

13.31
13.32	Sec. 35. TEACHERS RETIREMENT 
ASSOCIATION
 	$
	29,831,000
	$
	29,831,000
	
13.33 	The amounts estimated to be needed are as 
13.34 	follows:
14.1 	Special Direct State Aid. $27,331,000 each 
14.2 	year is for special direct state aid authorized 
14.3 	under Minnesota Statutes, section 354.436.
14.4 	Special Direct State Matching Aid.
14.5 	$2,500,000 each year is for special direct state 
14.6 	matching aid authorized under Minnesota 
14.7 	Statutes, section 354.435.

14.8
14.9	Sec. 36. ST. PAUL TEACHERS RETIREMENT 
FUND
 	$
	14,827,000
	$
	14,827,000
	
14.10 	The amounts estimated to be needed for 
14.11 	special direct state aid to the first class city 
14.12 	teachers retirement fund association authorized 
14.13 	under Minnesota Statutes, section 354A.12, 
14.14 	subdivisions 3a and 3c.

14.15 	Sec. 37. Laws 2023, chapter 62, article 1, section 11, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

14.16	Subd. 2.Government and Citizen Services
 		39,928,000
		19,943,000
	
14.17 	The base for this appropriation is $17,268,000 
14.18 	in fiscal year 2026 and $17,280,000 in fiscal 
14.19 	year 2027.
14.20 	Council on Developmental Disabilities.
14.21 	$222,000 each year is for the Council on 
14.22 	Developmental Disabilities.
14.23 	State Agency Accommodation 
14.24 	Reimbursement. $200,000 each year may be 
14.25 	transferred to the accommodation account 
14.26 	established in Minnesota Statutes, section 
14.27 	16B.4805.
14.28 	Disparity Study. $500,000 the first year and 
14.29 	$1,000,000 the second year are to conduct a 
14.30 	study on disparities in state procurement. This 
14.31 	is a onetime appropriation.
14.32 	Grants Administration Oversight.
14.33 	$2,411,000 the first year and $1,782,000 the 
15.1 	second year are for grants administration 
15.2 	oversight. The base for this appropriation in 
15.3 	fiscal year 2026 and each year thereafter is 
15.4 	$1,581,000.
15.5 	$735,000 the first year and $201,000 the 
15.6 	second year are for a study to develop a road 
15.7 	map on the need for an enterprise grants 
15.8 	management system and to implement the 
15.9 	study's recommendation. This is a onetime 
15.10 	appropriation.
15.11 	Risk Management Fund Property 
15.12 	Self-Insurance. $12,500,000 the first year is 
15.13 	for transfer to the risk management fund under 
15.14 	Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.85. This is a 
15.15 	onetime appropriation.
15.16 	Office of Enterprise Translations.
15.17 	$1,306,000 the first year and $1,159,000 the 
15.18 	second year are to establish the Office of 
15.19 	Enterprise Translations. $250,000 each year 
15.20 	may be transferred to the language access 
15.21 	service account established in Minnesota 
15.22 	Statutes, section 16B.373.
15.23 	Capitol Mall Design Framework 
15.24 	Implementation. $5,000,000 the first year is 
15.25 	to implement the updated Capitol Mall Design 
15.26 	Framework, prioritizing the framework plans 
15.27 	identified in article 2, section 124. This 
15.28 	appropriation is available until December 31, 
15.29 	2024 June 30, 2027.
15.30 	Parking Fund. $3,255,000 the first year and 
15.31 	$1,085,000 the second year are for a transfer 
15.32 	to the state parking account to maintain the 
15.33 	operations of the parking and transit program 
16.1 	on the Capitol complex. These are onetime 
16.2 	transfers.
16.3 	Procurement; Environmental Analysis and 
16.4 	Task Force. $522,000 the first year and 
16.5 	$367,000 the second year are to implement 
16.6 	the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 
16.7 	16B.312.
16.8 	Center for Rural Policy and Development. 
16.9 	$100,000 the first year is for a grant to the 
16.10 	Center for Rural Policy and Development.

16.11 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2024.

16.12 	Sec. 38. Laws 2023, chapter 62, article 1, section 13, is amended to read:

16.13
16.14	Sec. 13. MINNESOTA MANAGEMENT AND 
BUDGET
 	$
	55,356,000
	$
	58,057,000
56,357,000
	
16.15 	The base for this appropriation is $47,831,000 
16.16 	in fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year 
16.17 	thereafter.
16.18 	(a) $13,489,000 the first year and $14,490,000 
16.19 	the second year are to stabilize and secure the 
16.20 	state's enterprise resource planning systems. 
16.21 	This amount is available until June 30, 2027. 
16.22 	The base for this appropriation is $6,470,000 
16.23 	in fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year 
16.24 	thereafter.
16.25 	(b) $1,000,000 each year is for administration 
16.26 	and staffing of the Children's Cabinet 
16.27 	established in Minnesota Statutes, section 
16.28 	4.045.
16.29 	(c) $317,000 each year is to increase the 
16.30 	agency's capacity to proactively raise 
16.31 	awareness about the capital budget process 
16.32 	and provide technical assistance around the 
16.33 	requirements associated with the capital 
17.1 	budget process and receiving general fund or 
17.2 	general obligation bond funding for capital 
17.3 	projects, including compliance requirements 
17.4 	that must be met at various stages of capital 
17.5 	project development, with particular focus on 
17.6 	nonprofits, American Indian communities, and 
17.7 	communities of color that have traditionally 
17.8 	not participated in the state capital budget 
17.9 	process. This appropriation may also be used 
17.10 	to increase the agency's capacity to coordinate 
17.11 	with other state agencies regarding the 
17.12 	administration of grant agreements, programs, 
17.13 	and technical assistance related to capital 
17.14 	projects governed by the provisions of 
17.15 	Minnesota Statutes, chapter 16A, and other 
17.16 	applicable laws and statutes.
17.17 	(d) $2,500,000 each in fiscal year is 2024 and 
17.18 	$800,000 in fiscal year 2025 are for 
17.19 	interagency collaboration to develop data 
17.20 	collection standards for race, ethnicity, gender 
17.21 	identity, and disability status and to develop 
17.22 	a roadmap and timeline for implementation 
17.23 	of the data standards across state government. 
17.24 	These funds may be transferred to other 
17.25 	agencies to support this work and may be used 
17.26 	to update computer systems to accommodate 
17.27 	revised data collection standards. This is a 
17.28 	onetime appropriation and is available until 
17.29 	June 30, 2027.
17.30 	(e) $102,000 the first year and $60,000 the 
17.31 	second year are for the report required under 
17.32 	Minnesota Statutes, section 43A.15, 
17.33 	subdivision 14a, and for training and content 
17.34 	development relating to ADA Title II, 
17.35 	affirmative action, equal employment 
18.1 	opportunity, digital accessibility, inclusion, 
18.2 	disability awareness, and cultural competence.

18.3 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

18.4 	Sec. 39. APPROPRIATION; CAPITOL AREA IMPROVEMENTS.
 18.5 	(a) $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from the general fund to the 
18.6 	commissioner of administration for a grant to Ramsey County for the Ramsey County sheriff 
18.7 	to improve the livability, economic health, and safety of communities within the Capitol 
18.8 	Area. The Ramsey County sheriff work shall focus specifically on public safety, youth and 
18.9 	family programming, and street and neighborhood clean-up and ambassadors. The Ramsey 
18.10 	County sheriff must consult with the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board prior 
18.11 	to the expenditure of these funds.
18.12 	(b) $2,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from the general fund to the 
18.13 	commissioner of administration for a grant to the Saint Paul Minnesota Foundation for 
18.14 	grants to community organizations, artists, and businesses focused on enhancing vitality 
18.15 	and culture within the Capitol Area. The Saint Paul Minnesota Foundation must consult 
18.16 	with the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board to develop the grant parameters 
18.17 	and focus.
18.18 	(c) The Ramsey County sheriff and the Saint Paul Minnesota Foundation must report 
18.19 	outcomes of the expenditure of funds to the Capitol Area Architectural Planning Board by 
18.20 	June 30, 2026, and by June 30, 2027.
18.21 	(d) By October 1, 2026, and by October 1, 2027, the Capitol Area Architectural and 
18.22 	Planning Board must report to the speaker of the house of representatives, the majority 
18.23 	leader of the senate, the minority leader in the house of representatives, and the senate 
18.24 	minority leader on the expenditure of the funds appropriated under this section.

18.25 	Sec. 40. TRANSFERS; SECRETARY OF STATE.
 18.26 	(a) The secretary of state, in consultation with the commissioner of management and 
18.27 	budget, must transfer $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 
18.28 	from the general fund to the voting operations, technology, and election resources account 
18.29 	established under Minnesota Statutes, section 5.305. For fiscal years 2028 to 2031, the 
18.30 	commissioner of management and budget must include a transfer of $3,000,000 each year 
18.31 	from the general fund to the voting operations, technology, and election resources account, 
19.1 	when preparing each forecast from the effective date of this section through the February 
19.2 	2027 forecast, under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.103.
19.3 	(b) The secretary of state, in consultation with the commissioner of management and 
19.4 	budget, must transfer $25,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $25,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the 
19.5 	general fund to the Voting Rights Act cost sharing account established under Minnesota 
19.6 	Statutes, section 200.60, subdivision 1. For fiscal years 2028 to 2031, the commissioner of 
19.7 	management and budget must include a transfer of $25,000 each year from the general fund 
19.8 	to the Voting Rights Act cost sharing account, when preparing each forecast from the 
19.9 	effective date of this section through the February 2027 forecast, under Minnesota Statutes, 
19.10 	section 16A.103.
19.11 	(c) The secretary of state, in consultation with the commissioner of management and 
19.12 	budget, must transfer $200,000 in fiscal year 2026 from the general fund to the Help America 
19.13 	Vote Act (HAVA) account established in Minnesota Statutes, section 5.30. This is a onetime 
19.14 	transfer.
19.15 	(d) The secretary of state, in consultation with the commissioner of management and 
19.16 	budget, must transfer any balance remaining in the voting equipment grant account 
19.17 	established under Minnesota Statutes, section 206.95, on the effective date of this section 
19.18 	to the voting operations, technology, and election resources account established under 
19.19 	Minnesota Statutes, section 5.305.

19.20 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

19.21 	Sec. 41. CANCELLATION.
 19.22 	The unencumbered balance of the Capitol Area community vitality account established 
19.23 	in Laws 2023, chapter 53, article 17, section 2, is canceled to the general fund.

19.24 	Sec. 42. REPEALER.
 19.25 	Laws 2023, chapter 53, article 17, section 2, is repealed.

19.26 	ARTICLE 2
19.27 	STATE GOVERNMENT POLICY

19.28 	Section 1. [1.1466] STATE FOSSIL.
19.29 		Subdivision 1.Designation. Castoroides ohioensis, commonly known as the giant 
19.30 	beaver, or capa in Dakota and amik in Ojibwe, is designated as the official state fossil of 
19.31 	the state of Minnesota.
20.1 		Subd. 2.Photograph. A photograph of the giant beaver, approved by the commissioner 
20.2 	of natural resources, shall be preserved and may be displayed in the Office of the Secretary 
20.3 	of State.

20.4 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 3.06, is amended to read:
20.5 	3.06 OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES.
20.6 		Subdivision 1.Election. Thereupon, if a quorum is present, the houses shall elect the 
20.7 	following officers, any of whom may be removed by resolution of the appointing body.
20.8 	The senate shall elect a president, who shall be a member of the senate, secretary, a first 
20.9 	and a second assistant secretary, an enrolling clerk, an engrossing clerk, a sergeant-at-arms, 
20.10 	an assistant sergeant-at-arms, and a chaplain.
20.11 	The house of representatives shall elect a speaker, who shall be a member of the house 
20.12 	of representatives, a chief clerk, a first and a second assistant clerk, an index clerk, a chief 
20.13 	sergeant-at-arms, a first and a second assistant sergeant-at-arms, a postmaster, an assistant 
20.14 	postmaster, and a chaplain.
20.15 		Subd. 2.Successors. If an officer of the house of representatives or senate resigns or 
20.16 	dies, the duties of the officer shall be performed by a successor as provided in the rules of 
20.17 	the officer's house until a successor is elected at a regular or special session.

20.18 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 3.971, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
20.19 		Subd. 2.Staff; compensation. (a) The legislative auditor shall establish a Financial 
20.20 	Audits Division and, a Program Evaluation Division, and a Special Reviews Division to 
20.21 	fulfill the duties prescribed in this section.
20.22 	(b) Each division may be supervised by a deputy auditor, appointed by the legislative 
20.23 	auditor, with the approval of the commission, for a term coterminous with the legislative 
20.24 	auditor's term. The deputy auditors may be removed before the expiration of their terms 
20.25 	only for cause. The legislative auditor and deputy auditors may each appoint an administrative 
20.26 	support specialist to serve at pleasure. The salaries and benefits of the legislative auditor, 
20.27 	deputy auditors, and administrative support specialists shall be determined by the 
20.28 	compensation plan approved by the Legislative Coordinating Commission. The deputy 
20.29 	auditors may perform and exercise the powers, duties and responsibilities imposed by law 
20.30 	on the legislative auditor when authorized by the legislative auditor.
20.31 	(c) The legislative auditor, deputy auditors, and administrative support specialists shall 
20.32 	serve in the unclassified civil service, but all other employees of the legislative auditor shall 
21.1 	serve in the classified civil service. Compensation for employees of the legislative auditor 
21.2 	in the classified service shall be governed by a plan prepared by the legislative auditor and 
21.3 	approved by the Legislative Coordinating Commission and the legislature under section 
21.4 	3.855, subdivision 3.
21.5 	(d) While in office, a person appointed deputy for the Financial Audit Division must 
21.6 	hold an active license as a certified public accountant.
21.7 	(e) Notwithstanding section 43A.32, subdivisions 2 and 3, or any other law to the 
21.8 	contrary, an employee of the legislative auditor is prohibited from being a candidate for a 
21.9 	partisan elected public office.

21.10 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 3.971, subdivision 8a, is amended to read:
21.11 		Subd. 8a.Special reviews. The legislative auditor may conduct a special review to: (1) 
21.12 	fulfill a legal requirement; (2) investigate allegations that an individual or organization 
21.13 	subject to audit by the legislative auditor may not have complied with legal requirements, 
21.14 	including but not limited to legal requirements related to the use of public money, other 
21.15 	public resources, or government data classified as not public; (3) respond to a legislative 
21.16 	request for a review of an organization or program subject to audit by the legislative auditor; 
21.17 	or (4) investigate allegations that an individual may not have complied with section 43A.38
21.18 	or 43A.39; or (5) follow up on a prior special review to assess what changes have occurred.

21.19 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 3.971, subdivision 9, is amended to read:
21.20 		Subd. 9.Obligation to notify the legislative auditor. The chief executive, financial, 
21.21 	or information officers (a) An obligated officer of an organization subject to audit under 
21.22 	this section must promptly notify the legislative auditor when the officer obtains information 
21.23 	indicating that public money or other public resources may have been used for an unlawful 
21.24 	purpose, or when the officer obtains information indicating that government data classified 
21.25 	by chapter 13 as not public may have been accessed by or provided to a person without 
21.26 	lawful authorization. As necessary, the legislative auditor shall coordinate an investigation 
21.27 	of the allegation with appropriate law enforcement officials.
21.28 	(b) For purposes of this subdivision, "obligated officer" means the organization's:
21.29 	(1) chief executive officer;
21.30 	(2) deputy and assistant chief executive officers;
21.31 	(3) chief administrative, chief financial, chief information, and chief investigative officers;
22.1 	(4) heads of divisions, bureaus, departments, institutes, or other organizational units; 
22.2 	and
22.3 	(5) board chair, where applicable.

22.4 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 11A.24, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
22.5 	read:
22.6 		Subd. 8.Contracts. Section 16C.05, subdivision 8, paragraph (a), clauses (2) and (5), 
22.7 	do not apply to contracts entered into by the State Board of Investment related to an 
22.8 	investment under this section.

22.9 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 14.48, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
22.10 		Subdivision 1.Creation. A state Office Court of Administrative Hearings is created.

22.11 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 14.48, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
22.12 		Subd. 2.Chief administrative law judge. (a) The office court shall be under the direction 
22.13 	of a chief administrative law judge who shall be learned in the law and appointed by the 
22.14 	governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, for a term ending on June 30 of the 
22.15 	sixth calendar year after appointment. Senate confirmation of the chief administrative law 
22.16 	judge shall be as provided by section 15.066.
22.17 	(b) The chief administrative law judge may hear cases and, in accordance with chapter 
22.18 	43A, shall appoint a deputy chief judge and additional administrative law judges and 
22.19 	compensation judges to serve in the office court as necessary to fulfill the duties of the 
22.20 	Office Court of Administrative Hearings.
22.21 	(c) The chief administrative law judge may delegate to a subordinate employee the 
22.22 	exercise of a specified statutory power or duty as deemed advisable, subject to the control 
22.23 	of the chief administrative law judge. Every delegation must be by written order filed with 
22.24 	the secretary of state. The chief administrative law judge is subject to the provisions of the 
22.25 	Minnesota Constitution, article VI, section 6, the jurisdiction of the Board on Judicial 
22.26 	Standards, and the provisions of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
22.27 	(d) If a vacancy in the position of chief administrative law judge occurs, an acting or 
22.28 	temporary chief administrative law judge must be named as follows:
22.29 	(1) at the end of the term of a chief administrative law judge, the incumbent chief 
22.30 	administrative law judge may, at the discretion of the appointing authority, serve as acting 
22.31 	chief administrative law judge until a successor is appointed; and
23.1 	(2) if at the end of a term of a chief administrative law judge the incumbent chief 
23.2 	administrative law judge is not designated as acting chief administrative law judge, or if a 
23.3 	vacancy occurs in the position of chief administrative law judge, the deputy chief judge 
23.4 	shall immediately become temporary chief administrative law judge without further official 
23.5 	action.
23.6 	(e) The appointing authority of the chief administrative law judge may appoint a person 
23.7 	other than the deputy chief judge to serve as temporary chief administrative law judge and 
23.8 	may replace any other acting or temporary chief administrative law judge designated pursuant 
23.9 	to paragraph (d), clause (1) or (2).

23.10 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 14.62, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
23.11 		Subdivision 1.Writing required. Every decision and order rendered by an agency in 
23.12 	a contested case shall be in writing, shall be based on the record and shall include the agency's 
23.13 	findings of fact and conclusions on all material issues. A decision or order that rejects or 
23.14 	modifies a finding of fact, conclusion, or recommendation contained in the report of the 
23.15 	administrative law judge required under sections 14.48 to 14.56, or requests remand under 
23.16 	subdivision 2b, must include the reasons for each rejection or, modification, or request for 
23.17 	remand. A copy of the decision and order shall be served upon each party or the party's 
23.18 	representative and the administrative law judge by first class mail.

23.19 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 14.62, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:
23.20 		Subd. 2a.Administrative law judge decision final; exception. Unless otherwise 
23.21 	provided by law, the report or order of the administrative law judge constitutes the final 
23.22 	decision in the case unless the agency modifies or rejects it under, rejects, or requests remand 
23.23 	pursuant to subdivision 1 within 90 days after the record of the proceeding closes under 
23.24 	section 14.61. When the agency fails to act within 90 days on a licensing case, the agency 
23.25 	must return the record of the proceeding to the administrative law judge for consideration 
23.26 	of disciplinary action. In all contested cases where the report or order of the administrative 
23.27 	law judge constitutes the final decision in the case, the administrative law judge shall issue 
23.28 	findings of fact, conclusions, and an order within 90 days after the hearing record closes 
23.29 	under section 14.61. Upon a showing of good cause by a party or the agency, the chief 
23.30 	administrative law judge may order a reasonable extension of either of the two 90-day 
23.31 	deadlines specified in this subdivision. The 90-day deadline will be tolled while the chief 
23.32 	administrative law judge considers a request for reasonable extension so long as the request 
23.33 	was filed and served within the applicable 90-day period.

24.1 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 14.62, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
24.2 	read:
24.3 		Subd. 2b.Agency request for remand. (a) An agency may request remand of a finding 
24.4 	of fact, conclusion of law, or recommendation within 45 days following the close of the 
24.5 	hearing record under section 14.61.  Upon a showing of good cause by the agency, the chief 
24.6 	administrative law judge may consider a request for remand received after the deadline 
24.7 	specified in this provision.
24.8 	(b) The requesting agency must state with specificity the reasons the agency is requesting 
24.9 	remand.  If the agency requests remand for additional fact finding, the agency must state 
24.10 	with specificity that it is requesting remand for further fact finding, identify the issues for 
24.11 	which further fact finding is needed, and explain why further fact finding is necessary to 
24.12 	facilitate a fair and just final decision.
24.13 	(c) The chief judge, or their designee, must accept a request for remand within ten 
24.14 	business days if:
24.15 	(1) the agency rejects a recommendation to grant summary disposition;
24.16 	(2) a party who had procedurally defaulted during the administrative proceedings seeks 
24.17 	to participate; and
24.18 	(3) following remand from the Minnesota Court of Appeals or Minnesota Supreme 
24.19 	Court, or identification of a mathematical or clerical error, the agency identifies a need for 
24.20 	additional proceedings before the Court of Administrative Hearings.
24.21 	(d) The chief judge, or their designee, may accept a request for remand within ten business 
24.22 	days for other reasons as justice requires and consistent with section 14.001.
24.23 	(e) When a request for remand is accepted by the chief judge or their designee, the chief 
24.24 	judge or their designee must assign an administrative law judge to conduct further 
24.25 	proceedings under this chapter on the issues accepted for remand.

24.26 	Sec. 12. [15.0143] EXPIRATION OF MULTIMEMBER AGENCIES.
24.27 	A commission, task force, working group, advisory council or committee, or other 
24.28 	multimember agency, excluding licensing boards, expires within two years of the enactment 
24.29 	date of its enabling statute, unless another expiration date is specified in the group's enabling 
24.30 	statute.

25.1 	Sec. 13. [15.0573] REPORTING ALLEGED MISUSE OF PUBLIC RESOURCES 
25.2 	OR DATA.
25.3 	The commissioner or chief executive officer of each state department, board, commission, 
25.4 	office, or other agency must ensure that employee and nonemployee concerns about the 
25.5 	misuse of public money, other public resources, or government data are promptly directed 
25.6 	to one or more of the obligated officers identified in section 3.971, subdivision 9, or the 
25.7 	Office of the Legislative Auditor. The commissioner of management and budget must 
25.8 	develop a policy to operationalize and standardize the process under this section across state 
25.9 	agencies.

25.10 	Sec. 14. [15.442] LOCAL NEWS ORGANIZATION ADVERTISING BY STATE 
25.11 	AGENCIES.
25.12 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have 
25.13 	the meanings given.
25.14 	(b) "Advertising" means paid communication transmitted via newspaper, magazine, 
25.15 	radio, television, social media, Internet, or other electronic means to make any person aware 
25.16 	of information relevant to an agency or a program or public awareness campaign operated 
25.17 	by an agency.
25.18 	(c) "Agency" means any board, commission, authority, department, entity, or organization 
25.19 	of the executive branch of state government. Agency does not include the Minnesota State 
25.20 	Colleges and Universities or the Minnesota Zoo.
25.21 	(d) "Local news organization" means a print, digital, or hybrid publication, or a broadcast 
25.22 	television or radio station, that:
25.23 	(1) primarily serves the needs of the state of Minnesota or a regional, local, or ethnic 
25.24 	community within Minnesota;
25.25 	(2) primarily has content derived from primary sources relating to news, information, 
25.26 	and current events;
25.27 	(3) employs at least one journalist who resides in Minnesota and who regularly gathers, 
25.28 	collects, photographs, records, writes, or reports news or information that concerns local 
25.29 	events or other matters of local public interest;
25.30 	(4) has a known Minnesota-based office of publication or broadcast station where business 
25.31 	is transacted during usual business hours with a local telephone number and must list contact 
25.32 	information in each updated publication or on their website; and
26.1 	(5) has not received more than 50 percent of its gross receipts for the previous year from 
26.2 	political action committees or other entities described in section 527 of the Internal Revenue 
26.3 	Code, or from an organization that maintains section 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) 
26.4 	status under the Internal Revenue Code.
26.5 		Subd. 2.State agency advertising. Agencies are encouraged to direct advertising 
26.6 	spending toward local news organizations when practicable and in support of the agency's 
26.7 	advertising goals. Advertising primarily targeted at out-of-state residents is not subject to 
26.8 	this section. Nothing in this section prevents a state agency from contracting with outside 
26.9 	vendors to conduct advertising work.
26.10 		Subd. 3.Transparency. By February 1, 2026, and each year thereafter, all agencies 
26.11 	must publish the following information on their website for the previous fiscal year:
26.12 	(1) the total advertising spending by the agency;
26.13 	(2) the total percentage of advertising spending in local news organizations; and
26.14 	(3) the total percentage of advertising spending in local newspapers.

26.15 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2025.

26.16 	Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 15B.06, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
26.17 		Subdivision 1.Zoning rules. (a) Under the comprehensive plan, the board may regulate 
26.18 	in the Capitol Area:
26.19 	(1) the kind, character, height, and location of buildings and other structures;
26.20 	(2) the size of yards and open spaces;
26.21 	(3) the percentage of lots to be occupied; and
26.22 	(4) the uses of land, buildings, and other structures.
26.23 	(b) The regulation must be done by zoning rules adopted under chapter 14, the 
26.24 	Administrative Procedure Act.
26.25 	(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the board must not impose a 
26.26 	rule that specifies a minimum number of motor vehicle parking spaces, including on-street 
26.27 	or off-street within a garage or other enclosed area.

26.28 	Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16A.152, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
26.29 		Subd. 8.Report on budget reserve percentage. (a) The commissioner of management 
26.30 	and budget shall develop and annually review a methodology for evaluating the adequacy 
27.1 	of the budget reserve based on the volatility of Minnesota's general fund tax structure. The 
27.2 	review must take into consideration relevant statistical and economic literature. After 
27.3 	completing the review, the commissioner may revise the methodology if necessary. The 
27.4 	commissioner must use the methodology to annually estimate the percentage of the current 
27.5 	biennium's general fund nondedicated revenues recommended as a budget reserve.
27.6 	(b) By September October 30 of each year, the commissioner shall report the percentage 
27.7 	of the current biennium's general fund nondedicated revenue that is recommended as a 
27.8 	budget reserve to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate Committee on 
27.9 	Finance, the house of representatives Committee on Ways and Means, and the senate and 
27.10 	house of representatives Committees on Taxes. The report must also specify:
27.11 	(1) whether the commissioner revised the recommendation as a result of significant 
27.12 	changes in the mix of general fund taxes or the base of one or more general fund taxes;
27.13 	(2) whether the commissioner revised the recommendation as a result of a revision to 
27.14 	the methodology; and
27.15 	(3) any additional appropriate information.

27.16 	Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16B.055, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
27.17 		Subdivision 1.Federal Assistive Technology Act. (a) The Department of Administration 
27.18 	is designated as the lead agency to carry out all the responsibilities under the 21st Century 
27.19 	Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as provided by Public Law 108-364, as amended 117-263. 
27.20 	The Minnesota Assistive Technology Advisory Council is established to fulfill the 
27.21 	responsibilities required by the 21st Century Assistive Technology Act, as provided by 
27.22 	Public Law 108-364, as amended 117-263. Because the existence of this council is required 
27.23 	by federal law, this council does not expire.
27.24 	(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c), the governor shall appoint the membership of 
27.25 	the council as required by the 21st Century Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as provided 
27.26 	by Public Law 108-364, as amended 117-263. After the governor has completed the 
27.27 	appointments required by this subdivision, the commissioner of administration, or the 
27.28 	commissioner's designee, shall convene the first meeting of the council following the 
27.29 	appointments. Members shall serve two-year terms commencing July 1 of each odd-numbered 
27.30 	year, and receive the compensation specified by the 21st Century Assistive Technology Act 
27.31 	of 1998, as provided by Public Law 108-364, as amended 117-263. The members of the 
27.32 	council shall select their chair at the first meeting following their appointment.
28.1 	(c) After consulting with the appropriate commissioner, the commissioner of 
28.2 	administration shall appoint a representative from:
28.3 	(1) State Services for the Blind who has assistive technology expertise;
28.4 	(2) vocational rehabilitation services who has assistive technology expertise;
28.5 	(3) the Workforce Development Board; and
28.6 	(4) the Department of Education who has assistive technology expertise.; and
28.7 	(5) the Board on Aging.

28.8 	Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16B.335, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
28.9 		Subd. 2.Other projects. All other capital projects for which a specific appropriation is 
28.10 	made, including projects that are exempt under subdivision 1, paragraph (b), must not 
28.11 	proceed until the recipient undertaking the project has notified the chairs and ranking minority 
28.12 	members of the senate Capital Investment and Finance Committees and the house of 
28.13 	representatives Capital Investment and Ways and Means Committees that the work is ready 
28.14 	to begin. Notice is not required for:
28.15 	(1) capital projects needed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act;
28.16 	(2) asset preservation projects to which section 16B.307 applies;
28.17 	(3) projects funded by an agency's operating budget; or
28.18 	(4) projects funded by a capital asset preservation and replacement account under section 
28.19 	16A.632, a higher education asset preservation and replacement account under section 
28.20 	135A.046, or a natural resources asset preservation and replacement account under section 
28.21 	84.946.

28.22 	Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16B.48, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
28.23 		Subd. 4.Reimbursements. (a) Except as specifically provided otherwise by law, each 
28.24 	agency shall reimburse the general services revolving funds for the cost of all services, 
28.25 	supplies, materials, labor, and depreciation of equipment, including reasonable overhead 
28.26 	costs, which the commissioner is authorized and directed to furnish an agency. The cost of 
28.27 	all publications or other materials produced by the commissioner and financed from the 
28.28 	general services revolving fund must include reasonable overhead costs.
28.29 	(b) The commissioner of administration shall report the rates to be charged for the general 
28.30 	services revolving funds no later than July 1 September 15 each year to the chair of the 
29.1 	committee or division in the senate and house of representatives with primary jurisdiction 
29.2 	over the budget of the Department of Administration.
29.3 	(c) The commissioner of management and budget shall make appropriate transfers to 
29.4 	the revolving funds described in this section when requested by the commissioner of 
29.5 	administration. The commissioner of administration may make allotments, encumbrances, 
29.6 	and, with the approval of the commissioner of management and budget, disbursements in 
29.7 	anticipation of such transfers. In addition, the commissioner of administration, with the 
29.8 	approval of the commissioner of management and budget, may require an agency to make 
29.9 	advance payments to the revolving funds in this section sufficient to cover the agency's 
29.10 	estimated obligation for a period of at least 60 days.
29.11 	(d) All reimbursements and other money received by the commissioner of administration 
29.12 	under this section must be deposited in the appropriate revolving fund. Any earnings 
29.13 	remaining in the fund established to account for the documents service prescribed by section 
29.14 	16B.51 at the end of each fiscal year not otherwise needed for present or future operations, 
29.15 	as determined by the commissioners of administration and management and budget, must 
29.16 	be transferred to the general fund.

29.17 	Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16B.54, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
29.18 		Subd. 2.Vehicles. (a) The commissioner may direct an agency to make a transfer of a 
29.19 	passenger motor vehicle or truck currently assigned to it. The transfer must be made to the 
29.20 	commissioner for use in the enterprise fleet. The commissioner shall reimburse an agency 
29.21 	whose motor vehicles have been paid for with funds dedicated by the constitution for a 
29.22 	special purpose and which are assigned to the enterprise fleet. The amount of reimbursement 
29.23 	for a motor vehicle is its average wholesale price as determined from the midwest edition 
29.24 	of the National Automobile Dealers Association official used car guide.
29.25 	(b) To the extent that funds are available for the purpose, the commissioner may purchase 
29.26 	or otherwise acquire additional passenger motor vehicles and trucks necessary for the 
29.27 	enterprise fleet. The title to all motor vehicles assigned to or purchased or acquired for the 
29.28 	enterprise fleet is in the name of the Department of Administration.
29.29 	(c) On the request of an agency, the commissioner may transfer to the enterprise fleet 
29.30 	any passenger motor vehicle or truck for the purpose of disposing of it. The department or 
29.31 	agency transferring the vehicle or truck must be paid for it from the motor pool revolving 
29.32 	account established by this section in an amount equal to two-thirds of the average wholesale 
29.33 	price of the vehicle or truck as determined from the midwest edition of the National 
29.34 	Automobile Dealers Association official used car guide.
30.1 	(d) The commissioner shall provide for the uniform marking of all motor vehicles. Motor 
30.2 	vehicle colors must be selected from the regular color chart provided by the manufacturer 
30.3 	each year. The commissioner may further provide for the use of motor vehicles without 
30.4 	marking by:
30.5 	(1) the governor;
30.6 	(2) the lieutenant governor;
30.7 	(3) the Division of Criminal Apprehension, the Division of Alcohol and Gambling 
30.8 	Enforcement, and arson investigators of the Division of Fire Marshal in the Department of 
30.9 	Public Safety;
30.10 	(4) the Financial Institutions Division and investigative staff of the Department of 
30.11 	Commerce;
30.12 	(5) the Division of Disease Prevention and Control of the Department of Health;
30.13 	(6) the State Lottery;
30.14 	(7) criminal investigators of the Department of Revenue;
30.15 	(8) state-owned community service facilities in Direct Care and Treatment;
30.16 	(9) the Office of the Attorney General;
30.17 	(10) the investigative staff of the Gambling Control Board; and
30.18 	(11) the Department of Corrections inmate community work crew program under section 
30.19 	352.91, subdivision 3g.; and
30.20 	(12) the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care.

30.21 	Sec. 21. [16B.851] STATE BUILDING RENEWABLE ENERGY; STORAGE; 
30.22 	ELECTRIC VEHICLE ACCOUNT.
30.23 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have 
30.24 	the meanings given.
30.25 	(b) "Energy storage" means the predesign, design, acquisition, construction, or installation 
30.26 	of technology which stores and delivers electric or thermal energy.
30.27 	(c) "EVSE" means electric vehicle service equipment, including charging equipment 
30.28 	and associated infrastructure and site upgrades.
30.29 	(d) "Renewable energy" has the meaning given in section 216B.2422, subdivision 1, 
30.30 	paragraph (c), and the same sources in thermal energy.
31.1 	(e) "Renewable energy improvement" means the predesign, design, acquisition, 
31.2 	construction, or installation of a renewable energy production system or energy storage 
31.3 	equipment or system, and associated infrastructure and facilities, that is designed to result 
31.4 	in a demand-side net reduction in energy use by the state building's electrical, heating, 
31.5 	ventilating, air-conditioning, or hot water systems.
31.6 	(f) "State agency" has the definition given in section 13.02, subdivision 17, or the 
31.7 	designated definition given in section 15.01 and includes the Office of Higher Education, 
31.8 	Housing Finance Agency, Pollution Control Agency, and Bureau of Mediation Services. 
31.9 	State agency includes agencies, boards, commissions, committees, councils, and authorities 
31.10 	as defined in section 15.012.
31.11 	(g) "State building" means a building or facility owned by the state of Minnesota.
31.12 		Subd. 2.Account established. A state building renewable energy, storage, and electric 
31.13 	vehicle account is established in the special revenue fund to provide funds to state agencies 
31.14 	to:
31.15 	(1) design, construct, and equip renewable energy improvement and renewable energy 
31.16 	storage projects at state buildings;
31.17 	(2) purchase state fleet electric vehicles in accordance with section 16C.135;
31.18 	(3) purchase and install EVSE and related infrastructure; and
31.19 	(4) carry out management of the program by the commissioner.
31.20 		Subd. 3.Account management. The commissioner shall manage and administer the 
31.21 	state building renewable energy, storage, and electric vehicle account.
31.22 		Subd. 4.Accepting funds. (a) The commissioner shall be responsible for making 
31.23 	application to the federal government on behalf of the state of Minnesota for state projects 
31.24 	eligible for elective payments under sections 6417 and 6418 of the Internal Revenue Code, 
31.25 	as added by Public Law 117-169, 136 Statute 1818, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
31.26 	(b) The commissioner may apply for, receive, and expend money made available from 
31.27 	federal, state, or other sources for the purposes of carrying out the duties in this section.
31.28 	(c) Notwithstanding section 16A.72, all funds received under this subdivision are 
31.29 	deposited into the state building renewable energy, storage, and electric vehicle account 
31.30 	and appropriated to the commissioner for the purposes of subdivision 2 and as permitted 
31.31 	under this section.
32.1 	(d) Money in the state building renewable energy, storage, and electric vehicle account 
32.2 	does not cancel and is available until expended.
32.3 		Subd. 5.Applications. A state agency applying for state building renewable energy, 
32.4 	storage, EVSE, and electric fleet vehicle funds must submit an application to the 
32.5 	commissioner on a form, in the manner, and at the time prescribed by the commissioner.
32.6 		Subd. 6.Treatment of certain payments received from federal government. (a) 
32.7 	Federal payments received for eligible renewable energy improvement and storage projects, 
32.8 	and EVSE projects, made with appropriations from general obligation bonds, may be 
32.9 	transferred to the state bond fund, if consistent with federal treasury regulations.
32.10 	(b) Federal payments received for eligible electric fleet vehicle purchases by the 
32.11 	Department of Administration's fleet division must be transferred to the motor pool revolving 
32.12 	account established in section 16B.54, subdivision 8.
32.13 	(c) Federal payments received for eligible electric fleet vehicle purchases made directly 
32.14 	by a state agency shall be transferred to the fund from which the purchase was made.
32.15 	(d) When obligated to fulfill financing agreements, federal payments received for eligible 
32.16 	renewable energy improvements shall be transferred to the appropriate agency.

32.17 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

32.18 	Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16B.97, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
32.19 		Subdivision 1.Grant agreement Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the 
32.20 	following terms have the meanings given:
32.21 	A grant agreement is (1) "grant agreement" means a written instrument or electronic 
32.22 	document defining a legal relationship between a granting agency and a grantee when the 
32.23 	principal purpose of the relationship is to transfer cash or something of value to the recipient 
32.24 	to support a public purpose authorized by law instead of acquiring by professional or technical 
32.25 	contract, purchase, lease, or barter property or services for the direct benefit or use of the 
32.26 	granting agency.; and
32.27 	(2) "grantee" means a potential or current recipient of a state-issued grant.
32.28 	(b) This section does not apply to general obligation grants as defined by section 16A.695
32.29 	and, capital project grants to political subdivisions as defined by section 16A.86, or capital 
32.30 	project grants otherwise subject to section 16A.642, all of which are subject to the policies 
32.31 	and procedures adopted by the commissioner of management and budget and other 
32.32 	requirements specified in applicable law.

33.1 	Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16B.97, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
33.2 	read:
33.3 		Subd. 6.Grants management training. All state agency staff assigned grant management 
33.4 	responsibilities must complete initial grants management training before assuming grants 
33.5 	management job duties and must complete continuing grants management training on an 
33.6 	annual basis.

33.7 	Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16B.98, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
33.8 		Subdivision 1.Limitation. (a) As a condition of receiving a grant from an appropriation 
33.9 	of state funds, the recipient of the grant must agree to minimize that administrative costs
33.10 	must be necessary and reasonable. The granting agency is responsible for negotiating 
33.11 	appropriate limits to these costs so that the state derives the optimum benefit for grant 
33.12 	funding.
33.13 	(b) This section does not apply to general obligation grants as defined by section 16A.695
33.14 	and also capital project grants to political subdivisions as defined by section 16A.86, or 
33.15 	capital project grants otherwise subject to section 16A.642.

33.16 	Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16B.98, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
33.17 		Subd. 4.Reporting of violations. A state employee who discovers evidence of violation 
33.18 	of laws or rules governing grants is encouraged required to report the violation or suspected 
33.19 	violation to the employee's supervisor, the commissioner or the commissioner's designee, 
33.20 	or the legislative auditor. The legislative auditor shall report to the Legislative Audit 
33.21 	Commission if there are multiple complaints about the same agency. The auditor's report 
33.22 	to the Legislative Audit Commission under this section must disclose only the number and 
33.23 	type of violations alleged. An employee making a good faith report under this section has 
33.24 	the protections provided for under section 181.932, prohibiting the employer from 
33.25 	discriminating against the employee.

33.26 	Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16B.981, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
33.27 		Subd. 4.Agency authority to not award grant. (a) If, while performing the required 
33.28 	steps in subdivision 2 and pursuant to sections 16B.97, 16B.98, and 16B.991, the agency 
33.29 	requires additional information to determine whether there is a substantial risk that the 
33.30 	potential grantee cannot or would not perform the required duties of the grant agreement, 
33.31 	the agency must give the grantee 30 business 15 calendar days within which the grantee 
34.1 	can respond to the agency for the purpose of satisfying the agency's concerns or work with 
34.2 	the agency to develop a plan to satisfy the concerns.
34.3 	(b) If, after performing the required steps in subdivision 2 and pursuant to sections 
34.4 	16B.97, 16B.98, and 16B.991, and after reviewing any additional requested information 
34.5 	from the grantee, the agency still has concerns that there is a substantial risk that a potential 
34.6 	grantee cannot or would not perform the required duties under the grant agreement, the 
34.7 	agency must either create a plan to satisfy remaining concerns with the grantee or must not 
34.8 	award the grant.
34.9 	(c) If, pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b), the agency does not award a competitive, 
34.10 	single-source, or sole-source grant, the agency must provide notification to the grantee and 
34.11 	the commissioner of administration of the determination. The notification to the grantee 
34.12 	must include the agency's reason for postponing or forgoing the grant, including information 
34.13 	sufficient to explain and support the agency's decision, and notify the applicant of the process 
34.14 	for contesting the agency's decision with the agency and the applicant's options under 
34.15 	paragraph (d). If the applicant contests the agency's decision no later than 15 business days 
34.16 	after receiving the notice, the agency must consider any additional written information 
34.17 	submitted by the grantee. The agency has 15 business days to consider this information, 
34.18 	during which the agency may reverse or modify the agency's initial decision to postpone 
34.19 	or forgo the grant.
34.20 	(d) The final decision by an agency under paragraph (c) may be challenged as a contested 
34.21 	case under chapter 14. The contested case proceeding must be initiated within 30 business
34.22 	calendar days of the date of written notification of a final decision by the agency.
34.23 	(e) If, pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b), the agency does not award a legislatively named 
34.24 	grant, the agency must delay award of the grant until adjournment of the next regular or 
34.25 	special legislative session for action from the legislature. The agency must provide 
34.26 	notification to the potential grantee, the commissioner of administration, and the chairs and 
34.27 	ranking minority members of the Ways and Means Committee in the house of representatives 
34.28 	and the chairs and ranking minority members of the Finance Committee in the senate. The 
34.29 	notification to the grantee must include the agency's reason for postponing or forgoing the 
34.30 	grant, including information sufficient to explain and support the agency's decision and 
34.31 	notify the applicant of the process for contesting the agency's decision under paragraph (d). 
34.32 	If the applicant contests the agency's decision no later than 15 business days after receiving 
34.33 	the notice, the agency must consider any additional written information submitted by the 
34.34 	grantee. The agency has 15 business days to consider this information, during which the 
34.35 	agency may reverse or modify the agency's initial decision to postpone or forgo the grant.
35.1 	The notification to the commissioner of administration and legislators must identify the 
35.2 	legislatively named potential grantee and the agency's reason for postponing or forgoing 
35.3 	the grant. After hearing the concerns of the agency, the legislature may reaffirm the award 
35.4 	of the grant or reappropriate the funds to a different legislatively named grantee. Based on 
35.5 	the action of the legislature, the agency must award the grant to the legislatively named 
35.6 	grantee. If the legislature does not provide direction to the agency on the disposition of the 
35.7 	grant, the funds revert to the original appropriation source.

35.8 	Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16B.991, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
35.9 		Subd. 2.Authority. A grant agreement must by its terms permit the commissioner to 
35.10 	unilaterally terminate the grant agreement prior to completion if the commissioner determines 
35.11 	that further performance under the grant agreement would not serve agency purposes or 
35.12 	performance under the grant agreement is not in the best interests of the state.

35.13 	Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16C.05, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
35.14 	read:
35.15 		Subd. 8.Unenforceable terms. (a) A contract entered into by the state shall not contain 
35.16 	a term that:
35.17 	(1) requires the state to defend, indemnify, or hold harmless another person or entity, 
35.18 	unless specifically authorized by statute;
35.19 	(2) binds a party by terms and conditions that may be unilaterally changed by the other 
35.20 	party;
35.21 	(3) requires mandatory arbitration;
35.22 	(4) attempts to extend arbitration obligations to disputes unrelated to the original contract;
35.23 	(5) construes the contract in accordance with the laws of a state other than Minnesota;
35.24 	(6) obligates state funds in subsequent fiscal years in the form of automatic renewal as 
35.25 	defined in section 325G.56; or
35.26 	(7) is inconsistent with chapter 13, the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
35.27 	(b) If a contract is entered into that contains a term prohibited in paragraph (a), that term 
35.28 	shall be void and the contract is enforceable as if it did not contain that term.
35.29 	(c) The commissioner shall post a copy of this section on its website.

36.1 	Sec. 29. [16C.0715] REQUIRED TERM IN FEDERAL CONTRACTS.
36.2 	A contract between the state or a state agency and a federal government entity for the 
36.3 	state to administer the dispersion of federal funds must authorize the state to withhold 
36.4 	payments  to a recipient of the federal money when a state official or employee has a 
36.5 	reasonable suspicion that the recipient has secured the payment through an intentional or 
36.6 	deceptive act to gain an unlawful benefit.

36.7 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and 
36.8 	applies to contracts executed on or after that date.

36.9 	Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16C.137, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
36.10 		Subd. 2.Report Evaluation. (a) The commissioner of administration, in collaboration 
36.11 	with the commissioners of the Pollution Control Agency, the Departments of Agriculture, 
36.12 	Commerce, Natural Resources, and Transportation, and other state departments, must 
36.13 	evaluate the goals and directives established in this section and report include their findings 
36.14 	to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature by February 1 of each 
36.15 	odd-numbered year in the public dashboard under section 16B.372. In the report public 
36.16 	dashboard, the commissioner must make recommendations for new or adjusted goals, 
36.17 	directives, or legislative initiatives, in light of the progress the state has made implementing 
36.18 	this section and the availability of new or improved technologies.
36.19 	(b) The Department of Administration shall implement a fleet reporting and information 
36.20 	management system. Each department will use this management system to demonstrate its 
36.21 	progress in complying with this section.

36.22 	Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16C.16, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
36.23 		Subd. 2.Small business. The commissioner shall adopt the size standards for "small 
36.24 	business" found in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 26.65, a small business
36.25 	for purposes of sections 16C.16 to 16C.21, 137.31, 137.35, 161.321, and 473.142, provided 
36.26 	that the business has its principal place of business in Minnesota. The commissioner may 
36.27 	use the definition for "small business" in the Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 
36.28 	26.65, or may adopt another standard.

36.29 	Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16C.16, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
36.30 		Subd. 6.Purchasing methods. (a) The commissioner may award up to a 12 percent 
36.31 	preference for specified goods or services to small targeted group businesses.
37.1 	(b) The commissioner may award a contract for goods, services, or construction directly 
37.2 	to a small business or small targeted group business without going through a competitive 
37.3 	solicitation process up to a total contract award value, including extension options, of 
37.4 	$100,000.
37.5 	(c) The commissioner may designate a purchase of goods or services for award only to 
37.6 	small businesses or small targeted group businesses if the commissioner determines that at 
37.7 	least three small businesses or small targeted group businesses are likely to respond to a 
37.8 	solicitation.
37.9 	(d) The commissioner, as a condition of awarding a construction contract or approving 
37.10 	a contract for professional or technical services, may set goals that require the prime 
37.11 	contractor to subcontract a portion of the contract to small businesses or small targeted 
37.12 	group businesses. The commissioner must establish a procedure for granting waivers from 
37.13 	the subcontracting requirement when qualified small businesses or small targeted group 
37.14 	businesses are not reasonably available. The commissioner may establish financial incentives 
37.15 	for prime contractors who exceed the goals for use of small business or small targeted group 
37.16 	business subcontractors and financial penalties for prime contractors who fail to meet goals 
37.17 	under this paragraph. The subcontracting requirements of this paragraph do not apply to 
37.18 	prime contractors who are small businesses or small targeted group businesses.

37.19 	Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16C.16, subdivision 6a, is amended to read:
37.20 		Subd. 6a.Veteran-owned small businesses. (a) Except when mandated by the federal 
37.21 	government as a condition of receiving federal funds, the commissioner shall award up to 
37.22 	a 12 percent preference, but no less than the percentage awarded to any other group under 
37.23 	this section, on state procurement to certified small businesses that are majority-owned and 
37.24 	operated by veterans.
37.25 	(b) The commissioner may award a contract for goods, services, or construction directly 
37.26 	to a veteran-owned small business without going through a competitive solicitation process 
37.27 	up to a total contract award value, including extension options, of $100,000.
37.28 	(c) The commissioner may designate a purchase of goods or services for award only to 
37.29 	a veteran-owned small business if the commissioner determines that at least three 
37.30 	veteran-owned small businesses are likely to respond to a solicitation.
37.31 	(d) The commissioner, as a condition of awarding a construction contract or approving 
37.32 	a contract for professional or technical services, may set goals that require the prime 
37.33 	contractor to subcontract a portion of the contract to a veteran-owned small business. The 
38.1 	commissioner must establish a procedure for granting waivers from the subcontracting 
38.2 	requirement when qualified veteran-owned small businesses are not reasonably available. 
38.3 	The commissioner may establish financial incentives for prime contractors who exceed the 
38.4 	goals for use of veteran-owned small business subcontractors and financial penalties for 
38.5 	prime contractors who fail to meet goals under this paragraph. The subcontracting 
38.6 	requirements of this paragraph do not apply to prime contractors who are veteran-owned 
38.7 	small businesses.
38.8 	(e) The purpose of this designation is to facilitate the transition of veterans from military 
38.9 	to civilian life, and to help compensate veterans for their sacrifices, including but not limited 
38.10 	to their sacrifice of health and time, to the state and nation during their military service, as 
38.11 	well as to enhance economic development within Minnesota.
38.12 	(f) Before the commissioner certifies that a small business is majority-owned and operated 
38.13 	by a veteran, the commissioner of veterans affairs must verify that the owner of the small 
38.14 	business is a veteran, as defined in section 197.447.

38.15 	Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16C.16, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
38.16 		Subd. 7.Economically disadvantaged areas. (a) The commissioner may award up to 
38.17 	a 12 percent preference on state procurement to small businesses located in an economically 
38.18 	disadvantaged area.
38.19 	(b) The commissioner may award a contract for goods, services, or construction directly 
38.20 	to a small business located in an economically disadvantaged area without going through 
38.21 	a competitive solicitation process up to a total contract award value, including extension 
38.22 	options, of $100,000.
38.23 	(c) The commissioner may designate a purchase of goods or services for award only to 
38.24 	a small business located in an economically disadvantaged area if the commissioner 
38.25 	determines that at least three small businesses located in an economically disadvantaged 
38.26 	area are likely to respond to a solicitation.
38.27 	(d) The commissioner, as a condition of awarding a construction contract or approving 
38.28 	a contract for professional or technical services, may set goals that require the prime 
38.29 	contractor to subcontract a portion of the contract to a small business located in an 
38.30 	economically disadvantaged area. The commissioner must establish a procedure for granting 
38.31 	waivers from the subcontracting requirement when qualified small businesses located in an 
38.32 	economically disadvantaged area are not reasonably available. The commissioner may 
38.33 	establish financial incentives for prime contractors who exceed the goals for use of 
39.1 	subcontractors that are small businesses located in an economically disadvantaged area and 
39.2 	financial penalties for prime contractors who fail to meet goals under this paragraph. The 
39.3 	subcontracting requirements of this paragraph do not apply to prime contractors who are 
39.4 	small businesses located in an economically disadvantaged area.
39.5 	(e) A business is located in an economically disadvantaged area if:
39.6 	(1) the owner resides in or the business is located in a county in which the median income 
39.7 	for married couples is less than 70 percent of the state median income for married couples;
39.8 	(2) the owner resides in or the business is located in an area designated a labor surplus 
39.9 	area by the United States Department of Labor; or
39.10 	(3) the business is a certified rehabilitation facility or extended employment provider as 
39.11 	described in chapter 268A.
39.12 	(f) The commissioner may designate one or more areas designated as targeted 
39.13 	neighborhoods under section 469.202 or as border city enterprise zones under section 
39.14 	469.166 as economically disadvantaged areas for purposes of this subdivision if the 
39.15 	commissioner determines that this designation would further the purposes of this section. 
39.16 	If the owner of a small business resides or is employed in a designated area, the small 
39.17 	business is eligible for any preference provided under this subdivision.
39.18 	(g) The Department of Revenue shall gather data necessary to make the determinations 
39.19 	required by paragraph (e), clause (1), and shall annually certify counties that qualify under 
39.20 	paragraph (e), clause (1). An area designated a labor surplus area retains that status for 120 
39.21 	days after certified small businesses in the area are notified of the termination of the 
39.22 	designation by the United States Department of Labor.

39.23 	Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16D.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
39.24 		Subdivision 1.Generally. (a) When a debt is determined by a state agency to be 
39.25 	uncollectible, the debt may be written off by the state agency from the state agency's financial 
39.26 	accounting records and no longer recognized as an account receivable for financial reporting 
39.27 	purposes. A debt is considered to be uncollectible when (1) all reasonable collection efforts 
39.28 	have been exhausted, (2) the cost of further collection action will exceed the amount 
39.29 	recoverable, (3) the debt is legally without merit or cannot be substantiated by evidence, 
39.30 	(4) the debtor cannot be located, (5) the available assets or income, current or anticipated, 
39.31 	that may be available for payment of the debt are insufficient, (6) the debt has been 
39.32 	discharged in bankruptcy, (7) the applicable statute of limitations for collection of the debt 
39.33 	has expired, or (8) it is not in the public interest to pursue collection of the debt.
40.1 	(b) Uncollectible debt must be reported by the state agency as part of its quarterly reports 
40.2 	to the commissioner of management and budget. The basis for the determination of the 
40.3 	uncollectibility of the debt must be maintained by the state agency. If an uncollectible debt 
40.4 	equals or exceeds $100,000, the agency shall notify the chairs and ranking minority members 
40.5 	of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over the state agency's budget at the time the 
40.6 	debt is determined to be uncollectible. The information reported shall contain the entity 
40.7 	associated with the uncollected debt, the amount of the debt, the revenue type, the reason 
40.8 	the debt is considered uncollectible, and the duration the debt has been outstanding. The 
40.9 	commissioner of management and budget shall report to the chairs and ranking minority 
40.10 	members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over Minnesota Management and 
40.11 	Budget an annual summary of the number and dollar amount of debts determined to be 
40.12 	uncollectible during the previous fiscal year by October 31 November 30 of each year. 
40.13 	Determining that the debt is uncollectible does not cancel the legal obligation of the debtor 
40.14 	to pay the debt.

40.15 	Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.231, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
40.16 		Subd. 3.Procurement of a pharmacy benefit manager. (a) Notwithstanding any law 
40.17 	to the contrary, the commissioner of management and budget shall procure a contract for 
40.18 	the services of a pharmacy benefit manager to administer the prescription drug benefit and 
40.19 	pharmacy benefit management services, effective January 1, 2023. For subsequent 
40.20 	procurements, if the commissioner intends to separate prescription drug benefit and pharmacy 
40.21 	benefit management services into multiple vendors or intends to fold prescription drug 
40.22 	benefits into the overall medical benefit, rather than a single full-service pharmacy benefit 
40.23 	manager, this section shall not apply.
40.24 	(b) For the contract effective January 1, 2023, the commissioner shall conduct a reverse 
40.25 	auction as described in this section to select the pharmacy benefit manager and use a reverse 
40.26 	auction for procurement of subsequent pharmacy benefit manager contracts as provided in 
40.27 	subdivision 5, paragraph (b).
40.28 	(c) In consultation with the technology platform vendor selected under subdivision 4, 
40.29 	the commissioner shall specify the terms of a participant bidding agreement that all bidders 
40.30 	must accept as a prerequisite for participation in the reverse auction process, including:
40.31 	(1) common definitions;
40.32 	(2) prescription drug classifications;
41.1 	(3) retail pricing rules, including maximum allowable cost price lists and dispensing 
41.2 	fees; and
41.3 	(4) any other contract terms the commissioner deems necessary to further the purpose 
41.4 	of this section as specified under subdivision 2.
41.5 	(d) A pharmacy benefit manager who submits a bid under this subdivision must provide 
41.6 	the commissioner access to complete pharmacy claims data necessary for the commissioner 
41.7 	to conduct the reverse auction and to carry out administrative and management duties.
41.8 	(e) The terms of a contract entered into under this subdivision shall not be modified by 
41.9 	the pharmacy benefit manager except with the approval of the commissioner.
41.10 	(f) The commissioner may structure the contract awarded under this subdivision to pay 
41.11 	the cost of the technology platform and the associated professional services contracted for 
41.12 	under this subdivision by assessing a fee per prescription to be paid directly by the pharmacy 
41.13 	benefit manager to the technology platform vendor.
41.14 	(g) The commissioner must perform annual market checks on pharmacy benefit manager 
41.15 	services performed by the pharmacy benefit manager during the term of the contract. A 
41.16 	market check performed under this paragraph may include an evaluation of the effect of 
41.17 	alternative drug pricing metrics, such as the national average drug acquisition cost and 
41.18 	average wholesale price, on the cost of prescription drugs and savings to the state.
41.19 	(h) The commissioner shall make regular, periodic payment of invoices within the time 
41.20 	periods specified in the contract based on the automated adjudication of invoiced claims 
41.21 	using the technology platform to validate that claims payments comply with the terms of 
41.22 	the contract.
41.23 	(i) The joint labor-management committee on health plans shall assist in the process 
41.24 	through which the commissioner conducts the reverse auction, evaluation, and comparison 
41.25 	of the competing pharmacy benefit manager bids for award of the contract.

41.26 	Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.231, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
41.27 		Subd. 4.Technology platform. (a) At least three months before the reverse auction 
41.28 	process is scheduled to be completed, The commissioner shall procure through a competitive 
41.29 	bidding process a contract with a professional services vendor for a technology platform 
41.30 	and any associated professional services necessary to operate the platform to:
41.31 	(1) evaluate the qualifications of prospective pharmacy benefit manager bidders for the 
41.32 	pharmacy benefit manager procurement;
42.1 	(2) automatically adjudicate prescription drug claims; and
42.2 	(3) collect data on pharmacy reimbursement.
42.3 	(b) The platform procured under paragraph (a) must have the following capabilities to 
42.4 	ensure optimal performance of the reverse auction and security of data:
42.5 	(1) host and conduct an online automated reverse auction:
42.6 	(i) using a software application and high-performance data infrastructure to intake, 
42.7 	cleanse, and normalize pharmacy benefit manager data; and
42.8 	(ii) with development methods and information security standards that have been validated 
42.9 	by receiving Service Organization Control 2 (SOC 2) and National Institute of Standards 
42.10 	and Technology certification;
42.11 	(2) automate repricing of diverse and complex pharmacy benefit manager prescription 
42.12 	drug pricing proposals to enable direct comparisons of the price of bids using all annual 
42.13 	claims data available for the program using code-based classification or prescription drugs 
42.14 	from nationally accepted drug sources;
42.15 	(3) simultaneously evaluate, within six hours, diverse and complex multiple proposals 
42.16 	from full-service pharmacy benefit managers that shall include at least guaranteed net cost, 
42.17 	Average Wholesale Price and National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) pricing 
42.18 	models, as well as proposals from pharmacy benefit administrators and specialty drug and 
42.19 	rebate carve-out services providers; and
42.20 	(4) produce an automated report and analysis of bids, including ranking of bids on the 
42.21 	comparative costs and qualitative aspects of the costs within six hours after the close of 
42.22 	each round of reverse auction bidding; and.
42.23 	(5) after the close of the reverse auction process, perform an electronic, line-by-line, 
42.24 	claim-by-claim review of all invoiced pharmacy benefit manager claims within six hours 
42.25 	of receipt that allows for an online comparison of pharmacy benefit manager invoices and 
42.26 	identifies all deviations from the specific terms of the services contract resulting from the 
42.27 	reverse auction.
42.28 	(c) The commissioner may require additional capabilities or more rigorous standards 
42.29 	than those specified in paragraph (b).
42.30 	(d) The commissioner shall not award the platform technology vendor contract under 
42.31 	this subdivision to:
42.32 	(1) a pharmacy benefit manager;
43.1 	(2) a subsidiary or affiliate of a pharmacy benefit manager; or
43.2 	(3) a vendor who is managed by a pharmacy benefit manager or who receives, directly 
43.3 	or indirectly, remuneration from a pharmacy benefit manager for aggregating clients into 
43.4 	a contractual relationship with a pharmacy benefit manager.
43.5 	(e) The vendor who is awarded the contract under this subdivision must not subcontract 
43.6 	any part of the reverse auction process or the review described under paragraph (b), clause 
43.7 	(5). The commissioner shall also hire a vendor to perform an electronic, line-by-line, 
43.8 	claim-by-claim review of all invoiced pharmacy benefit manager claims that allows for an 
43.9 	online comparison of pharmacy benefit manager invoices and identifies all deviations from 
43.10 	the specific terms of the services contract resulting from the reverse auction.  The claim 
43.11 	review vendor and the platform vendor may be the same or they may be distinct.

43.12 	Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.231, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
43.13 		Subd. 6.Data protections. The commissioner of management and budget may only 
43.14 	enter into an agreement with a technology platform vendor vendors under this section if the 
43.15 	agreement providesagreements provide privacy protections for data collected and maintained 
43.16 	by the technology platform vendor vendors, including:
43.17 	(1) procedures for the prevention of unauthorized access or use;
43.18 	(2) a prohibition on the sale of data collected and maintained as provided in the 
43.19 	agreement; and
43.20 	(3) a prohibition on dissemination of data unless authorized by state or federal law or 
43.21 	the agreement.

43.22 	Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.27, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
43.23 		Subd. 3.Retired employees. (a) A person may elect to purchase at personal expense 
43.24 	individual and dependent hospital, medical, and dental coverages if the person is:
43.25 	(1) a retired employee of the state or an organization listed in subdivision 2 or section 
43.26 	43A.24, subdivision 2, who, at separation of service:
43.27 	(i) is immediately eligible to receive a retirement benefit under chapter 354B or an 
43.28 	annuity under a retirement program sponsored by the state or such organization of the state;
43.29 	(ii) immediately meets the age and service requirements in section 352.115, subdivision 
43.30 	1; and
44.1 	(iii) has five years of service or meets the service requirement of the collective bargaining 
44.2 	agreement or plan, whichever is greater; or
44.3 	(2) a retired employee of the state who is at least 50 years of age and has at least 15 
44.4 	years of state service.
44.5 	(b) The commissioner shall offer at least one plan which is actuarially equivalent to 
44.6 	those made available through collective bargaining agreements or plans established under 
44.7 	section 43A.18 to employees in positions equivalent to that from which retired.
44.8 	(c) A spouse of a person eligible under paragraph (a) may purchase the coverage listed 
44.9 	in this subdivision if the spouse was a dependent under the retired employee's coverage at 
44.10 	the time of the retiree's death.
44.11 	(d) A spouse of a person eligible under paragraph (a) who is a dependent under the 
44.12 	retired employee's coverage may purchase the coverage listed in this subdivision if the 
44.13 	retired employee loses eligibility for coverage because the retired employee enrolls in 
44.14 	medical assistance under chapter 256B and has a disability that meets the categorical 
44.15 	eligibility requirements of the Supplemental Security Income program.
44.16 	(d) (e) Coverages must be coordinated with relevant health insurance benefits provided 
44.17 	through the federally sponsored Medicare program. Until the retired employee reaches age 
44.18 	65, the retired employee and dependents must be pooled in the same group as active 
44.19 	employees for purposes of establishing premiums and coverage for hospital, medical, and 
44.20 	dental insurance. Coverage for retired employees and their dependents may not discriminate 
44.21 	on the basis of evidence of insurability or preexisting conditions unless identical conditions 
44.22 	are imposed on active employees in the group that the employee left. Appointing authorities 
44.23 	shall provide notice to employees no later than the effective date of their retirement of the 
44.24 	right to exercise the option provided in this subdivision. The retired employee must notify 
44.25 	the commissioner or designee of the commissioner within 30 days after the effective date 
44.26 	of the retirement of intent to exercise this option.

44.27 	Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 240.131, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
44.28 		Subd. 7.Payments to state. (a) A regulatory fee is imposed at the rate of one two percent 
44.29 	of all amounts wagered by Minnesota residents with an authorized advance deposit wagering 
44.30 	provider. The fee shall be declared on a form prescribed by the commission. The ADW 
44.31 	provider must pay the fee to the commission no more than 15 days after the end of the month 
44.32 	in which the wager was made. Fees collected under this paragraph must be deposited in the 
44.33 	state treasury and credited to a racing and card-playing regulation account in the special 
45.1 	revenue fund and are appropriated to the commission to offset the costs incurred by the 
45.2 	commission as described in section 240.30, subdivision 9, or the costs associated with 
45.3 	regulating horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering in Minnesota.
45.4 	(b) A breeders fund fee is imposed in the amount of one-quarter of one percent of all 
45.5 	amounts wagered by Minnesota residents with an authorized advance deposit wagering 
45.6 	provider. The fee shall be declared on a form prescribed by the commission. The ADW 
45.7 	provider must pay the fee to the commission no more than 15 days after the end of the month 
45.8 	in which the wager was made. Fees collected under this paragraph must be deposited in the 
45.9 	state treasury and credited to a racing and card-playing regulation account in the special 
45.10 	revenue fund and are appropriated to the commission to offset the cost of administering the 
45.11 	breeders fund, to support racehorse adoption, retirement, and repurposing, and promote 
45.12 	horse breeding in Minnesota.

45.13 	Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 349A.01, is amended by adding a subdivision 
45.14 	to read:
45.15 		Subd. 13a.Responsible lottery official.  "Responsible lottery official" means an officer, 
45.16 	director, or owner of an organization, firm, partnership, or corporation that have oversight 
45.17 	of lottery ticket sales.

45.18 	Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 349A.06, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
45.19 		Subd. 2.Qualifications. (a) The director may not contract with a retailer sole proprietor 
45.20 	to be a lottery retailer who:
45.21 	(1) is under the age of 18;
45.22 	(2) is in business solely as a seller of lottery tickets;
45.23 	(3) owes $500 or more in delinquent taxes as defined in section 270C.72;
45.24 	(4) has been convicted within the previous five years of a felony or gross misdemeanor, 
45.25 	any crime involving fraud or misrepresentation, or a gambling-related offense in any 
45.26 	jurisdiction in the United States;
45.27 	(5) is a member of the immediate family, residing in the same household, as the director 
45.28 	or any employee of the lottery;
45.29 	(6) in the director's judgment does not have the financial stability or responsibility to 
45.30 	act as a lottery retailer, or whose contracting as a lottery retailer would adversely affect the 
45.31 	public health, welfare, and safety, or endanger the security and integrity of the lottery; or
46.1 	(7) is a currency exchange, as defined in section 53A.01.
46.2 	A contract entered into before August 1, 1990, which violates clause (7) may continue 
46.3 	in effect until its expiration but may not be renewed.
46.4 	(b) The director may not contract with an organization, firm, partnership, or corporation 
46.5 	to be a lottery retailer that:
46.6 	(1) has a responsible lottery official who: (i) is under the age of 18; (ii) owes $500 or 
46.7 	more in delinquent taxes as defined in section 270C.72; or (iii) has been convicted within 
46.8 	the previous five years of a felony or gross misdemeanor, any crime involving fraud or 
46.9 	misrepresentation, or a gambling-related offense in any jurisdiction in the United States;
46.10 	(2) An organization, firm, partnership, or corporation that has a stockholder who owns 
46.11 	more than five percent of the business or the stock of the corporation, a responsible lottery 
46.12 	official, an officer, or a director, that does not meet the requirements of paragraph (a), clause 
46.13 	(4), is not eligible to be a lottery retailer under this section who is a member of the immediate 
46.14 	family of, or resides in the same household as, the director or any employee of the lottery;
46.15 	(3) is in business solely as a seller of lottery tickets;
46.16 	(4) in the director's judgment does not have the financial stability or responsibility to 
46.17 	act as a lottery retailer, or whose contracting as a lottery retailer would adversely affect 
46.18 	public health, welfare, and safety, or endanger the security and integrity of the lottery; or
46.19 	(5) is a currency exchange, as defined in section 53A.01.
46.20 	(c) The restrictions under paragraph (a), clause (4), do not apply to an organization, 
46.21 	partnership, or corporation if the director determines that the organization, partnership, or 
46.22 	firm has terminated its relationship with the individual whose actions directly contributed 
46.23 	to the disqualification under this subdivision.

46.24 	Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 349A.06, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
46.25 		Subd. 4.Criminal history. (a) Upon the director's request, an applicant for a lottery 
46.26 	retailer contract must submit a completed criminal history records check consent form, a 
46.27 	full set of classifiable fingerprints, and required fees to the director or the Bureau of Criminal 
46.28 	Apprehension. Upon receipt of this information, the director must submit the completed 
46.29 	criminal history records check consent form, full set of classifiable fingerprints, and required 
46.30 	fees to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
46.31 	(b) After receiving this information, the bureau must conduct a Minnesota criminal 
46.32 	history records check of the individual. The bureau is authorized to exchange the fingerprints 
47.1 	with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to obtain the applicant's national criminal history 
47.2 	record information. The bureau shall return the results of the Minnesota and national criminal 
47.3 	history records checks to the director to determine the individual's compliance with the 
47.4 	requirements of subdivision 2.
47.5 	(c) The director shall request a Minnesota and national criminal history check for any 
47.6 	sole proprietor or responsible lottery official who applies to be a lottery retailer who (1) has 
47.7 	not undergone a check under this section within the past seven years or (2) has had any 
47.8 	lapse in its contracts to sell lottery tickets.
47.9 	(d) The director may request the director of alcohol and gambling enforcement to 
47.10 	investigate all applicants for lottery retailer contracts to determine their compliance with 
47.11 	the requirements of subdivision 2. The director may issue a temporary contract, valid for 
47.12 	not more than 90 days, to an applicant pending the completion of the investigation or a final 
47.13 	determination of qualifications under this section. The director has access to all criminal 
47.14 	history data compiled by the director of alcohol and gambling enforcement and the Bureau 
47.15 	of Criminal Apprehension on (1) any person holding or applying for a retailer contract, (2) 
47.16 	any person holding a lottery vendor contract or who has submitted a bid on such a contract, 
47.17 	and (3) any person applying for employment with the lottery.

47.18 	Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 349A.06, subdivision 11, is amended to read:
47.19 		Subd. 11.Cancellation, suspension, and refusal to renew contracts or locations. (a) 
47.20 	The director shall cancel the contract of any lottery retailer or prohibit a lottery retailer from 
47.21 	selling lottery tickets at a business location who:
47.22 	(1) hasis a sole proprietor or has a responsible lottery official who has been convicted 
47.23 	of a felony or gross misdemeanor in any jurisdiction in the United States;
47.24 	(2) hasis a sole proprietor or has a responsible lottery official who has committed fraud, 
47.25 	misrepresentation, or deceit any crime involving fraud or misrepresentation, or a 
47.26 	gambling-related offense in any jurisdiction in the United States;
47.27 	(3) has provided false or misleading information to the lottery; or
47.28 	(4) has acted in a manner prejudicial to public confidence in the integrity of the lottery.
47.29 	(b) The director may cancel, suspend, or refuse to renew the contract of any lottery 
47.30 	retailer or prohibit a lottery retailer from selling lottery tickets at a business location who:
47.31 	(1) changes business location;
47.32 	(2) fails to account for lottery tickets received or the proceeds from tickets sold;
48.1 	(3) fails to remit funds to the director in accordance with the director's rules;
48.2 	(4) violates a law or a rule or order of the director;
48.3 	(5) fails to comply with any of the terms in the lottery retailer's contract;
48.4 	(6) fails to file a bond, securities, or a letter of credit as required under subdivision 3;
48.5 	(7) in the opinion of the director fails to maintain a sufficient sales volume to justify 
48.6 	continuation as a lottery retailer; or
48.7 	(8) has violated section 340A.503, subdivision 2, clause (1), two or more times within 
48.8 	a two-year period.
48.9 	(c) The director may also cancel, suspend, or refuse to renew a lottery retailer's contract 
48.10 	or prohibit a lottery retailer from selling lottery tickets at a business location if there is a 
48.11 	material change in any of the factors considered by the director under subdivision 2.
48.12 	(d) A contract cancellation, suspension, refusal to renew, or prohibiting a lottery retailer 
48.13 	from selling lottery tickets at a business location under this subdivision is a contested case 
48.14 	under sections 14.57 to 14.69 and is in addition to any criminal penalties provided for a 
48.15 	violation of law or rule.
48.16 	(e) The director may temporarily suspend a contract or temporarily prohibit a lottery 
48.17 	retailer from selling lottery tickets at a business location without notice for any of the reasons 
48.18 	specified in this subdivision provided that a hearing is conducted within seven days after a 
48.19 	request for a hearing is made by a lottery retailer. Within 20 days after receiving the 
48.20 	administrative law judge's report, the director shall issue an order vacating the temporary 
48.21 	suspension or prohibition or making any other appropriate order. If no hearing is requested 
48.22 	within 30 days of the temporary suspension or prohibition taking effect, the suspension or 
48.23 	prohibition becomes permanent unless the director vacates or modifies the order.

48.24 	Sec. 45. REVIEW OF MULTIMEMBER AGENCIES.
 48.25 	By February 1, 2026, the Legislative Coordinating Commission must report to the chairs 
48.26 	and ranking minority members of the committees in the senate and the house of 
48.27 	representatives with jurisdiction over state government, listing all multimember agencies, 
48.28 	excluding licensing boards; identifying their enabling statutes; specifying the expiration 
48.29 	date of the group; listing the dates of the group's most recent three meetings; and describing 
48.30 	the group's duties and the work product of the group over the past year. The report should 
48.31 	make note of any groups that the Legislative Coordinating Commission determines are 
48.32 	redundant or unnecessary.

49.1 	Sec. 46. TASK FORCE ON BEST LEGISLATIVE PRACTICES FOR 
49.2 	APPROPRIATING MONEY FOR GRANTS.
 49.3 		Subdivision 1.Membership. (a) The Task Force on Best Legislative Practices for 
49.4 	Appropriating Money for Grants consists of nine members appointed as follows:
49.5 	(1) two members appointed by the majority leader of the senate, one of whom must be 
49.6 	designated by the majority leader to convene the first meeting of the task force;
49.7 	(2) two members appointed by the minority leader of the senate;
49.8 	(3) two members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;
49.9 	(4) two members appointed by the speaker emerita of the house of representatives; and
49.10 	(5) one member appointed by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits.
49.11 	(b) Appointees must have knowledge and expertise in the legislative process, legislative 
49.12 	appropriations, and government grantmaking. A person affiliated with an organization that 
49.13 	has received a grant of state money in the past three years or is likely to seek a grant of state 
49.14 	money in the current or next biennium is not eligible to be appointed to the task force.
49.15 	(c) Current legislators are not eligible to be appointed to the task force.
49.16 	(d) Appointments must be made by August 15, 2025.
49.17 		Subd. 2.Chair; meetings. The first meeting of the task force must be convened by 
49.18 	September 15, 2025, by the member designated by the senate majority leader. The members 
49.19 	must select a chair from among their members at their first meeting.
49.20 		Subd. 3.Compensation; expense reimbursement. Members will be compensated and 
49.21 	reimbursed for expenses, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 3.
49.22 		Subd. 4.Duties. The task force must develop recommendations and advice to the 
49.23 	legislature for best practices for appropriating money for grants and for determining when 
49.24 	to appropriate money through competitive grant programs, when to appropriate money for 
49.25 	a grant to a named organization, and when services could best be procured through a 
49.26 	contracting process under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 16C. In developing the 
49.27 	recommendations and advice, the task force should consider the following:
49.28 	(1) whether grants that are made traditionally or perennially to named grantees warrant 
49.29 	a different process for selection than grants to grantees that do not receive perennial state 
49.30 	funding, with consideration of the importance of correcting inequities in services for 
49.31 	communities who have been historically underrepresented or underserved, the unique role 
50.1 	that a perennially named grantee may have to provide valued services, and the dependence 
50.2 	that grantees may have on state funding;
50.3 	(2) past efforts to change legislative practices related to grantmaking; past efforts to 
50.4 	provide agencies with processes around administration of grants, including Minnesota 
50.5 	Statutes, section 16B.981; and the degree to which measures enacted applicable to agencies 
50.6 	can be adapted for the legislature's process for selection of named grant recipients;
50.7 	(3) guidelines that may assist legislators in making choices about whether to appropriate 
50.8 	money to be administered through a competitive grant program, to a named organization, 
50.9 	or through a contract for services awarded through a procurement process under Minnesota 
50.10 	Statutes, chapter 16C; and
50.11 	(4) other states' practices for appropriating money through competitive grants and through 
50.12 	grants to named organizations.
50.13 		Subd. 5.Administrative support; meeting space. The Legislative Coordinating 
50.14 	Commission must provide meeting space and administrative support for the task force.
50.15 		Subd. 6.Report. The task force must report to the chairs and ranking minority members 
50.16 	of the committee on finance in the senate and the committee on ways and means in the 
50.17 	house of representatives by January 31, 2026, with the recommendations and advice 
50.18 	developed under subdivision 4.
50.19 		Subd. 7.Expiration. The task force expires January 31, 2026, or the day after delivering 
50.20 	the report required under subdivision 6, whichever is earlier.

50.21 	Sec. 47. REVISOR INSTRUCTION.
 50.22 	The revisor of statutes shall change the term "Office of Administrative Hearings" to 
50.23 	"Court of Administrative Hearings" wherever the term appears in Minnesota Statutes. The 
50.24 	revisor of statutes shall also change the term "office" to "court" wherever the term "office" 
50.25 	appears and refers to the Office of Administrative Hearings in Minnesota Statutes.

50.26 	Sec. 48. REPEALER.
 50.27 		Subdivision 1.Political and campaign provisions.  Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 
50.28 	211B.06; and 211B.08, are repealed.
50.29 		Subd. 2.Model ordinance for outdoor lighting. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 
50.30 	16B.328, subdivision 2, is repealed.
51.1 		Subd. 3.Reorganization services under master contract. Minnesota Statutes 2024, 
51.2 	section 16C.36, is repealed.
51.3 		Subd. 4.Legislative auditor. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16B.45, is repealed.
51.4 		Subd. 5.Administrative costs for grants. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16B.98, 
51.5 	subdivision 14, is repealed.

51.6 	ARTICLE 3
51.7 	STATE PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

51.8 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.01, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
51.9 		Subd. 3.Equitable compensation relationships. It is the policy of this state to attempt
51.10 	to establish equitable compensation relationships between female-dominated, 
51.11 	male-dominated, and balanced classes of employees in the executive branch. Compensation 
51.12 	relationships are equitable within the meaning of this subdivision when the primary 
51.13 	consideration in negotiating, establishing, recommending, and approving total compensation 
51.14 	is comparability of the value of the work in relationship to other positions classifications
51.15 	in the executive branch.

51.16 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.02, subdivision 14, is amended to read:
51.17 		Subd. 14.Commissioner's Nonrepresented employees compensation
51.18 	plan. "Commissioner's Nonrepresented employees compensation plan" means the plan 
51.19 	required by section 3.855 regarding total compensation and terms and conditions of 
51.20 	employment, including grievance administration, for employees of the executive branch 
51.21 	who are not otherwise provided for in this chapter or other law.

51.22 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
51.23 		Subdivision 1.Statewide leadership. (a) The commissioner is the chief personnel and 
51.24 	labor relations manager of the civil service in the executive branch.
51.25 	Whenever any power or responsibility is given to the commissioner by any provision 
51.26 	of this chapter, unless otherwise expressly provided, the power or authority applies to all 
51.27 	employees of agencies in the executive branch and to employees in classified positions in 
51.28 	the Office of the Legislative Auditor, the Minnesota State Retirement System, the Public 
51.29 	Employees Retirement Association, and the Teacher's Retirement Association. Unless 
51.30 	otherwise provided by law, the power or authority does not apply to unclassified employees 
51.31 	in the legislative and judicial branches.
52.1 	(b) The commissioner shall operate an information system from which personnel data, 
52.2 	as defined in section 13.43, concerning employees and applicants for positions in the 
52.3 	classified service can be retrieved.
52.4 	The commissioner has access to all public and private personnel data kept by appointing 
52.5 	authorities that will aid in the discharge of the commissioner's duties.
52.6 	(c) The commissioner may consider and investigate any matters concerned with the 
52.7 	administration of provisions of this chapter, and may order any remedial actions consistent 
52.8 	with law. The commissioner, at the request of an agency, shall provide assistance in employee 
52.9 	misconduct investigations. Upon request of the appointing authority, the commissioner may 
52.10 	issue determinations on personnel matters regarding board-appointed executive directors 
52.11 	or leaders. The commissioner shall have the right to assess from the requesting agency, any 
52.12 	costs incurred while assisting the agency in the employee misconduct investigation. Money 
52.13 	received by the commissioner under this paragraph is appropriated to the commissioner for 
52.14 	purposes of this paragraph.
52.15 	(d) The commissioner may assess or establish and collect premiums from all state entities 
52.16 	to cover the costs of programs under sections section15.46and 176.603.

52.17 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.04, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
52.18 		Subd. 4.Administrative procedures. The commissioner shall develop administrative 
52.19 	procedures, which are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative 
52.20 	Procedure Act, to effect provisions of chapter 43A which do not directly affect the rights 
52.21 	of or processes available to the general public. The commissioner may also adopt 
52.22 	administrative procedures, not subject to the Administrative Procedure Act, which concern 
52.23 	topics affecting the general public if those procedures concern only the internal management 
52.24 	of the department or other agencies and if those elements of the topics which affect the 
52.25 	general public are the subject of department rules.
52.26 	Administrative procedures shall be reproduced and made available for comment in 
52.27 	accessible digital formats under section 16E.03 to agencies, employees, and appropriate 
52.28 	exclusive representatives certified pursuant to sections 179A.01 to 179A.25, for at least 15 
52.29 	days prior to implementation and shall include but are not limited to:
52.30 	(1) maintenance and administration of a plan of classification for all positions in the 
52.31 	classified service and for comparisons of unclassified positions with positions in the classified 
52.32 	service;
53.1 	(2) procedures for administration of collective bargaining agreements and plans 
53.2 	established pursuant to section 43A.18 concerning total compensation and the terms and 
53.3 	conditions of employment for employees;
53.4 	(3) procedures for effecting all personnel actions internal to the state service such as 
53.5 	processes and requirements for agencies to publicize job openings and consider applicants 
53.6 	who are referred or nominate themselves apply, conduct of selection procedures limited to 
53.7 	employees, noncompetitive and qualifying appointments of employees and leaves of absence;
53.8 	(4) maintenance and administration of employee performance appraisal, training and 
53.9 	other programs; and
53.10 	(5) procedures for pilots of the reengineered employee selection process. Employment 
53.11 	provisions of this chapter, associated personnel rules adopted under subdivision 3, and 
53.12 	administrative procedures established under clauses (1) and (3) may be waived for the 
53.13 	purposes of these pilots. The pilots may affect the rights of and processes available to 
53.14 	members of the general public seeking employment in the classified service. The 
53.15 	commissioner will provide public notice of any pilot directly affecting the rights of and 
53.16 	processes available to the general public and make the administrative procedures available 
53.17 	for comment to the general public, agencies, employees, and appropriate exclusive 
53.18 	representatives certified pursuant to sections 179A.01 to 179A.25 for at least 30 days prior 
53.19 	to implementation. The commissioner must publish the public notice in an accessible digital 
53.20 	format under section 16E.03. The commissioner must provide a comment process that allows 
53.21 	the public to submit comments through multiple formats to ensure accessibility. These 
53.22 	formats must include telephone, digital content, and email.

53.23 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.04, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
53.24 		Subd. 8.Donation of time. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the commissioner 
53.25 	shall authorize the appointing authority to permit the donation of up to eight hours of 
53.26 	accumulated vacation time in each year by each employee who is a member of law 
53.27 	enforcement unit number 1, 18, or 19 to their union representative for the purpose of carrying 
53.28 	out the duties of office.

53.29 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.05, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
53.30 		Subd. 3.Commissioner's Nonrepresented employees compensation plan. The 
53.31 	commissioner shall periodically develop and establish pursuant to this chapter a 
53.32 	commissioner's nonrepresented employees compensation plan. The commissioner shall 
53.33 	submit the plan to the Legislative Coordinating Commission.

54.1 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.08, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
54.2 		Subd. 1a.Additional unclassified positions. Appointing authorities for the following 
54.3 	agencies may designate additional unclassified positions according to this subdivision: the 
54.4 	Departments of Administration; Agriculture; Children, Youth, and Families; Commerce; 
54.5 	Corrections; Education; Employment and Economic Development; Explore Minnesota 
54.6 	Tourism; Management and Budget; Health; Human Rights; Human Services; Labor and 
54.7 	Industry; Natural Resources; Public Safety; Revenue; Transportation; and Veterans Affairs; 
54.8 	the Housing Finance and Pollution Control Agencies; the State Lottery; the State Board of 
54.9 	Investment; the Office of Administrative Hearings; the Department of Information 
54.10 	Technology Services; an agency, including the Offices of the Attorney General, Secretary 
54.11 	of State, and State Auditor; the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities; the Minnesota 
54.12 	Office of Higher Education; the Perpich Center for Arts Education; Direct Care and 
54.13 	Treatment; the Minnesota Zoological Board; and the Office of Emergency Medical Services, 
54.14 	may designate additional unclassified positions.
54.15 	A position designated by an appointing authority according to this subdivision must 
54.16 	meet the following standards and criteria:
54.17 	(1) the designation of the position would not be contrary to other law relating specifically 
54.18 	to that agency;
54.19 	(2) the person occupying the position would report directly to the agency head or deputy 
54.20 	agency head and would be designated as part of the agency head's management team;
54.21 	(3) the duties of the position would involve significant discretion and substantial 
54.22 	involvement in the development, interpretation, and implementation of agency policy;
54.23 	(4) the duties of the position would not require primarily personnel, accounting, or other 
54.24 	technical expertise where continuity in the position would be important;
54.25 	(5) there would be a need for the person occupying the position to be accountable to, 
54.26 	loyal to, and compatible with, the governor and the agency head, the employing statutory 
54.27 	board or commission, or the employing constitutional officer;
54.28 	(6) the position would be at the level of division or bureau director or assistant to the 
54.29 	agency head; and
54.30 	(7) the commissioner has approved the designation as being consistent with the standards 
54.31 	and criteria in this subdivision.

55.1 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.08, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
55.2 		Subd. 4.Length of service for student workers. A person may notonly be employed 
55.3 	as a student worker in the unclassified service under subdivision 1 for more than 36 months. 
55.4 	Employment at a school that a student attends is not counted for purposes of this 36-month 
55.5 	limit. Student workers in the Minnesota Department of Transportation SEEDS program 
55.6 	who are actively involved in a four-year degree program preparing for a professional career 
55.7 	job in the Minnesota Department of Transportation may be employed as a student worker 
55.8 	for up to 48 months if the person is enrolled in secondary, postsecondary, or graduate study.

55.9 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.11, subdivision 9, is amended to read:
55.10 		Subd. 9.Rejection Nonselection; explanation. If the appointing authority rejectsdoes 
55.11 	not select a member of the finalist pool who has claimed veteran's preference, the appointing 
55.12 	authority shall notify the finalist in writing of the reasons for the rejection.

55.13 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.121, is amended to read:
55.14 	43A.121 RANKING OF THE APPLICANT POOL.
55.15 	Applicants referred from a layoff list shall be ranked as provided in the collective 
55.16 	bargaining agreement or plan established under section 43A.18, under which the layoff list 
55.17 	was established. All other names in an applicant pool shall be ranked according to the 
55.18 	veteran's preference provisions of section 43A.11, subdivision 7, and then in descending 
55.19 	order of the number of skill matches for the vacant position. If any ties in rank remain, those 
55.20 	names shall appear in alphabetical order.

55.21 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.15, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
55.22 		Subd. 4.Provisional appointments. The commissioner may authorize an appointing 
55.23 	authority to make a provisional appointment if no applicant is suitable or available for 
55.24 	appointment and the person to be provisionally appointed is qualified in all respects except 
55.25 	for completion of a licensure or certification requirement.
55.26 	No person shall be employed on a provisional basis for more than six months unless the 
55.27 	commissioner grants an extension to a maximum of 12 months in the best interest of the 
55.28 	state. No extension may be granted beyond 12 months except where there is a lack of 
55.29 	applicants and the provisional appointee is continuing to work to complete the licensure or 
55.30 	certification requirement.
56.1 	At the request of an appointing authority, the commissioner may authorize the 
56.2 	probationary appointment of a provisional appointee who has performed satisfactorily for 
56.3 	at least 60 days and has completed the licensure or certification requirement.

56.4 	Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.15, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
56.5 		Subd. 7.Appointments for unclassified incumbents of newly classified positions. The 
56.6 	commissioner may authorize the probationary appointment of an incumbent who has passed 
56.7 	a qualifying selection process and who has served at least one year in an unclassified position 
56.8 	which has been placed in the classified service by proper authority.

56.9 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.15, subdivision 12, is amended to read:
56.10 		Subd. 12.Work-training Trainee appointments. The commissioner may authorize 
56.11 	the probationary appointment of persons who successfully complete on-the-job state training 
56.12 	programs which that have been approved by the commissioner.

56.13 	Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.15, subdivision 14, is amended to read:
56.14 		Subd. 14.700-hour on-the-job demonstration experience. (a) The commissioner shall 
56.15 	consult with the Department of Employment and Economic Development's Vocational 
56.16 	Rehabilitation Services and State Services for the Blind and other disability experts in 
56.17 	establishing, reviewing, and modifying the qualifying procedures for applicants whose 
56.18 	disabilities are of such a significant nature that the applicants are unable to demonstrate 
56.19 	their abilities in the selection process. The qualifying procedures must consist of up to 700 
56.20 	hours of on-the-job demonstration experience. The 700-hour on-the-job demonstration 
56.21 	experience is an alternative, noncompetitive hiring process for qualified applicants with 
56.22 	disabilities. All permanent executive branch classified positions are eligible for a 700-hour 
56.23 	on-the-job demonstration experience, and all permanent classified job postings must provide 
56.24 	information regarding the on-the-job demonstration overview and certification process.
56.25 	(b) The commissioner may shall authorize the probationary appointment of an applicant 
56.26 	based on the request of the appointing authority that documents that the applicant has 
56.27 	successfully demonstrated qualifications for the position through completion of an on-the-job 
56.28 	demonstration experience. A qualified applicant should shall be converted to permanent,a 
56.29 	probationary appointments appointment at the point in the 700-hour on-the-job experience 
56.30 	when the applicant has demonstrated the ability to perform the essential functions of the 
56.31 	job with or without reasonable accommodation. The implementation of this subdivision 
56.32 	may not be deemed a violation of chapter 43A or 363A.
57.1 	(c) The commissioner and the ADA and disability employment director, described in 
57.2 	section 43A.19, subdivision 1, paragraph (e), are responsible for the administration and 
57.3 	oversight of the 700-hour on-the-job demonstration experience, including the establishment 
57.4 	of policies and procedures, data collection and reporting requirements, and compliance.
57.5 	(d) The commissioner or the commissioner's designee shall design and implement a 
57.6 	training curriculum for the 700-hour on-the-job demonstration experience. All executive 
57.7 	leaders, managers, supervisors, human resources professionals, affirmative action officers, 
57.8 	and ADA coordinators must receive annual training on the program.
57.9 	(e) The commissioner or the commissioner's designee shall develop, administer, and 
57.10 	make public a formal grievance process for individuals in the 700-hour on-the-job 
57.11 	demonstration experience under this subdivision and supported work program under section 
57.12 	43A.421, subdivision 2.
57.13 	(f) An appointing authority must make reasonable accommodations in response to a 
57.14 	request from an applicant with a disability, including providing accommodations in a timely 
57.15 	manner during the application and hiring process and throughout the 700-hour on-the-job 
57.16 	demonstration experience. Requirements for accessibility for public records under section 
57.17 	363A.42, continuing education under section 363A.43, and technology under section 16E.03, 
57.18 	subdivision 2, clauses (3) and (9), apply to an agency filling an appointment during the 
57.19 	application and hiring process and through the on-the-job demonstration experience period.

57.20 	Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.17, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
57.21 		Subd. 5.Salary on demotion; special cases. The commissioner may, upon request of 
57.22 	an appointing authority, approve payment of an employee with permanent status at a salary 
57.23 	rate above the maximum of the class to which the employee is demoted. The commissioner 
57.24 	shall take such action as required by collective bargaining agreements or plans pursuant to 
57.25 	section 43A.18. If the action is justified by the employee's long or outstanding service, 
57.26 	exceptional or technical qualifications, age, health, or substantial changes in work assignment 
57.27 	beyond the control of the employee, the commissioner may approve a rate up to and including 
57.28 	the employee's salary immediately prior to demotion. Thereafter, so long as the employee 
57.29 	remains in the same position, the employee shall not be eligible to receive any increase in 
57.30 	salary until the employee's salary is within the range of the class to which the employee's 
57.31 	position is allocated unless such increases are specifically provided in collective bargaining 
57.32 	agreements or plans pursuant to section 43A.18.

58.1 	Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.181, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
58.2 		Subdivision 1.Donation of vacation time. A state employee may donate up to 12 hours 
58.3 	of accrued vacation time in any fiscal year to the account established by subdivision 2 for 
58.4 	the benefit of another state employee. The employee must notify the employee's agency 
58.5 	head of the amount of accrued vacation time the employee wishes to donate and the name 
58.6 	of the other state employee who is to benefit from the donation. The agency head shall 
58.7 	determine the monetary value of the donated time, using the gross salary of the employee 
58.8 	making the donation. The agency head shall transfer that amount, less deductions for 
58.9 	applicable taxes and retirement contributions, to the account established by subdivision 2.
58.10 	A donation of accrued vacation time is irrevocable once its monetary value has been 
58.11 	transferred to the account.

58.12 	Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.1815, is amended to read:
58.13 	43A.1815 VACATION DONATION TO SICK LEAVE ACCOUNT.
58.14 	(a) In addition to donations under section 43A.181, a state employee may donate a total 
58.15 	of up to 40 hours of accrued vacation leave each fiscal year to the sick leave account of one 
58.16 	or more state employees. A state employee may not be paid for more than 80 hours in a 
58.17 	payroll period during which the employee uses sick leave credited to the employee's account 
58.18 	as a result of a transfer from another state employee's vacation account.
58.19 	(b) At retirement, eligible state employees may donate additional accumulated vacation 
58.20 	hours in excess of their vacation payout at time of retirement into a general pool, even if 
58.21 	they already have donated 40 hours.
58.22 	(b) (c) The recipient employee must receive donations, as available, for a life-threatening 
58.23 	condition of the employee or spouse or dependent child that prevents the employee from 
58.24 	working. A recipient may use program donations retroactively to when all forms of paid 
58.25 	leave are exhausted if the employee has sufficient donations to cover the period of 
58.26 	retroactivity. A recipient who receives program donations under this section may use up to 
58.27 	80 hours of program donations after the death of a spouse or dependent child.
58.28 	(c) (d) An applicant for benefits under this section who receives an unfavorable 
58.29 	determination may select a designee to consult with the commissioner or commissioner's 
58.30 	designee on the reasons for the determination.
58.31 	(d) (e) The commissioner shall establish procedures under section 43A.04, subdivision 
58.32 	4, for eligibility, duration of need based on individual cases, monitoring and evaluation of 
58.33 	individual eligibility status, and other topics related to administration of this program.

59.1 	Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.19, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
59.2 		Subdivision 1.Statewide affirmative action program. (a) To assure that positions in 
59.3 	the executive branch of the civil service are equally accessible to all qualified persons, and 
59.4 	to eliminate the effects of past and present discrimination, intended or unintended, on the 
59.5 	basis of protected group status, the commissioner shall adopt and periodically revise, if 
59.6 	necessary, a statewide affirmative action program. The statewide affirmative action program 
59.7 	must consist of at least the following:
59.8 	(1) objectives, goals, and policies;
59.9 	(2) procedures, standards, and assumptions to be used by agencies in the preparation of 
59.10 	agency affirmative action plans, including methods by which goals and timetables are 
59.11 	established;
59.12 	(3) the analysis of separation patterns to determine the impact on protected group 
59.13 	members; and
59.14 	(4) requirements for annual objectives and submission of affirmative action progress 
59.15 	reports from heads of agencies.
59.16 	Agency heads must report the data in clause (3) to the state Director of Recruitment, 
59.17 	Retention and Affirmative Action and the state ADA coordinator, in addition to being 
59.18 	available to anyone upon request. The commissioner must annually post the aggregate and 
59.19 	agency-level reports under clause (4) on the agency's website.
59.20 	(b) The commissioner shall establish statewide affirmative action goals for each of the 
59.21 	federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) occupational categories applicable to state 
59.22 	employment, using at least the following factors:
59.23 	(1) the percentage of members of each protected class in the recruiting area population 
59.24 	who have the necessary skills; and
59.25 	(2) the availability for promotion or transfer of current employees who are members of 
59.26 	protected classes.
59.27 	(c) The commissioner may use any of the following factors in addition to the factors 
59.28 	required under paragraph (b):
59.29 	(1) the extent of unemployment of members of protected classes in the recruiting area 
59.30 	population;
59.31 	(2) the existence of training programs in needed skill areas offered by employing agencies 
59.32 	and other institutions; and
60.1 	(3) the expected number of available positions to be filled.
60.2 	(d) The commissioner shall designate a state director of diversity and equal employment 
60.3 	opportunity who may be delegated the preparation, revision, implementation, and 
60.4 	administration of the program. The commissioner of management and budget may place 
60.5 	the director's position in the unclassified service if the position meets the criteria established 
60.6 	in section 43A.08, subdivision 1a.
60.7 	(e) The commissioner shall designate a statewide ADA and disability employment 
60.8 	director. The commissioner may delegate the preparation, revision, implementation, 
60.9 	evaluation, and administration of the program to the director. The director must administer 
60.10 	the 700-hour on-the-job demonstration experience under the supported work program and 
60.11 	disabled veteran's employment programs. The ADA and disability employment director 
60.12 	shall have education, knowledge, and skills in disability policy, employment, and the ADA. 
60.13 	The commissioner may place the director's position in the unclassified service if the position 
60.14 	meets the criteria established in section 43A.08, subdivision 1a.
60.15 	(f) Agency affirmative action plans, including reports and progress, must be posted on 
60.16 	the agency's public and internal websites within 30 days of being approved. The 
60.17 	commissioner of management and budget shall post a link to all executive branch 
60.18 	agency-approved affirmative action plans on its public website. Accessible copies of the 
60.19 	affirmative action plan must be available to all employees and members of the general public 
60.20 	upon request.

60.21 	Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.23, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
60.22 		Subdivision 1.General. (a) The commissioner is authorized to request proposals or to 
60.23 	negotiate and to enter into contracts with parties which in the judgment of the commissioner 
60.24 	are best qualified to provide service to the benefit plans. Contracts entered into are not 
60.25 	subject to the requirements of sections 16C.16 to 16C.19. The commissioner may negotiate 
60.26 	premium rates and coverage. The commissioner shall consider the cost of the plans, 
60.27 	conversion options relating to the contracts, service capabilities, character, financial position, 
60.28 	and reputation of the carriers, and any other factors which that the commissioner deems 
60.29 	appropriate. Each benefit contract must be for a uniform term of at least one year, but may 
60.30 	be made automatically renewable from term to term in the absence of notice of termination 
60.31 	by either party. A carrier licensed under chapter 62A is exempt from the taxes imposed by 
60.32 	chapter 297I on premiums paid to it by the state.
60.33 	(b) All self-insured hospital and medical service products must comply with coverage 
60.34 	mandates, data reporting, and consumer protection requirements applicable to the licensed 
61.1 	carrier administering the product, had the product been insured, including chapters 62J, 
61.2 	62M, and 62Q. Any self-insured products that limit coverage to a network of providers or 
61.3 	provide different levels of coverage between network and nonnetwork providers shall comply 
61.4 	with section 62D.123 and geographic access standards for health maintenance organizations 
61.5 	adopted by the commissioner of health in rule under chapter 62D.
61.6 	(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), a self-insured hospital and medical product offered 
61.7 	under sections 43A.22 to 43A.30 is required to extend dependent coverage to an eligible 
61.8 	employee's child to the full extent required under chapters 62A and 62L. Dependent child 
61.9 	coverage must, at a minimum, extend to an eligible employee's dependent child to the 
61.10 	limiting age as defined in section 62Q.01, subdivision 2a, disabled children to the extent 
61.11 	required in sections 62A.14 and 62A.141, and dependent grandchildren to the extent required 
61.12 	in sections 62A.042 and 62A.302.
61.13 	(d) Beginning January 1, 2010, the health insurance benefit plans offered in the 
61.14 	commissioner's nonrepresented employees compensation plan under section 43A.18, 
61.15 	subdivision 2, and the managerial plan under section 43A.18, subdivision 3, must include 
61.16 	an option for a health plan that is compatible with the definition of a high-deductible health 
61.17 	plan in section 223 of the United States Internal Revenue Code.

61.18 	Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.23, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
61.19 		Subd. 2.Contract to contain statement of benefits. (a) Each contract under sections 
61.20 	43A.22 to 43A.30 shall contain a detailed statement of benefits offered and shall include 
61.21 	any maximums, limitations, exclusions, and other definitions of benefits the commissioner 
61.22 	deems necessary or desirable. Each hospital and medical benefits contract shall provide 
61.23 	benefits at least equal to those required by section 62E.06, subdivision 2.
61.24 	(b) All summaries of benefits describing the hospital and medical service benefits offered 
61.25 	to state employees must comply with laws and rules for content and clarity applicable to 
61.26 	the licensed carrier administering the product. Referral procedures must be clearly described. 
61.27 	The commissioners of commerce and health, as appropriate, shall may review the summaries 
61.28 	of benefits, whether written or electronic, and advise the commissioner on any changes 
61.29 	needed to ensure compliance.

61.30 	Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.24, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
61.31 		Subd. 1a.Opt out. (a) An individual eligible for state-paid hospital, medical, and dental 
61.32 	benefits under this section has the right to decline those benefits, provided the individual 
61.33 	declining the benefits can prove health insurance coverage from another source. Any 
62.1 	individual declining benefits must do so in writing, signed and dated, on a form provided 
62.2 	by the commissioner.
62.3 	(b) The commissioner must create, and make available in hard copy and online a form 
62.4 	for individuals to use in declining state-paid hospital, medical, and dental benefits. The form 
62.5 	must, at a minimum, include notice to the declining individual of the next available 
62.6 	opportunity and procedure to re-enroll in the benefits.
62.7 	(c) No later than January 15 of each year, the commissioner of management and budget 
62.8 	must provide a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative 
62.9 	committees with jurisdiction over state government finance on the number of employees 
62.10 	choosing to opt-out of state employee group insurance coverage under this section. The 
62.11 	report must provide itemized statistics, by agency, and include the total amount of savings 
62.12 	accrued to each agency resulting from the opt-outs.

62.13 	Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.24, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
62.14 		Subd. 2.Other eligible persons. The following persons are eligible for state paid life 
62.15 	insurance and hospital, medical, and dental benefits as determined in applicable collective 
62.16 	bargaining agreements or by the commissioner or by plans pursuant to section 43A.18, 
62.17 	subdivision 6, or by the Board of Regents for employees of the University of Minnesota 
62.18 	not covered by collective bargaining agreements. Coverages made available, including 
62.19 	optional coverages, are as contained in the plan established pursuant to section 43A.18, 
62.20 	subdivision 2:
62.21 	(1) a member of the state legislature, provided that changes in benefits resulting in 
62.22 	increased costs to the state shall not be effective until expiration of the term of the members 
62.23 	of the existing house of representatives. An eligible member of the state legislature may 
62.24 	decline to be enrolled for state paid coverages by filing a written waiver with the 
62.25 	commissioner. The waiver shall not prohibit the member from enrolling the member or 
62.26 	dependents for optional coverages, without cost to the state, as provided for in section 
62.27 	43A.26. A member of the state legislature who returns from a leave of absence to a position 
62.28 	previously occupied in the civil service shall be eligible to receive the life insurance and 
62.29 	hospital, medical, and dental benefits to which the position is entitled;
62.30 	(2) an employee of the legislature or an employee of a permanent study or interim 
62.31 	committee or commission or a state employee on leave of absence to work for the legislature, 
62.32 	during a regular or special legislative session, as determined by the Legislative Coordinating 
62.33 	Commission;
63.1 	(3) a judge of the appellate courts or an officer or employee of these courts; a judge of 
63.2 	the district court, a judge of county court, or a judge of county municipal court; a district 
63.3 	court referee, judicial officer, court reporter, or law clerk; a district administrator; an 
63.4 	employee of the Office of the District Administrator that is not in the Second or Fourth 
63.5 	Judicial District; a court administrator or employee of the court administrator in a judicial 
63.6 	district under section 480.181, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), and a guardian ad litem program 
63.7 	employee;
63.8 	(4) a salaried employee of the Public Employees Retirement Association;
63.9 	(5) a full-time military or civilian officer or employee in the unclassified service of the 
63.10 	Department of Military Affairs whose salary is paid from state funds;
63.11 	(6) an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, whether paid from state funds or 
63.12 	otherwise, who is not a member of the governing board;
63.13 	(7) an employee of the regents of the University of Minnesota;
63.14 	(8) (7) notwithstanding section 43A.27, subdivision 3, an employee of the state of 
63.15 	Minnesota or the regents of the University of Minnesota who is at least 60 and not yet 65 
63.16 	years of age on July 1, 1982, who is otherwise eligible for employee and dependent insurance 
63.17 	and benefits pursuant to section 43A.18 or other law, who has at least 20 years of service 
63.18 	and retires, earlier than required, within 60 days of March 23, 1982; or an employee who 
63.19 	is at least 60 and not yet 65 years of age on July 1, 1982, who has at least 20 years of state 
63.20 	service and retires, earlier than required, from employment at Rochester state hospital after 
63.21 	July 1, 1981; or an employee who is at least 55 and not yet 65 years of age on July 1, 1982, 
63.22 	and is covered by the Minnesota State Retirement System correctional employee retirement 
63.23 	plan or the State Patrol retirement fund, who has at least 20 years of state service and retires, 
63.24 	earlier than required, within 60 days of March 23, 1982. For purposes of this clause, a person 
63.25 	retires when the person terminates active employment in state or University of Minnesota 
63.26 	service and applies for a retirement annuity. Eligibility shall cease when the retired employee 
63.27 	attains the age of 65, or when the employee chooses not to receive the annuity that the 
63.28 	employee has applied for. The retired employee shall be eligible for coverages to which the 
63.29 	employee was entitled at the time of retirement, subject to any changes in coverage through 
63.30 	collective bargaining or plans established pursuant to section 43A.18, for employees in 
63.31 	positions equivalent to that from which retired, provided that the retired employee shall not 
63.32 	be eligible for state-paid life insurance. Coverages shall be coordinated with relevant health 
63.33 	insurance benefits provided through the federally sponsored Medicare program;
64.1 	(9) (8) an employee of an agency of the state of Minnesota identified through the process 
64.2 	provided in this paragraph who is eligible to retire prior to age 65. The commissioner and 
64.3 	the exclusive representative of state employees shall enter into agreements under section 
64.4 	179A.22 to identify employees whose positions are in programs that are being permanently 
64.5 	eliminated or reduced due to federal or state policies or practices. Failure to reach agreement 
64.6 	identifying these employees is not subject to impasse procedures provided in chapter 179A. 
64.7 	The commissioner must prepare a plan identifying eligible employees not covered by a 
64.8 	collective bargaining agreement in accordance with the process outlined in section 43A.18, 
64.9 	subdivisions 2 and 3. For purposes of this paragraph, a person retires when the person 
64.10 	terminates active employment in state service and applies for a retirement annuity. Eligibility 
64.11 	ends as provided in the agreement or plan, but must cease at the end of the month in which 
64.12 	the retired employee chooses not to receive an annuity, or the employee is eligible for 
64.13 	employer-paid health insurance from a new employer. The retired employees shall be eligible 
64.14 	for coverages to which they were entitled at the time of retirement, subject to any changes 
64.15 	in coverage through collective bargaining or plans established under section 43A.18 for 
64.16 	employees in positions equivalent to that from which they retired, provided that the retired 
64.17 	employees shall not be eligible for state-paid life insurance;
64.18 	(10) (9) employees of the state Board of Public Defense, with eligibility determined by 
64.19 	the state Board of Public Defense in consultation with the commissioner of management 
64.20 	and budget; and
64.21 	(11) (10) employees of supporting organizations of Enterprise Minnesota, Inc., established 
64.22 	after July 1, 2003, under section 116O.05, subdivision 4, as paid for by the supporting 
64.23 	organization.

64.24 	Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.27, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
64.25 		Subd. 2.Elective eligibility. The following persons, if not otherwise covered by section 
64.26 	43A.24, may elect coverage for themselves or their dependents at their own expense:
64.27 	(1) a state employee, including persons on layoff from a civil service position as provided 
64.28 	in collective bargaining agreements or a plan established pursuant to section 43A.18;
64.29 	(2) an employee of the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota, including 
64.30 	persons on layoff, as provided in collective bargaining agreements or by the Board of 
64.31 	Regents;
64.32 	(3) (2) an officer or employee of the State Agricultural Society, Center for Rural Policy 
64.33 	and Development, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, State Horticultural Society, 
65.1 	Sibley House Association, Minnesota Humanities Center Commission, Minnesota Area 
65.2 	Industry Labor Management Councils, Minnesota International Center, Minnesota Academy 
65.3 	of Science, Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota Safety Council, state Office of 
65.4 	Disabled American Veterans, state Office of the American Legion and its auxiliary, state 
65.5 	Office of Veterans of Foreign Wars and its auxiliary, or state Office of the Military Order 
65.6 	of the Purple Heart;
65.7 	(4) (3) a civilian employee of the adjutant general who is paid from federal funds and 
65.8 	who is not eligible for benefits from any federal civilian employee group life insurance or 
65.9 	health benefits program;
65.10 	(5) (4) an officer or employee of the State Capitol Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union 
65.11 	or the Highway Credit Union; and
65.12 	(6) (5) an employee of the joint underwriting association pursuant to section 62I.121 or 
65.13 	Minnesota FAIR plan pursuant to section 65A.35, subdivision 5, unless the commissioner 
65.14 	determines that making these employees eligible to purchase this coverage would cause the 
65.15 	state employee group insurance program to lose its status as a governmental plan or would 
65.16 	cause the program to be treated as a multiemployer welfare arrangement.

65.17 	Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.33, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
65.18 		Subd. 3.Procedures. (a) Procedures for discipline and discharge of employees covered 
65.19 	by collective bargaining agreements shall be governed by the agreements. Procedures for 
65.20 	employees not covered by a collective bargaining agreement shall be governed by this 
65.21 	subdivision and by the commissioner's and managerial plans.
65.22 	(b) For discharge, suspension without pay or demotion, no later than the effective date 
65.23 	of such action, a permanent classified employee not covered by a collective bargaining 
65.24 	agreement shall be given written notice by the appointing authority. The content of that 
65.25 	notice as well as the employee's right to reply to the appointing authority shall be as 
65.26 	prescribed in the grievance procedure contained in the applicable plan established pursuant 
65.27 	to section 43A.18. The notice shall also include a statement that the employee may elect to 
65.28 	appeal the action to the Bureau of Mediation Services within 30 calendar days following 
65.29 	the effective date of the disciplinary action. A copy of the notice and the employee's reply, 
65.30 	if any, shall be filed by the appointing authority with the commissioner no later than ten 
65.31 	calendar days following the effective date of the disciplinary action. The commissioner 
65.32 	shall have final authority to decide whether the appointing authority shall settle the dispute 
65.33 	prior to the hearing provided under this subdivision 4.
66.1 	(c) For discharge, suspension, or demotion of an employee serving an initial probationary 
66.2 	period, and for noncertification in any subsequent probationary period, grievance procedures 
66.3 	shall be as provided in the plan established pursuant to section 43A.18.
66.4 	(d) Within ten days of receipt of the employee's written notice of appeal, the commissioner 
66.5 	of the Bureau of Mediation Services shall provide both parties with a list of potential 
66.6 	arbitrators according to the rules of the Bureau of Mediation Services to hear the appeal. 
66.7 	The process of selecting the arbitrator from the list shall be determined by the plan.The 
66.8 	hearing shall be conducted pursuant to the rules of the Bureau of Mediation Services. If the 
66.9 	arbitrator finds, based on the hearing record, that the action appealed was not taken by the 
66.10 	appointing authority for just cause, the employee shall be reinstated to the position, or an 
66.11 	equal position in another division within the same agency, without loss of pay. If the arbitrator 
66.12 	finds that there exists sufficient grounds for institution of the appointing authority's action 
66.13 	but the hearing record establishes extenuating circumstances, the arbitrator may reinstate 
66.14 	the employee, with full, partial, or no pay, or may modify the appointing authority's action. 
66.15 	The appointing authority shall bear the costs of the arbitrator for hearings provided for in 
66.16 	this section.

66.17 	Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.346, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
66.18 		Subd. 2.Eligibility. (a) This section applies to a terminated state employee who:
66.19 	(1) for at least the five years immediately preceding separation under clause clauses (2)
66.20 	and (3), was regularly scheduled to work 1,044 or more hours per year in a position covered 
66.21 	by a pension plan administered by the Minnesota State Retirement System or the Public 
66.22 	Employees Retirement Association;
66.23 	(2) terminated state or Metropolitan Council employment;
66.24 	(3) at the time of termination under clause (2), met the age and service requirements 
66.25 	necessary to receive an unreduced retirement annuity from the plan and satisfied requirements 
66.26 	for the commencement of the retirement annuity or, for a terminated employee under the 
66.27 	unclassified employees retirement plan, met the age and service requirements necessary to 
66.28 	receive an unreduced retirement annuity from the plan and satisfied requirements for the 
66.29 	commencement of the retirement annuity or elected a lump-sum payment; and
66.30 	(4) agrees to accept a postretirement option position with the same or a different 
66.31 	appointing authority, working a reduced schedule that is both (i) a reduction of at least 25 
66.32 	percent from the employee's number of previously regularly scheduled work hours; and (ii) 
66.33 	1,044 hours or less in state or Metropolitan Council service.
67.1 	(b) For purposes of this section, an unreduced retirement annuity includes a retirement 
67.2 	annuity computed under a provision of law which permits retirement, without application 
67.3 	of an earlier retirement reduction factor, whenever age plus years of allowable service total 
67.4 	at least 90.
67.5 	(c) For purposes of this section, as it applies to state employees who are members of the 
67.6 	Public Employees Retirement Association who are at least age 62, the length of separation 
67.7 	requirement and termination of service requirement prohibiting return to work agreements 
67.8 	under section 353.01, subdivisions 11a and 28, are not applicable.

67.9 	Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.346, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
67.10 		Subd. 6.Duration. Postretirement option employment is for an initial period not to 
67.11 	exceed one year. During that period, the appointing authority may not modify the conditions 
67.12 	of employment specified in the written offer without the person's consent, except as required 
67.13 	by law or by the collective bargaining agreement or compensation plan applicable to the 
67.14 	person. At the end of the initial period, the appointing authority has sole discretion to 
67.15 	determine if the offer of a postretirement option position will be renewed, renewed with 
67.16 	modifications, or terminated. Postretirement option employment may be renewed for periods 
67.17 	of up to one year, not to exceed a total duration of five years. No person may be employed 
67.18 	in one or a combination of postretirement option positions under this section for a total of 
67.19 	more than five years.

67.20 	Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.36, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
67.21 		Subdivision 1.Cooperation; state agencies. (a) The commissioner may delegate 
67.22 	administrative functions associated with the duties of the commissioner to appointing 
67.23 	authorities who have the capability to perform such functions when the commissioner 
67.24 	determines that it is in the best interests of the state civil service. The commissioner shall 
67.25 	consult with agencies and agencies shall cooperate as appropriate in implementation of this 
67.26 	chapter.
67.27 	(b) The commissioner, in conjunction with appointing authorities, shall analyze and 
67.28 	assess current and future human resource requirements of the civil service and coordinate 
67.29 	personnel actions throughout the civil service to meet the requirements. The commissioner 
67.30 	shall provide recruiting assistance and make the applicant database available to appointing 
67.31 	authorities to use in making appointments to positions in the unclassified service.
67.32 	(c) The head of each agency in the executive branch shall designate an agency personnel 
67.33 	officer. The agency personnel officer shall be accountable to the agency head for all personnel 
68.1 	functions prescribed by laws, rules, collective bargaining agreements, the commissioner 
68.2 	and the agency head. Except when otherwise prescribed by the agency head in a specific 
68.3 	instance, the personnel officer shall be assumed to be the authority accountable to the agency 
68.4 	head over any other officer or employee in the agency for personnel functions.
68.5 	(d) The head of each agency in the executive branch shall designate an affirmative action 
68.6 	officer who shall have primary responsibility for the administration of the agency's 
68.7 	affirmative action plan. The officer shall report directly to the head of the agency on 
68.8 	affirmative action matters.
68.9 	(e) Pursuant to section 43A.431, the head of each agency in the executive branch shall 
68.10 	designate an ADA coordinator who shall have primary responsibility for the administration 
68.11 	of ADA policies, procedures, trainings, requests, and arbitration. The coordinator shall 
68.12 	report directly to the commissioner agency head.

68.13 	Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.421, is amended to read:
68.14 	43A.421 SUPPORTED WORKCUSTOMIZED EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM.
68.15 		Subdivision 1.Program established. Active positions within agencies of state 
68.16 	government may be selected for inclusion for a supported work program for persons with 
68.17 	significant disabilities. A full-time position may be shared by up to three persons with 
68.18 	significant disabilities and their job coach. The job coach is not a state employee within the 
68.19 	scope of section 43A.02, subdivision 21, or 179A.03, subdivision 14, unless the job coach 
68.20 	holds another position within the scope of section 43A.02, subdivision 21, or 179A.03, 
68.21 	subdivision 14. All classified supported work job postings need to link to the overview and 
68.22 	application process for the supported work program. The commissioner is responsible for 
68.23 	the establishment, administration, and oversight of a program providing customized 
68.24 	employment opportunities for individuals with significant disabilities as defined in United 
68.25 	States Code, title 29, section 705(21). Employees in the customized employment program 
68.26 	are appointed to a customized employment position by matching the skills offered by eligible 
68.27 	individuals to specific tasks and projects within agencies, rather than to an existing job 
68.28 	classification. When job coach services are necessary for the individuals employed through 
68.29 	this program, the job coach is not a state employee within the scope of section 43A.02, 
68.30 	subdivision 21, or 179A.03, subdivision 14, unless the job coach holds another position 
68.31 	within the scope of section 43A.02, subdivision 21, or 179A.03, subdivision 14.
68.32 		Subd. 2.Responsibilities Customized employment. (a) The commissioner is responsible 
68.33 	for the administration and oversight of the supported work customized employment program, 
69.1 	including the establishment of policies and procedures, eligibility, data collection and 
69.2 	reporting requirements, and compliance.
69.3 	(b) The commissioner or the commissioner's designee shall design and implement a 
69.4 	training curriculum for the supported work customized employment program. All executive 
69.5 	leaders, managers, supervisors, human resources professionals, affirmative action officers, 
69.6 	and Americans with Disabilities Act coordinators must receive annual training regarding 
69.7 	the program.
69.8 	(c) The commissioner or the commissioner's designee shall develop, administer, and 
69.9 	make public a formal grievance process for individuals in the program.

69.10 	Sec. 29. REPEALER.
 69.11 	Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 43A.315; 43A.317, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 
69.12 	10, and 12; and 43A.318, subdivisions 1, 2, 4, and 5, are repealed.

69.13 	ARTICLE 4
69.14 	LICENSING BOARDS

69.15 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.23, is amended by adding a subdivision 
69.16 	to read:
69.17 		Subd. 22.Textured hair. "Textured hair" is hair that is coiled, curly, or wavy.

69.18 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.27, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
69.19 		Subd. 2.Qualifications. (a) Qualifications for licensing in each classification shall be 
69.20 	determined by the board and established by rule, and shall include educational and 
69.21 	experiential prerequisites.
69.22 	(b) A person applying for an individual license to practice as a cosmetologist, hair 
69.23 	technician, manager, or instructor must: (1) successfully complete training on the properties 
69.24 	of the hair and all hair types and textures, including coil, curl, or wave patterns, hair strand 
69.25 	thicknesses, and volumes of hair; and (2) have experience providing services to individuals 
69.26 	with hair of all types and textures, including coil, curl, or wave patterns, hair strand 
69.27 	thicknesses, and volumes of hair.
69.28 	(c) (b) The rules shall require a demonstrated knowledge of procedures necessary to 
69.29 	protect the health and safety of the practitioner and the consumer of cosmetology services, 
69.30 	including but not limited to infection control, use of implements, apparatuses and other 
69.31 	appliances, and the use of chemicals.

70.1 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.2705, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
70.2 		Subd. 3.Training. Hair technician training must be completed at a Minnesota-licensed 
70.3 	cosmetology school. The training must consist of 900 hours of coursework and planned 
70.4 	clinical instruction and experience that includes:
70.5 	(1) the first 300 hours of the hair technology course that includes:
70.6 	(i) student orientation;
70.7 	(ii) preclinical instruction in the theory of sciences, including:
70.8 	(A) muscle and bone structure and function;
70.9 	(B) properties of the hair, a study of all hair types and textures, including coil, curl, or 
70.10 	wave patterns, hair strand thicknesses, and volumes of hair, and scalp;
70.11 	(C) disorders and diseases of the hair and scalp;
70.12 	(D) chemistry as related to hair technology; and
70.13 	(E) electricity and light related to the practice of hair technology;
70.14 	(iii) theory and preclinical instruction on client and service safety prior to students 
70.15 	offering services;
70.16 	(iv) introductory service skills that are limited to the observation of an instructor 
70.17 	demonstration, student use of mannequins, or student-to-student application of basic services 
70.18 	related to hair technology;
70.19 	(v) Minnesota statutes and rules pertaining to the regulation of hair technology;
70.20 	(vi) health and safety instruction that includes:
70.21 	(A) chemical safety;
70.22 	(B) safety data sheets;
70.23 	(C) personal protective equipment (PPE);
70.24 	(D) hazardous substances; and
70.25 	(E) laws and regulations related to health and public safety; and
70.26 	(vii) infection control to protect the health and safety of the public and technician that 
70.27 	includes:
70.28 	(A) disinfectants;
70.29 	(B) disinfectant procedures;
71.1 	(C) cleaning and disinfection;
71.2 	(D) single use items;
71.3 	(E) storage of tools, implements, and linens; and
71.4 	(F) other implements and equipment used in salons and schools;
71.5 	(2) 300 hours in hair cutting and styling that includes hair and scalp analysis; providing 
71.6 	services to individuals who have all hair types and textures, including coil, curl, or wave 
71.7 	patterns, hair strand thicknesses, and volumes of hair; cleaning;, scalp and hair conditioning;,
71.8 	hair design and shaping;, drying;, arranging;, curling;, dressing;, waving;, and nonchemical 
71.9 	straightening; and
71.10 	(3) 300 hours in chemical hair services that includes hair and scalp analysis; providing 
71.11 	services to individuals with all hair types and textures, including coil, curl, or wave patterns, 
71.12 	hair strand thicknesses, and volumes of hair;, dying;, bleaching;, reactive chemicals;, keratin;,
71.13 	hair coloring;, permanent straightening;, permanent waving;, predisposition and strand 
71.14 	tests;, safety precautions;, chemical mixing;, color formulation;, and the use of dye removers.

71.15 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.30, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
71.16 		Subd. 2.Standards. (a) Cosmetologist and hair technician course content must include 
71.17 	textured hair training that consists of theoretical and clinical instruction on working with 
71.18 	hair with various:
71.19 	(1) curl, coil, and wave patterns;
71.20 	(2) hair strand thicknesses; and
71.21 	(3) volumes.
71.22 	(b) The board shall by rule establish minimum standards of course content and length 
71.23 	specific to the educational preparation prerequisite to testing and licensing as cosmetologist, 
71.24 	esthetician, and nail technician.

71.25 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 326.05, is amended to read:
71.26 	326.05 QUALIFICATIONS OF BOARD MEMBERS.
71.27 	Each member of the board shall must be a resident of this state at the time of and 
71.28 	throughout the member's appointment. Each member except the public members shall must
71.29 	have been engaged in the practice of the relevant profession for at least ten five years and 
71.30 	shall have been in responsible charge of professional work requiring licensure as an architect, 
72.1 	engineer, land surveyor, landscape architect, or geoscientist, or certification as an interior 
72.2 	designer for at least five two years.

72.3 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 326.10, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
72.4 		Subdivision 1.Issuance.  The board shall on application therefor on a prescribed form, 
72.5 	and upon payment of a fee prescribed by rule of the board, issue a license or certificate as 
72.6 	an architect, engineer, land surveyor, landscape architect, geoscientist, or certified interior 
72.7 	designer. A separate fee shall be paid for each profession licensed.
72.8 	(1) To any person over 25 years of age, who is of good moral character and repute, who 
72.9 	complies with the Rules of Professional Conduct established in rules by the board and who 
72.10 	has the experience and educational qualifications which that the board by rule may prescribe.
72.11 	(2) To any person who holds an unexpired certificate of registration or license issued 
72.12 	by proper authority in the District of Columbia, any state or territory of the United States, 
72.13 	or any foreign country, in which the requirements for registration or licensure of architects, 
72.14 	engineers, land surveyors, landscape architects, geoscientists, or certified interior designers, 
72.15 	respectively, at the time of registration or licensure in the other jurisdiction, were equal, in 
72.16 	the opinion of the board, substantially equivalent as established in rules by the board to 
72.17 	those fixed by the board and by the laws of this state, and in which similar privileges are 
72.18 	extended to the holders of certificates of registration or licensure issued by this state. The 
72.19 	board may require such person to submit a certificate of technical qualification from the 
72.20 	National Council of Architectural Registration Boards in the case of an architect, from the 
72.21 	National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying in the case of an engineer, 
72.22 	from the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards in the case of a landscape 
72.23 	architect, and from the National Council for Interior Design Qualification in the case of a 
72.24 	certified interior designer.

72.25 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 326.10, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
72.26 		Subd. 2.Examination. The board, or a committee of the board, may subject any applicant 
72.27 	for licensure or certification to such examinations as may be deemed necessary to establish 
72.28 	qualifications.
72.29 	In determining the qualifications of applicants, at least one member determining the 
72.30 	qualifications must be licensed or certified in the same profession as that being evaluated.
72.31 	An applicant for licensure or certification must provide evidence of passing the required 
72.32 	examinations as prescribed by the board in rules.

73.1 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 326.10, subdivision 10, is amended to read:
73.2 		Subd. 10.Temporary military license. The board shall establish a temporary license 
73.3 	in accordance with section 197.4552 for the practice of architecture, professional engineering, 
73.4 	geosciences, land surveying, landscape architecture, and interior design. The fee for the 
73.5 	temporary license under this subdivision for the practice of architecture, professional 
73.6 	engineering, geosciences, land surveying, landscape architecture, or interior design is $132
73.7 	$0.

73.8 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 326.111, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
73.9 		Subd. 3.Cease and desist orders. (a) The board, or the complaint committee if 
73.10 	authorized by the board, may issue and have served upon a person an order requiring the 
73.11 	person to cease and desist from the unauthorized practice of architecture, engineering, land 
73.12 	surveying, landscape architecture, geoscience, or the unauthorized use of the titles architect, 
73.13 	professional engineer, land surveyor, landscape architect, professional geologist, professional 
73.14 	soil scientist, certified interior designer, or violation of the statute, rule, or order. The order 
73.15 	shall be calculated to give reasonable notice of the rights of the person to request a hearing 
73.16 	and shall state the reasons for the entry of the order.
73.17 	(b) Service of the order is effective if the order is served on the person or counsel of 
73.18 	record personally or by certified mail to the most recent address provided to the board for 
73.19 	the person or counsel of record. Service of the order must be by first class United States 
73.20 	mail, including certified United States mail, or overnight express mail service with the 
73.21 	postage prepaid and addressed to the party at the party's last known address. Service by 
73.22 	United States mail, including certified mail, is complete upon placing the order in the mail 
73.23 	or otherwise delivering the order to the United States mail service. Service by overnight 
73.24 	express mail service is complete upon delivering the order to an authorized agent of the 
73.25 	express mail service.
73.26 	(c) Unless otherwise agreed by the board, or the complaint committee if authorized by 
73.27 	the board, and the person requesting the hearing, the hearing shall be held no later than 30 
73.28 	days after the request for the hearing is received by the board.
73.29 	(d) The administrative law judge shall issue a report within 30 days of the close of the 
73.30 	contested case hearing record, notwithstanding Minnesota Rules, part 1400.8100, subpart 
73.31 	3. Within 30 days after receiving the report and any exceptions to it, the board shall issue 
73.32 	a further order vacating, modifying, or making permanent the cease and desist orders as the 
73.33 	facts require.
74.1 	(e) If no hearing is requested within 30 days of service of the order, the order becomes 
74.2 	final and remains in effect until it is modified or vacated by the board.
74.3 	(f) If the person to whom a cease and desist order is issued fails to appear at the hearing 
74.4 	after being duly notified, the person is in default and the proceeding may be determined 
74.5 	against that person upon consideration of the cease and desist order, the allegations of which 
74.6 	may be considered to be true.

74.7 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 326.111, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
74.8 		Subd. 4.Actions against applicants and licensees. (a) The board may, by order, deny, 
74.9 	refuse to renew, suspend, temporarily suspend, or revoke the application, license, or 
74.10 	certification of a person; censure or reprimand that person; condition or limit the person's 
74.11 	practice; refuse to permit a person to sit for examination; or refuse to release the person's 
74.12 	examination grades if the board finds that the order is in the public interest and the applicant, 
74.13 	licensee, or certificate holder:
74.14 	(1) has violated a statute, rule, or order that the board has issued or is empowered to 
74.15 	enforce;
74.16 	(2) has engaged in conduct or acts that are fraudulent, deceptive, or dishonest whether 
74.17 	or not the conduct or acts relate to the practice of architecture, engineering, land surveying, 
74.18 	landscape architecture, geoscience, or certified interior design, providing that the fraudulent, 
74.19 	deceptive, or dishonest conduct or acts reflect adversely on the person's ability or fitness to 
74.20 	engage in the practice of architecture, engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, 
74.21 	geoscience, or certified interior design;
74.22 	(3) has engaged in conduct or acts that are negligent or otherwise in violation of the 
74.23 	standards established by Minnesota Rules, chapters 1800 and 1805, where the conduct or 
74.24 	acts relate to the practice of architecture, engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, 
74.25 	geoscience, or use of the title certified interior designer;
74.26 	(4) has been convicted of or has pled guilty or nolo contendere to a felony, an element 
74.27 	of which is dishonesty or fraud, whether or not the person admits guilt, or has been shown 
74.28 	to have engaged in acts or practices tending to show that the applicant or licensee is 
74.29 	incompetent or has engaged in conduct reflecting adversely on the person's ability or fitness 
74.30 	to engage in the practice of architecture, engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, 
74.31 	geoscience, or use of the title certified interior designer;
74.32 	(5) employed fraud or deception in obtaining a certificate, license, renewal, or 
74.33 	reinstatement or in passing all or a portion of the examination;
75.1 	(6) has had the person's architecture, engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, 
75.2 	geoscience, or interior design license, certificate, right to examine, or other similar authority 
75.3 	revoked, suspended, canceled, limited, or not renewed for cause in any state, commonwealth, 
75.4 	or territory of the United States, in the District of Columbia, or in any foreign country;
75.5 	(7) has had the person's right to practice before any federal, state, or other government 
75.6 	agency revoked, suspended, canceled, limited, or not renewed;
75.7 	(8) failed to meet any requirement for the issuance or renewal of the person's license or 
75.8 	certificate;
75.9 	(9) has attached the person's seal or signature to a plan, specification, report, plat, or 
75.10 	other architectural, engineering, land surveying, landscape architectural, geoscientific, or 
75.11 	interior design document not prepared by the person sealing or signing it or under that 
75.12 	person's direct supervision; or
75.13 	(10) with respect to temporary suspension orders, has committed an act, engaged in 
75.14 	conduct, or committed practices that may, or has in the opinion of the board, or the complaint 
75.15 	committee if authorized by the board, resulted in an immediate threat to the public.
75.16 	(b) In lieu of or in addition to any remedy provided in paragraph (a), the board may 
75.17 	require, as a condition of continued licensure, possession of certificate, termination of 
75.18 	suspension, reinstatement of license or certificate, examination, or release of examination 
75.19 	grades, that the person:
75.20 	(1) submit to a quality review of the person's ability, skills, or quality of work, conducted 
75.21 	in such fashion and by such persons, entity, or entities as the board may require including, 
75.22 	but not limited to, remedial education courses; and
75.23 	(2) complete to the satisfaction of the board such continuing professional education 
75.24 	courses as the board may specify by rule.
75.25 	(c) Service of the order is effective if the order is served on the licensee, certificate 
75.26 	holder, applicant, person, or counsel of record personally or by certified mail, to the most 
75.27 	recent address provided to the board for the licensee, certificate holder, applicant, person, 
75.28 	or counsel of record. must be by first class United States mail, including certified United 
75.29 	States mail, or overnight express mail service with the postage prepaid and addressed to the 
75.30 	party at the party's last known address. Service by United States mail, including certified 
75.31 	mail, is complete upon placing the order in the mail or otherwise delivering the order to the 
75.32 	United States mail service. Service by overnight express mail service is complete upon 
76.1 	delivering the order to an authorized agent of the express mail service. The order shall state 
76.2 	the reasons for the entry of the order.
76.3 	(d) All hearings required by this section shall be conducted in accordance with chapter 
76.4 	14, except with respect to temporary suspension orders, as provided for in subdivision 5, 
76.5 	paragraph (d).

76.6 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 326.111, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
76.7 		Subd. 5.Procedure for temporary suspension of license or certificate. (a) When the 
76.8 	board, or the complaint committee if authorized by the board, issues a temporary suspension 
76.9 	order, the suspension is in effect upon service of a written order on the licensee or counsel 
76.10 	of record, specifying the statute, rule, or order violated. The order remains in effect until 
76.11 	the board issues a final order in the matter after a hearing or upon agreement between the 
76.12 	board and the licensee.
76.13 	(b) Service of the order is effective if the order is served on the licensee or counsel of 
76.14 	record personally or by certified mail, to the most recent address provided to the board for 
76.15 	the licensee or counsel of record. must be by first class United States mail, including certified 
76.16 	United States mail, or overnight express mail service with postage prepaid and addressed 
76.17 	to the party at the party's last known address. Service by United States mail, including 
76.18 	certified mail, is complete upon placing the order in the mail or otherwise delivering the 
76.19 	order to the United States mail service. Service by overnight express mail service is complete 
76.20 	upon delivering the order to an authorized agent of the express mail service.
76.21 	(c) The order shall set forth the rights to a hearing contained in this subdivision and shall 
76.22 	state the reasons for the entry of the order.
76.23 	(d) Within ten days after service of the order, the licensee may request a hearing in 
76.24 	writing. The board shall hold a hearing before its own members within five working days 
76.25 	of receipt of a request for hearing on the sole issue of whether there is a reasonable basis 
76.26 	to continue, modify, or lift the temporary suspension. This hearing is not subject to chapter 
76.27 	14. Evidence presented by the board or the licensee shall be in affidavit form only. The 
76.28 	licensee or counsel of record may appear for oral argument.
76.29 	(e) Within five working days after the hearing, the board shall issue its order and, if the 
76.30 	suspension is continued, schedule a contested case hearing within 30 days after issuance of 
76.31 	the order. The administrative law judge shall issue a report within 30 days after closing of 
76.32 	the contested case hearing record, notwithstanding the provisions of Minnesota Rules, part 
77.1 	1400.8100, subpart 3. The board shall issue a final order within 30 days after receipt of that 
77.2 	report and any exceptions to it.

77.3 	Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 326.111, is amended by adding a subdivision 
77.4 	to read:
77.5 		Subd. 8.Actions against a person with a lapsed license or certificate. If a person's 
77.6 	license or certificate lapses; is surrendered, withdrawn, or terminated; or otherwise becomes 
77.7 	ineffective, the board may institute a proceeding against the person under this subdivision 
77.8 	within two years after the license or certificate was last effective and enter a revocation or 
77.9 	suspension order as of the last date on which the license or certificate was in effect or impose 
77.10 	a civil penalty as provided in subdivision 6.

77.11 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 326A.03, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
77.12 		Subd. 6.Certificate; required education and experience until July 1, 2030. (a) On 
77.13 	or after July 1, 2006, and before July 1, 2030, a person who has passed the examination 
77.14 	required in this section must be granted a certificate as a certified public accountant provided: 
77.15 	(1) the person certifies to the board that the person has completed at least 150 semester or 
77.16 	225 quarter hours at a college or university that is fully accredited by a recognized accrediting 
77.17 	agency listed with the United States Department of Education, or an equivalent accrediting 
77.18 	association, and has completed at least one year of experience of the type specified in 
77.19 	paragraph (b); (2) the board verifies the certifications; and (3) the person complies with 
77.20 	requirements for initial issuance of the certificate as a certified public accountant as 
77.21 	prescribed by the board by rule.
77.22 	(b) An applicant for initial issuance of a certificate under this subdivision shall show 
77.23 	that the applicant has had one year of experience. Acceptable experience includes providing 
77.24 	any type of service or advice involving the use of accounting, attest, compilation, 
77.25 	management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or consulting skills, as verified by a licensee 
77.26 	and meeting requirements prescribed by the board by rule. Acceptable experience may be 
77.27 	gained through employment in government, industry, academia, or public practice. 
77.28 	Experience as an auditor in the Office of the Legislative Auditor or State Auditor, as verified 
77.29 	by a licensee, shall be acceptable experience.
77.30 	(c) This subdivision expires July 1, 2030.

78.1 	Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 326A.03, is amended by adding a subdivision 
78.2 	to read:
78.3 		Subd. 6a.Certificate; required education and experience after June 30, 2030. (a) 
78.4 	On and after July 1, 2030, or during the transitional period as provided in subdivision 6b, 
78.5 	the board must grant a certificate as a certified public accountant to a person who has not 
78.6 	previously been certified and who has passed the examination required in this section if:
78.7 	(1) the person certifies to the board that the person:
78.8 	(i) has completed a master's degree at a college or university that is fully accredited by 
78.9 	a recognized accrediting agency listed with the United States Department of Education and 
78.10 	has completed at least one year of acceptable experience described in paragraph (b); or
78.11 	(ii) has earned a bachelor's or graduate degree from a college or university that is fully 
78.12 	accredited by a recognized accrediting agency listed with the United States Department of 
78.13 	Education and has completed at least two years of acceptable experience described in 
78.14 	paragraph (b);
78.15 	(2) the board verifies the certification under clause (1); and
78.16 	(3) the person complies with requirements as prescribed by the board for an initial 
78.17 	certificate.
78.18 	(b) Acceptable experience includes providing any type of service or advice that involves 
78.19 	accounting, attestation, compilation, management advisement, financial advisement, tax, 
78.20 	or consulting skills, as verified by a licensee and meeting requirements prescribed by the 
78.21 	board by rule. Acceptable experience may be gained through employment in government, 
78.22 	industry, academia, or public practice. Experience as an auditor in the Office of the 
78.23 	Legislative Auditor or the Office of the State Auditor, as verified by a licensee, is acceptable 
78.24 	experience.

78.25 	Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 326A.03, is amended by adding a subdivision 
78.26 	to read:
78.27 		Subd. 6b.Transitional period. (a) Until July 1, 2030, a person must be granted an initial 
78.28 	certificate as a certified public accountant if the person meets either:
78.29 	(1) all requirements under subdivision 6; or
78.30 	(2) all requirements under subdivision 6a.
78.31 	(b) This subdivision expires July 1, 2030.

79.1 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2026.

79.2 	Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 326A.14, is amended to read:
79.3 	326A.14 SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCY MOBILITY.
79.4 		Subdivision 1.Requirements. (a) An individual whose principal place of business is 
79.5 	not in this state and who holds a valid license in good standing as a certified public accountant 
79.6 	from any state which, upon verification, is in substantial equivalence with the certified 
79.7 	public accountant licensure requirements of section 326A.03, subdivisions 3, 4, and 6, shall 
79.8 	be presumed to have qualifications substantially equivalent to this state's requirements and 
79.9 	shall have all the privileges of licensees of this state without the need to obtain a license., 
79.10 	if the person:
79.11 	(1) holds a valid certificate, license, or permit to practice as a certified public accountant 
79.12 	that was issued in another state and is in good standing to practice as a certified public 
79.13 	accountant in that state;
79.14 	(2) has a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited postsecondary school with an 
79.15 	accounting concentration or equivalent as determined by the board by rule; and
79.16 	(3) has passed the Uniform CPA Examination.
79.17 	(b) Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this chapter, an individual who offers or 
79.18 	renders professional services, whether in person, by mail, telephone, or electronic means, 
79.19 	under this paragraph (a): (1) shall be granted practice privileges in this state; (2) is subject 
79.20 	to the requirements in paragraph (c); and (3) is not required to provide any notice or other 
79.21 	submission.
79.22 	(b) An individual whose principal place of business is not in this state and who holds a 
79.23 	valid license in good standing as a certified public accountant from any state whose certified 
79.24 	public accountant licensure qualifications, upon verification, are not substantially equivalent 
79.25 	with the licensure requirements of section 326A.03, subdivisions 3, 4, and 6, shall be 
79.26 	presumed to have qualifications substantially equivalent to this state's requirements and 
79.27 	shall have all the privileges of licensees of this state without the need to obtain a license if 
79.28 	the individual obtains verification, as specified in board rule, that the individual's 
79.29 	qualifications are substantially equivalent to the licensure requirements of section 326A.03, 
79.30 	subdivisions 3, 4, and 6. For purposes of this paragraph, any individual who passed the 
79.31 	Uniform CPA Examination and holds a valid license issued by any other state prior to 
79.32 	January 1, 2009, is exempt from the education requirement in section 326A.03, subdivision 
79.33 	6, paragraph (a), provided the individual meets the education requirement in section 326A.03, 
80.1 	subdivision 3. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this chapter, an individual who 
80.2 	offers or renders professional services, whether in person, by mail, telephone, or electronic 
80.3 	means, under this paragraph: (1) shall, after the verification specified by adopted rules, be 
80.4 	granted practice privileges in this state; (2) is subject to the requirements in paragraph (c); 
80.5 	and (3) is not required to provide any notice or other submission.
80.6 	(c) An individual licensee of another state exercising the privilege afforded under this 
80.7 	section and the firm which employs that licensee are deemed to have consented, as a condition 
80.8 	of the grant of this privilege:
80.9 	(1) to the personal and subject matter jurisdiction and disciplinary authority of the board;
80.10 	(2) to comply with this chapter and the board's rules;
80.11 	(3) to the appointment of the state board that issued the license as the licensee's agent 
80.12 	upon whom process may be served in any action or proceeding by this board against the 
80.13 	licensee; and
80.14 	(4) to cease offering or rendering professional services in this state individually and on 
80.15 	behalf of a firm in the event the license issued by the state of the individual's principal place 
80.16 	of business is no longer valid or in good standing.
80.17 	(d) An individual who has been granted practice privileges under this section who 
80.18 	performs attest services as defined in section 326A.01, subdivision 2, clause (1), (4), or (5), 
80.19 	for any entity with its headquarters in this state, may only do so through a firm which has 
80.20 	obtained a permit under section 326A.05.
80.21 		Subd. 2.Use of title in another state. A licensee of this state offering or rendering 
80.22 	services or using the CPA title in another state is subject to the same disciplinary action in 
80.23 	this state for which the licensee would be subject to discipline for an act committed in the 
80.24 	other state. The board shall investigate any complaint made by the board of accountancy 
80.25 	of another state.

80.26 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

80.27 	Sec. 17. REPEALER.
 80.28 		Subdivision 1.Board of Accountancy.  Minnesota Rules, part 1105.7900, item D, is 
80.29 	repealed.
80.30 		Subd. 2.Board of Cosmetologist Examiners. Laws 2024, chapter 120, article 3, section 
80.31 	2, is repealed.

80.32 	EFFECTIVE DATE. Subdivision 1 is effective the day following final enactment.

81.1 	ARTICLE 5
81.2 	MINNESOTA BUSINESS FILING FRAUD PREVENTION ACT

81.3 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13.485, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
81.4 		Subdivision 1.Scope. The sections referred to in subdivisions 3 to 6 7 are codified 
81.5 	outside this chapter. Those sections classify corporation data as other than public, place 
81.6 	restrictions on access to government data, or involve data sharing.

81.7 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13.485, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
81.8 	read:
81.9 		Subd. 7.Business fraud investigations. Government data related to investigations under 
81.10 	sections 300.70 to 300.78 are governed by section 300.78.

81.11 	Sec. 3. [300.70] CITATION AND DEFINITIONS.
81.12 		Subdivision 1.Citation. Sections 300.70 to 300.78 may be cited as the "Minnesota 
81.13 	Business Filing Fraud Prevention Act."
81.14 		Subd. 2.Definitions. (a) For purposes of sections 300.70 to 300.78, the following terms 
81.15 	have the meanings given.
81.16 	(b) "Complainant" means a person who (1) delivers a declaration of wrongful filing, and 
81.17 	(2) has a connection to the allegedly wrongful filing or the related business.
81.18 	(c) "Filer" means the person who has allegedly made a wrongful filing.
81.19 	(d) "Office" means the Office of the Secretary of State.

81.20 	Sec. 4. [300.71] DECLARATION OF WRONGFUL FILING.
81.21 		Subdivision 1.Form and contents of declaration. (a) A complainant may deliver a 
81.22 	declaration of wrongful filing to the office if the complainant believes that a document filed 
81.23 	under chapters 301 to 323A:
81.24 	(1) was not authorized to be filed; and
81.25 	(2) was filed with the intent to: (i) modify the ownership, registered agent, business 
81.26 	address, contact information, governance, or other information of a business on record; or 
81.27 	(ii) register a business using another person's name, address, or identity.
81.28 	(b) A declaration of wrongful filing must include:
81.29 	(1) the file number of the allegedly wrongful filing;
82.1 	(2) the complainant's name, mailing address, and email address;
82.2 	(3) whether the complainant is employed by or has an ownership interest in the business 
82.3 	that is the subject of the filing;
82.4 	(4) any information or evidence supporting the complainant's allegations under this 
82.5 	section;
82.6 	(5) a statement verifying the complainant believes in good faith that the facts stated in 
82.7 	the declaration are true; and
82.8 	(6) any other information the office deems necessary.
82.9 	(c) The office must provide a form for declarations filed under this section. A complainant 
82.10 	must use the provided form when submitting a declaration of wrongful filing.
82.11 	(d) A false material statement of fact in a declaration of wrongful filing or any other 
82.12 	document submitted under sections 300.70 to 300.78 is a violation of section 609.48.
82.13 		Subd. 2.Review of declaration. (a) The office must promptly accept or reject a 
82.14 	declaration of wrongful filing.
82.15 	(b) The office may reject a declaration of wrongful filing that is incomplete, does not 
82.16 	use the provided form, or the office reasonably believes was delivered with the intent to 
82.17 	harass or defraud the filer. The office may reject a declaration of wrongful filing if the office 
82.18 	has already issued a final order on the filing identified in the declaration.
82.19 		Subd. 3.Nonexclusive remedy. The remedy in sections 300.70 to 300.78 is not exclusive. 
82.20 	An aggrieved party may seek district court action regardless of whether the individual has 
82.21 	initiated or completed the procedure described in these sections.

82.22 	Sec. 5. [300.72] NOTICE.
82.23 	(a) When the office accepts a declaration of wrongful filing, the office must provide 
82.24 	notice of the declaration to the complainant and the filer. The notice must describe the 
82.25 	allegations made in the declaration and the process used to resolve the allegations. The 
82.26 	notice must prominently state the response timeline in section 300.73 and the consequences 
82.27 	if the filer does not respond. The notice must prominently state that a false statement of 
82.28 	material fact in any documents submitted under sections 300.70 to 300.78 is a violation of 
82.29 	section 609.48.
82.30 	(b) The office must send the notice by first class mail, postage prepaid, to:
82.31 	(1) the complainant at the mailing address provided in the declaration; and
83.1 	(2) the filer at:
83.2 	(i) the most recent registered business address associated with the filing named in the 
83.3 	declaration; or
83.4 	(ii) if a mailing address for the filer cannot be identified, the notice may be served on 
83.5 	the filer as provided under section 5.25, subdivision 6.
83.6 	(c) Notice is deemed received by the complainant and the filer upon mailing.
83.7 	(d) If the notice to the filer is returned as undeliverable, the office may deem the filing 
83.8 	fraudulent and immediately issue a final order as provided under section 300.76, 
83.9 	notwithstanding the time period under section 300.73.

83.10 	Sec. 6. [300.73] RESPONSE.
83.11 	(a) After notice is received, the filer must respond in writing to the allegations in the 
83.12 	declaration. The response must be received by the office within 21 calendar days of receipt 
83.13 	of the notice.
83.14 	(b) The filer's response under this section must include any information refuting the 
83.15 	allegations contained in the complainant's declaration.

83.16 	Sec. 7. [300.74] PROCEDURE WHEN NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.
83.17 	If the filer does not respond within the time period under section 300.73, the office must 
83.18 	deem the filing fraudulent and issue a final order as provided under section 300.76.

83.19 	Sec. 8. [300.75] PROCEDURE WHEN RESPONSE RECEIVED.
83.20 		Subdivision 1.Preliminary determination. (a) If the filer responds within the period 
83.21 	under section 300.73, the office must further investigate the allegations in the declaration 
83.22 	and information in the response and make a preliminary determination regarding whether 
83.23 	the filing named in the declaration is fraudulent.
83.24 	(b) The office may request additional information from the complainant and the filer if 
83.25 	necessary to make the preliminary determination.
83.26 		Subd. 2.Notice of preliminary determination. The office must send notice of the 
83.27 	preliminary determination to the complainant and the filer in the manner described under 
83.28 	section 300.72. Notice is deemed received in the manner described under section 300.72.
83.29 		Subd. 3.Response. After notice is received, the nonprevailing party must respond to 
83.30 	the preliminary determination within ten calendar days with additional information or 
84.1 	evidence in support of the nonprevailing party's position. The prevailing party may send 
84.2 	additional information or evidence within the same time period. The response must be 
84.3 	received by the office within the time period provided under this subdivision.
84.4 		Subd. 4.Procedure if no second response is received. If the nonprevailing party does 
84.5 	not respond as required under subdivision 3, the preliminary determination becomes final 
84.6 	and the office must issue a final order under section 300.76.
84.7 		Subd. 5.Procedure if second response is received. If the nonprevailing party responds 
84.8 	as required under subdivision 3, the office must consider the additional information provided, 
84.9 	make a final determination regarding whether the filing named in the declaration is fraudulent, 
84.10 	and issue a final order under section 300.76.
84.11 		Subd. 6.Factors. When making a preliminary or final determination under this section, 
84.12 	the office may consider various factors, including but not limited to:
84.13 	(1) whether the office has previously received declarations of wrongful filing or issued 
84.14 	final orders relating to the business, the filer, or the complainant;
84.15 	(2) the previous filing history relating to the business, the filer, or the complainant;
84.16 	(3) whether the filer or complainant failed to respond to a request for additional 
84.17 	information; and
84.18 	(4) whether the office is able to independently verify the information provided by the 
84.19 	filer or complainant using publicly available information.

84.20 	Sec. 9. [300.76] FINAL ORDER.
84.21 		Subdivision 1.Filings deemed fraudulent. (a) If the office deems a filing fraudulent 
84.22 	under section 300.74 or 300.75, the office must issue a final order under this subdivision. 
84.23 	The final order must provide the office's rationale for deeming the filing fraudulent.
84.24 	(b) When a filing is deemed fraudulent pursuant to a final order under this subdivision, 
84.25 	the filing must be treated for legal purposes as if the filing never existed. In the case of a 
84.26 	business registered using a Minnesota resident's name, address, or identity without the 
84.27 	resident's authorization, the business is deemed dissolved.
84.28 	(c) When a filing is deemed fraudulent pursuant to a final order, the office must:
84.29 	(1) mark the unauthorized filing or the business record as unauthorized or fraudulent;
84.30 	(2) redact names and addresses that were used without authorization; and
84.31 	(3) retain a copy of the final order.
85.1 	(d) In addition to the actions in paragraph (c), the office may:
85.2 	(1) disable additional filing functionality on the business entity's record; or
85.3 	(2) take other action the office deems necessary to prevent further unauthorized filings, 
85.4 	protect private information, or prevent misuse of unauthorized information.
85.5 		Subd. 2.Filings deemed not fraudulent or insufficient evidence. If the office 
85.6 	determines that a filing is not fraudulent or that insufficient information is available to make 
85.7 	a determination, the office must issue a final order stating that the office is not removing 
85.8 	the filing from the database. The final order must provide the office's rationale for 
85.9 	determining that the filing is not fraudulent or that insufficient information is available to 
85.10 	make a determination.

85.11 	Sec. 10. [300.77] JUDICIAL REVIEW.
85.12 	(a) Any party who is aggrieved by a final order under section 300.76 may appeal the 
85.13 	order to the district court of the Minnesota county where the business that is the subject of 
85.14 	the final order is registered or was registered before the business's dissolution or, if the 
85.15 	business is not registered in Minnesota, to the district court of Ramsey County. The aggrieved 
85.16 	party may also appeal the final order as part of any district court action between the filer 
85.17 	and complainant where the filing at issue is relevant to the issues in the case.
85.18 	(b) The aggrieved party must serve a written copy of a notice of appeal upon the office 
85.19 	and any adverse party of record within 30 calendar days after the date the final order was 
85.20 	issued and must also file the original notice and proof of service with the court administrator 
85.21 	of the district court. Service may be made in person or by mail. Service by mail is complete 
85.22 	upon mailing. The court administrator is prohibited from requiring a filing fee for appeals 
85.23 	taken pursuant to this section.
85.24 	(c) The office may elect to become a party to the proceedings in the district court.
85.25 	(d) The court may order that the office furnish the court and all parties to the proceedings 
85.26 	with a copy of the decision, the filing that is the subject of the decision, and any materials 
85.27 	or information submitted to the office. Any materials provided under this section that are 
85.28 	filed with the court must be done so under restricted access unless the court orders otherwise.
85.29 	(e) A party may obtain a hearing at a special term of the district court by serving a written 
85.30 	notice of the hearing's time and place at least ten days before the date of the hearing.
86.1 	(f) A party aggrieved by the order of the district court may appeal the order as in other 
86.2 	civil cases. Costs or disbursements must not be taxed against a party. A filing fee or bond 
86.3 	must not be required of a party.

86.4 	Sec. 11. [300.78] DATA PRACTICES.
86.5 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. For purposes of this section, "nonpublic data" has the meaning 
86.6 	given in section 13.02, subdivision 9, and "private data on individuals" has the meaning 
86.7 	given in section 13.02, subdivision 12.
86.8 		Subd. 2.Data classification. Data submitted by a complainant or filer under sections 
86.9 	300.70 to 300.78 is classified as nonpublic data or private data on individuals. A final order 
86.10 	under section 300.76 is public data, subject to the following: the complainant or filer's 
86.11 	personal contact information is classified as private data on individuals. The unredacted 
86.12 	version of a filing deemed fraudulent pursuant to a final order under section 300.76, 
86.13 	subdivision 1, is classified as nonpublic data or private data on individuals. The version of 
86.14 	the filing that has been redacted pursuant to section 300.76, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), 
86.15 	is classified as public data.
86.16 		Subd. 3.Dissemination permitted. Notwithstanding subdivision 2, the office may 
86.17 	disseminate data of any classification collected, created, or maintained under sections 300.70 
86.18 	to 300.78:
86.19 	(1) to the attorney general to aid the office in the investigation and review of a filing 
86.20 	that is the subject of a declaration of wrongful filing;
86.21 	(2) to a person or agency if the office determines that access to the data aids a criminal 
86.22 	or civil investigation; or
86.23 	(3) if required or authorized by a court order or other state or federal law.

86.24 	Sec. 12. [300.80] PROHIBITION ON DECEPTIVE BUSINESS MAILINGS.
86.25 		Subdivision 1.Definition. For purposes of this section, "solicitation" means a 
86.26 	communication that is sent by a nongovernment third party to a business and that purports 
86.27 	to:
86.28 	(1) notify the business of an operating requirement, including but not limited to filing 
86.29 	documents with or retrieving documents from the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of 
86.30 	State; or
87.1 	(2) offer a service that relates to filing documents with, producing documents for, or 
87.2 	reporting information to the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State.
87.3 		Subd. 2.Design and content requirements. (a) A solicitation must:
87.4 	(1) include a clear statement indicating that the solicitation is an advertisement and is 
87.5 	not from a government agency. The statement must be placed at the top of a physical 
87.6 	document or the beginning of an electronic communication and must be in at least 24-point 
87.7 	font. All other text in the document must be smaller than the statement required by this 
87.8 	clause;
87.9 	(2) provide information indicating where an individual is able to directly file documents 
87.10 	with the secretary of state or retrieve copies of public records;
87.11 	(3) disclose the name and physical address of the company sending the solicitation. The 
87.12 	physical address must not be a post office box; and
87.13 	(4) for a mailed solicitation, prominently display in capital letters on the envelope or 
87.14 	outer wrapper the words "THIS IS NOT A GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT."
87.15 	(b) The overall design and language of a solicitation must not:
87.16 	(1) create the impression that the solicitation is an official government notice or document;
87.17 	(2) incorporate the Minnesota state seal or other logo or branding of the state or any 
87.18 	state agency; or
87.19 	(3) indicate or imply a legal duty to act on the solicitation or a penalty for failure to act 
87.20 	on the solicitation.
87.21 		Subd. 3.Penalties. (a) A person who sends a solicitation that does not comply with the 
87.22 	requirements of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
87.23 	(b) A violation of this section is a violation of sections 325D.43 to 325D.48.

87.24 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.48, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
87.25 		Subdivision 1.Acts constituting. Whoever makes a false material statement not believing 
87.26 	it to be true in any of the following cases is guilty of perjury and may be sentenced as 
87.27 	provided in subdivision 4:
87.28 	(1) in or for an action, hearing or proceeding of any kind in which the statement is 
87.29 	required or authorized by law to be made under oath or affirmation;
87.30 	(2) in any writing which is required or authorized by law to be under oath or affirmation;
88.1 	(3) in any writing made according to section 358.115;
88.2 	(4) in any writing made according to section 358.116; or
88.3 	(5) in any writing made according to sections 300.70 to 300.78; or
88.4 	(5) (6) in any other case in which the penalties for perjury are imposed by law and no 
88.5 	specific sentence is otherwise provided.

88.6 	Sec. 14. RULEMAKING.
 88.7 	The secretary of state may adopt rules to carry out the provisions of this act. 
88.8 	Notwithstanding section 14.125, no time limit applies to the authority granted under this 
88.9 	section.

88.10 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

88.11 	Sec. 15. EFFECTIVE DATE.
 88.12 	Sections 3 to 11 are effective for filings made on or after January 1, 2026.

88.13 	ARTICLE 6
88.14 	BUSINESS FILING FEES

88.15 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 302A.153, is amended to read:
88.16 	302A.153 EFFECTIVE DATE OF ARTICLES.
88.17 	Articles of incorporation are effective and corporate existence begins when the articles 
88.18 	of incorporation are filed with the secretary of state accompanied by a payment of $135
88.19 	$145, which includes a $100 $110 incorporation fee in addition to the $35 filing fee required 
88.20 	by section 302A.011, subdivision 11. Articles of amendment are effective when filed with 
88.21 	the secretary of state or at another time within 30 days after filing if the articles of amendment 
88.22 	so provide. Articles of merger must be accompanied by a fee of $60, which includes a $25 
88.23 	merger fee in addition to the $35 filing fee required by section 302A.011, subdivision 11.

88.24 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 303.06, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
88.25 	read:
88.26 		Subd. 3.Fees. The fee for filing an application for a certificate of authority with the 
88.27 	secretary of state is $60.

89.1 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 303.21, is amended to read:
89.2 	303.21 FEES.
89.3 		Subd. 3.Other instruments. A fee of $50 shall be paid to the secretary of state for filing 
89.4 	any instrument, other than the application for certificate of authority required by section 
89.5 	303.06 and the annual report renewal required by section 303.14, required or permitted to 
89.6 	be filed under the provisions of this chapter. The fees shall be paid at the time of the filing 
89.7 	of the instrument.

89.8 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 308A.131, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
89.9 		Subd. 2.Filing articles. (a) The original articles must be filed with the secretary of state.
89.10 	(b) The fee for filing the articles with the secretary of state is $60 $65.

89.11 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 308B.215, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
89.12 		Subd. 2.Filing. The original articles shall be filed with the secretary of state. The fee 
89.13 	for filing the articles with the secretary of state is $60 $65.

89.14 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 317A.151, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
89.15 		Subd. 2.Effective date. Articles of incorporation are effective and corporate existence 
89.16 	begins when the articles of incorporation are filed with the secretary of state accompanied 
89.17 	by a payment of $70 $75, which includes a $35 $40 incorporation fee in addition to the $35 
89.18 	filing fee required by section 317A.011, subdivision 8. Articles of amendment are effective 
89.19 	when filed with the secretary of state or at another time within 31 days after filing if the 
89.20 	articles of amendment so provide.

89.21 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 321.0206, is amended to read:
89.22 	321.0206 DELIVERY TO AND FILING OF RECORDS BY SECRETARY OF 
89.23 	STATE; EFFECTIVE TIME AND DATE.
89.24 	(a) A record authorized or required to be delivered to the secretary of state for filing 
89.25 	under this chapter must be captioned to describe the record's purpose, be in a medium 
89.26 	permitted by the secretary of state, and be delivered to the secretary of state. Unless the 
89.27 	secretary of state determines that a record does not comply with the filing requirements of 
89.28 	this chapter, and if the appropriate filing fees have been paid, the secretary of state shall 
89.29 	file the record and:
89.30 	(1) for a statement of dissociation, send:
90.1 	(A) a copy of the filed statement to the person which the statement indicates has 
90.2 	dissociated as a general partner; and
90.3 	(B) a copy of the filed statement to the limited partnership;
90.4 	(2) for a statement of withdrawal, send:
90.5 	(A) a copy of the filed statement to the person on whose behalf the record was filed; and
90.6 	(B) if the statement refers to an existing limited partnership, a copy of the filed statement 
90.7 	to the limited partnership; and
90.8 	(3) for all other records, send a copy of the filed record to the person on whose behalf 
90.9 	the record was filed.
90.10 	(b) Upon request and payment of a fee, the secretary of state shall send to the requester 
90.11 	a certified copy of the requested record.
90.12 	(c) Except as otherwise provided in sections 321.0116 and 321.0207, a record delivered 
90.13 	to the secretary of state for filing under this chapter may specify an effective time and a 
90.14 	delayed effective date. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a record filed by the 
90.15 	secretary of state is effective:
90.16 	(1) if the record does not specify an effective time and does not specify a delayed effective 
90.17 	date, on the date and at the time the record is filed as evidenced by the secretary of state's 
90.18 	endorsement of the date and time on the record;
90.19 	(2) if the record specifies an effective time but not a delayed effective date, on the date 
90.20 	the record is filed at the time specified in the record;
90.21 	(3) if the record specifies a delayed effective date but not an effective time, at 12:01 
90.22 	a.m. on the earlier of:
90.23 	(A) the specified date; or
90.24 	(B) the 30th day after the record is filed; or
90.25 	(4) if the record specifies an effective time and a delayed effective date, at the specified 
90.26 	time on the earlier of:
90.27 	(A) the specified date; or
90.28 	(B) the 30th day after the record is filed.
90.29 	(d) The appropriate fees for filings under this chapter are:
90.30 	(1) for filing a certificate of limited partnership, $100 $110;
91.1 	(2) for filing an amended certificate of limited partnership, $50;
91.2 	(3) for filing a name reservation for a limited partnership name, $35;
91.3 	(4) for filing any other record, other than the annual renewal required by section 321.0210, 
91.4 	for which no fee must be charged, required or permitted to be delivered for filing, $50;
91.5 	(5) for filing a certificate requesting authority to transact business in Minnesota as a 
91.6 	foreign limited partnership, $100 $110;
91.7 	(6) for filing an application of reinstatement, $25;
91.8 	(7) for filing a name reservation for a foreign limited partnership name, $35; and
91.9 	(8) for filing any other record, other than the annual renewal required by section 321.0210, 
91.10 	for which no fee must be charged, required or permitted to be delivered for filing on a 
91.11 	foreign limited partnership authorized to transact business in Minnesota, $50.

91.12 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 322C.0201, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
91.13 		Subd. 4.Formation. (a) A limited liability company is formed when articles of 
91.14 	organization have been filed with the secretary of state accompanied by a payment of $135
91.15 	$145.
91.16 	(b) Except in a proceeding by this state to dissolve a limited liability company, the filing 
91.17 	of the articles of organization by the secretary of state is conclusive proof that the organizer 
91.18 	satisfied all conditions to the formation of a limited liability company.
91.19 	(c) The formation of a limited liability company does not by itself cause any person to 
91.20 	become a member. However, this chapter does not preclude an agreement, made before or 
91.21 	after formation of a limited liability company, which provides that one or more persons will 
91.22 	become members, or acknowledging that one or more persons became members, upon or 
91.23 	otherwise in connection with the formation of the limited liability company.

91.24 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 322C.0802, is amended to read:
91.25 	322C.0802 APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY.
91.26 	Before transacting business in this state, a foreign limited liability company shall obtain 
91.27 	a certificate of authority to transact business in this state by filing an application with the 
91.28 	secretary of state together with a total fee of $185 $195. The application must state:
91.29 	(1) the name of the company and any alternate name adopted pursuant to section 
91.30 	322C.0805, subdivision 1;
92.1 	(2) the name of the state or other jurisdiction under whose law the company is formed;
92.2 	(3) a statement that the foreign limited liability company has complied with the 
92.3 	organizational laws in the jurisdiction under whose laws the company is formed;
92.4 	(4) the street address of the company's principal place of business and, if the law of the 
92.5 	jurisdiction under which the company is formed requires the company to maintain an office 
92.6 	in that jurisdiction, the street address of the required office; and
92.7 	(5) the name and street address of the company's initial registered office and agent for 
92.8 	service of process in this state.

92.9 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 323A.0101, is amended to read:
92.10 	323A.0101 DEFINITIONS.
92.11 	In this chapter:
92.12 	(1) "Business" includes every trade, occupation, and profession.
92.13 	(2) "Debtor in bankruptcy" means a person who is the subject of:
92.14 	(i) an order for relief under title 11 of the United States Code or a comparable order 
92.15 	under a successor statute of general application; or
92.16 	(ii) a comparable order under federal, state, or foreign law governing insolvency.
92.17 	(3) "Distribution" means a transfer of money or other property from a partnership to a 
92.18 	partner in the partner's capacity as a partner or to the partner's transferee.
92.19 	(4) "Executed" means signed.
92.20 	(5) "Filed" or "filed with the secretary of state" means that a document meeting the 
92.21 	applicable requirements of this chapter, signed, and accompanied by a filing fee of $135
92.22 	$145, has been delivered to the secretary of state. The secretary of state shall endorse on 
92.23 	the document the word "Filed" and the month, day, and year of filing; record the document 
92.24 	in the Office of the Secretary of State; and return a document to the person who delivered 
92.25 	it for filing.
92.26 	(6) "Foreign limited liability partnership" means a partnership that:
92.27 	(i) is formed under laws other than the laws of this state; and
92.28 	(ii) has the status of a limited liability partnership under those laws.
93.1 	(7) "Limited liability partnership" means a partnership that has filed a statement of 
93.2 	qualification under section 323A.1001 and does not have a similar statement in effect in 
93.3 	any other jurisdiction.
93.4 	(8) "Partnership" means an association of two or more persons to carry on as co-owners 
93.5 	a business for profit, including a limited liability partnership, formed under section 
93.6 	323A.0202, predecessor law, or comparable law of another jurisdiction.
93.7 	(9) "Partnership agreement" means the agreement, whether written, oral, or implied, 
93.8 	among the partners concerning the partnership, including amendments to the partnership 
93.9 	agreement.
93.10 	(10) "Partnership at will" means a partnership in which the partners have not agreed to 
93.11 	remain partners until the expiration of a definite term or the completion of a particular 
93.12 	undertaking.
93.13 	(11) "Partnership interest" or "partner's interest in the partnership" means all of a partner's 
93.14 	interests in the partnership, including the partner's transferable interest and all management 
93.15 	and other rights.
93.16 	(12) "Person" means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, 
93.17 	association, joint venture, government, governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, 
93.18 	or any other legal or commercial entity.
93.19 	(13) "Property" means all property, real, personal, or mixed, tangible or intangible, or 
93.20 	any interest in property.
93.21 	(14) "Record," "recorded," and "recording" mean that a certified copy of a statement 
93.22 	meeting the applicable requirements of this chapter as filed with the secretary of state has 
93.23 	been recorded in the office of the county recorder in the county in which the real property 
93.24 	affected by the statement is located or, if the real property is registered under chapter 508 
93.25 	or 508A, memorialized on the certificate of title for that property.
93.26 	(15) "Signed" means that:
93.27 	(i) the signature of a person has been written on a document, as provided in section 
93.28 	645.44, subdivision 14; and
93.29 	(ii) with respect to a document that may be filed with the secretary of state, the document 
93.30 	has been signed by a person authorized to do so by this chapter, by the partnership agreement, 
93.31 	or by a resolution approved as provided in the partnership agreement.
94.1 	A signature on a document may be a facsimile affixed, engraved, printed, placed, stamped 
94.2 	with indelible ink, transmitted by facsimile or electronically, or in any other manner 
94.3 	reproduced on the document.
94.4 	(16) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the 
94.5 	Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territory or insular possession subject to the 
94.6 	jurisdiction of the United States.
94.7 	(17) "Statement" means a statement of partnership authority under section 323A.0303, 
94.8 	a statement of denial under section 323A.0304, a statement of dissociation under section 
94.9 	323A.0704, a statement of dissolution under section 323A.0805, a statement of merger 
94.10 	under section 323A.0907, a statement of qualification under section 323A.1001, a statement 
94.11 	of foreign qualification under section 323A.1102, or an amendment or cancellation of any 
94.12 	of the foregoing.
94.13 	(18) "Transfer" includes an assignment, conveyance, lease, mortgage, deed, and 
94.14 	encumbrance.

94.15 	ARTICLE 7
94.16 	LOCAL GOVERNMENT POLICY

94.17 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13D.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
94.18 		Subdivision 1.Conditions. (a) A meeting governed by section 13D.01, subdivisions 1, 
94.19 	2, 4, and 5, and this section may be conducted by interactive technology so long as:
94.20 	(1) all members of the body participating in the meeting, wherever their physical location, 
94.21 	can hear and see one another and can hear and see all discussion and testimony presented 
94.22 	at any location at which at least one member is present;
94.23 	(2) members of the public present at the regular meeting location of the body can hear 
94.24 	and see all discussion and testimony and all votes of members of the body;
94.25 	(3) at least one member of the body is physically present at the regular meeting location;
94.26 	and
94.27 	(4) all votes are conducted by roll call so each member's vote on each issue can be 
94.28 	identified and recorded; and.
94.29 	(5) each location at which a member of the body is present is open and accessible to the 
94.30 	public.
95.1 	(b) A meeting satisfies the requirements of paragraph (a), although a member of the 
95.2 	public body participates from a location that is not open or accessible to the public, if the 
95.3 	member has not participated more than three times in a calendar year from a location that 
95.4 	is not open or accessible to the public, and:
95.5 	(1) the member is serving in the military and is at a required drill, deployed, or on active 
95.6 	duty; or
95.7 	(2) the member has been advised by a health care professional against being in a public 
95.8 	place for personal or family medical reasons.

95.9 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13D.02, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
95.10 		Subd. 4.Notice of regular and all member meeting locations. If interactive technology 
95.11 	is used to conduct a regular, special, or emergency meeting, the public body shall provide 
95.12 	notice of the regular meeting location and notice of any location where a member of the 
95.13 	public body will be participating the fact that members may participate in the meeting by 
95.14 	interactive technology, except for the locations of members participating pursuant to 
95.15 	subdivision 1, paragraph (b). The timing and method of providing notice of the regular 
95.16 	meeting location must be as described in section 13D.04.

95.17 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 222.37, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
95.18 		Subdivision 1.Use requirements. (a) Any water power, telegraph, telephone, pneumatic 
95.19 	tube, pipeline, community antenna television, cable communications or electric light, heat, 
95.20 	power company, entity that receives a route permit under chapter 216E for a high-voltage 
95.21 	transmission line necessary to interconnect an electric power generating facility with 
95.22 	transmission lines or associated facilities of an entity that directly, or through its members 
95.23 	or agents, provides retail electric service in the state, or fire department may use public 
95.24 	roads for the purpose of constructing, using, operating, and maintaining lines, subways, 
95.25 	canals, conduits, transmission lines, hydrants, or dry hydrants, for their business, but such 
95.26 	lines shall be so located as in no way to interfere with the safety and convenience of ordinary 
95.27 	travel along or over the same; and, in the construction and maintenance of such line, subway, 
95.28 	canal, conduit, transmission lines, hydrants, or dry hydrants, the entity shall be subject to 
95.29 	all reasonable regulations imposed by the governing body of any county, town or city in 
95.30 	which such public road may be. If the governing body does not require the entity to obtain 
95.31 	a permit, an entity shall notify the governing body of any county, town, or city having 
95.32 	jurisdiction over a public road prior to the construction or major repair, involving extensive 
95.33 	excavation on the road right-of-way, of the entity's equipment along, over, or under the 
96.1 	public road, unless the governing body waives the notice requirement. A waiver of the 
96.2 	notice requirement must be renewed on an annual basis. For emergency repair an entity 
96.3 	shall notify the governing body as soon as practical after the repair is made. Nothing herein 
96.4 	shall be construed to grant to any person any rights for the maintenance of a telegraph, 
96.5 	telephone, pneumatic tube, community antenna television system, cable communications 
96.6 	system, or light, heat, power system, electric power generating system, high-voltage 
96.7 	transmission line, or hydrant system within the corporate limits of any city until such person 
96.8 	shall have obtained the right to maintain such system within such city or for a period beyond 
96.9 	that for which the right to operate such system is granted by such city.
96.10 	(b) Any public water district, sewer district, or combination water and sewer district 
96.11 	established under chapter 116A may install water and sewer lines and all other ancillary 
96.12 	infrastructure within a public road right-of-way in accordance with paragraph (a).

96.13 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 331A.10, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
96.14 		Subd. 2.Discontinuance. (a) When a newspaper ceases to be published before the 
96.15 	publication of a public notice is commenced, or when commenced ceases before the 
96.16 	publication is completed, the following procedures apply: (1) when the publication is required 
96.17 	by court order, the order for publication, when one is required in the first instance, may be 
96.18 	amended by order of the court or judge, to designate another newspaper, as may be necessary. 
96.19 	If no order is required in the first instance,; or (2) when the publication is required by law, 
96.20 	rule, or ordinance, the publication may be made or completed in any other qualified 
96.21 	newspaper.
96.22 	(b) If no qualified newspaper is available for publication of a public notice after the 
96.23 	discontinuance of a newspaper, the political subdivision must post the information required 
96.24 	to be published on the political subdivision's website until another qualified newspaper is 
96.25 	identified, which shall then be designated. During the time when no qualified newspaper is 
96.26 	available, the political subdivision must also post the public notice on the Minnesota 
96.27 	Newspaper Association's statewide public notice website, at no additional cost to the political 
96.28 	subdivision.
96.29 	(c) Any time during which the notice is published in the first a newspaper prior to its 
96.30 	discontinuance shall be calculated as a part of the time required for the publication, proof 
96.31 	of which may be made by affidavit of any person acquainted with the facts.

96.32 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

97.1 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 367.36, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
97.2 		Subdivision 1.Transition; audit. (a) In a town in which option D is adopted, the 
97.3 	incumbent treasurer shall continue in office until the expiration of the term. Thereafter, or 
97.4 	at any time a vacancy other than a temporary vacancy under section 367.03 occurs in the 
97.5 	position, the duties of the treasurer prescribed by law shall be performed by the clerk who 
97.6 	shall be referred to as the clerk-treasurer. If option D is adopted at an election in which the 
97.7 	treasurer is also elected, the election of the treasurer's position is void.
97.8 	(b) If the offices of clerk and treasurer are combined and the town's annual revenue for 
97.9 	all governmental and enterprise funds combined is more than the amount in paragraph (c), 
97.10 	the town board shall provide for an annual audit of the town's financial affairs by the state 
97.11 	auditor or a public accountant in accordance with minimum audit procedures prescribed by 
97.12 	the state auditor. If the offices of clerk and treasurer are combined and the town's annual 
97.13 	revenue for all governmental and enterprise funds combined is the amount in paragraph (c) 
97.14 	or less, the town board shall provide for an audit of the town's financial affairs by the state 
97.15 	auditor or a public accountant in accordance with minimum audit procedures prescribed by 
97.16 	the state auditor at least once every five years, which audit shall be for a one-year period 
97.17 	to be determined at random by the person conducting the audit. Upon completion of an 
97.18 	audit by a public accountant, the public accountant shall forward a copy of the audit to the 
97.19 	state auditor. For purposes of this subdivision, "public accountant" means a certified public 
97.20 	accountant or a certified public accounting firm licensed in accordance with chapter 326A.
97.21 	(c) For the purposes of paragraph (b), the amount in 2004 2025 is $150,000 $1,000,000, 
97.22 	and in 2005 and after, $150,000 is adjusted annually thereafter for inflation using the annual 
97.23 	implicit price deflator for state and local expenditures as published by the United States 
97.24 	Department of Commerce.

97.25 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2025, and applies to audits 
97.26 	performed for 2026 and thereafter.

97.27 	Sec. 6. [383A.151] RAMSEY COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 
97.28 	AUTHORITY.
97.29 		Subdivision 1.Creation. (a) There is created in the county of Ramsey a public body, 
97.30 	corporate and politic, known as the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority, 
97.31 	that has the powers contained in sections 469.090 to 469.108, except for sections 469.101, 
97.32 	subdivision 19, 469.102, and 469.107; the powers of a housing and redevelopment authority 
97.33 	under sections 469.001 to 469.047; and the powers of a city under sections 469.124 to 
97.34 	469.133. For purposes of applying chapter 469 to the county of Ramsey, the county has all 
98.1 	the powers and duties of a city; the county board has all the powers and duties of a governing 
98.2 	body; the chair of the county board has all the powers and duties of a mayor; and, with 
98.3 	respect to the exercise of the powers under section 469.008, the area of operation includes 
98.4 	the area within the territorial boundaries of the county.
98.5 	(b) Section 469.1082 does not apply to the county of Ramsey, except for section 
98.6 	469.1082, subdivision 5.
98.7 		Subd. 2.Commissioners. Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 469 or other law 
98.8 	to the contrary, the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority consists of seven 
98.9 	commissioners. The county board must appoint the commissioners and fill vacancies in the 
98.10 	office of any commissioner. Pursuant to Ramsey County Resolution No. 94-357, dated July 
98.11 	26, 1994, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners also constitutes the Ramsey County 
98.12 	Housing and Redevelopment Authority. The board may, by resolution, appoint the sitting 
98.13 	commissioners of the Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority as 
98.14 	commissioners of the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority, the terms of each 
98.15 	commissioner corresponding accordingly.

98.16 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day after the governing body of 
98.17 	Ramsey County and its chief clerical officer comply with Minnesota Statutes, section 
98.18 	645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3.

98.19 	Sec. 7. [383A.152] RAMSEY COUNTY HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT 
98.20 	AUTHORITY; ADDITIONAL POWERS.
98.21 	The Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, established pursuant to 
98.22 	Ramsey County Resolution No. 93-155, dated March 9, 1993, shall have the powers and 
98.23 	duties of the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority under section 383A.151 
98.24 	and shall retain all the powers of a housing and redevelopment authority under sections 
98.25 	469.001 to 469.047. For purposes of applying chapter 469 to the county of Ramsey, the 
98.26 	county has all the powers and duties of a city; the county board has all the powers and duties 
98.27 	of a governing body; the chair of the county has all the powers and duties of a mayor; and, 
98.28 	with respect to the exercise of the powers under section 469.008, the area of operation 
98.29 	includes the area within the territorial boundaries of the county.

98.30 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day after the governing body of 
98.31 	Ramsey County and its chief clerical officer comply with Minnesota Statutes, section 
98.32 	645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3.

99.1 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383C.035, is amended to read:
99.2 	383C.035 UNCLASSIFIED CIVIL SERVICE.
99.3 	(a) The officers and employees of the county and of any agency, board, or commission, 
99.4 	supported in whole or in part by taxation upon the taxable property of the county or appointed 
99.5 	by the judges of the district court for the county, are divided into the unclassified and 
99.6 	classified service.
99.7 	(b) The unclassified service comprises:
99.8 	(1) all officers elected by popular vote or persons appointed to fill vacancies in such 
99.9 	offices;
99.10 	(2) superintendent or principal administrative officer or comptroller of any separate 
99.11 	department of county government which is now or hereafter created pursuant to law, who 
99.12 	is directly responsible to the board of county commissioners or any other board or 
99.13 	commission, as well as the county agricultural agents reporting to the county extension 
99.14 	committee;
99.15 	(3) members of nonpaid board, or commissioners appointed by the board of county 
99.16 	commissioners or acting in an advisory capacity;
99.17 	(4) assistant county attorneys or special investigators in the employ of the county attorney. 
99.18 	For purposes of this section, special investigators are defined as all nonclerical positions in 
99.19 	the employ of the county attorney;
99.20 	(5) all common labor temporarily employed on an hourly basis;
99.21 	(6) not more than a total of nine full-time equivalent clerical employees serving the 
99.22 	county board and administrator;
99.23 	(7) a legislative lobbyist/grant coordinator appointed by the county board to act as 
99.24 	legislative liaison with the St. Louis County legislative delegation and pursue legislative 
99.25 	concerns and grant opportunities for the county, and the clerk for that position;
99.26 	(8) any department head and deputy director designated by the county board;
99.27 	(9) three administrative assistants in the county administrator's office;
99.28 	(10) the county administrator and two deputy administrators; and
99.29 	(11) all court bailiffs.
99.30 	(c) The classified service includes all other positions now existing and hereinafter created 
99.31 	in the service of the county or any board or commission, agency, or offices of the county.

100.1 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 412.02, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
100.2 		Subd. 3.Clerk, treasurer combined; audit standards. (a) In cities operating under 
100.3 	the standard plan of government the council may by ordinance adopted at least 60 days 
100.4 	before the next regular city election combine the offices of clerk and treasurer in the office 
100.5 	of clerk-treasurer, but such an ordinance shall not be effective until the expiration of the 
100.6 	term of the incumbent treasurer or when an earlier vacancy occurs. After the effective date 
100.7 	of the ordinance, the duties of the treasurer and deputy treasurer as prescribed by this chapter 
100.8 	shall be performed by the clerk-treasurer or a duly appointed deputy. The offices of clerk 
100.9 	and treasurer may be reestablished by ordinance.
100.10 	(b) If the offices of clerk and treasurer are combined as provided by this section and the 
100.11 	city's annual revenue for all governmental and enterprise funds combined is more than the 
100.12 	amount in paragraph (c), the council shall provide for an annual audit of the city's financial 
100.13 	affairs by the state auditor or a public accountant in accordance with minimum auditing 
100.14 	procedures prescribed by the state auditor. If the offices of clerk and treasurer are combined 
100.15 	and the city's annual revenue for all governmental and enterprise funds combined is the 
100.16 	amount in paragraph (c), or less, the council shall provide for an audit of the city's financial 
100.17 	affairs by the state auditor or a public accountant in accordance with minimum audit 
100.18 	procedures prescribed by the state auditor at least once every five years, which audit shall 
100.19 	be for a one-year period to be determined at random by the person conducting the audit.
100.20 	(c) For the purposes of paragraph (b), the amount in 2004 2025 is $150,000 $1,000,000, 
100.21 	and in 2005 and after, $150,000 is adjusted annually thereafter for inflation using the annual 
100.22 	implicit price deflator for state and local expenditures as published by the United States 
100.23 	Department of Commerce.

100.24 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2025, and applies to audits 
100.25 	performed for 2026 and thereafter.

100.26 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 412.591, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
100.27 		Subd. 3.Audit standards if combined. (a) If the offices of clerk and treasurer are 
100.28 	combined as provided by this section, and the city's annual revenue for all governmental 
100.29 	and enterprise funds combined is more than the amount in paragraph (b), the council shall 
100.30 	provide for an annual audit of the city's financial affairs by the state auditor or a certified 
100.31 	public accountant in accordance with minimum procedures prescribed by the state auditor. 
100.32 	If the offices of clerk and treasurer are combined and the city's annual revenue for all 
100.33 	governmental and enterprise funds combined is the amount in paragraph (b), or less, the 
100.34 	council shall provide for an audit of the city's financial affairs by the state auditor or a 
101.1 	certified public accountant in accordance with minimum audit procedures prescribed by the 
101.2 	state auditor at least once every five years, which audit shall be for a one-year period to be 
101.3 	determined at random by the person conducting the audit.
101.4 	(b) For the purposes of paragraph (a), the amount in 2004 2025 is $150,000 $1,000,000, 
101.5 	and in 2005 and after, $150,000is adjusted annually thereafter for inflation using the annual 
101.6 	implicit price deflator for state and local expenditures as published by the United States 
101.7 	Department of Commerce.

101.8 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2025, and applies to audits 
101.9 	performed for 2026 and thereafter.

101.10 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 466.01, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
101.11 		Subdivision 1.Municipality. For the purposes of sections 466.01 to 466.15, 
101.12 	"municipality" means any city, whether organized under home rule charter or otherwise, 
101.13 	any county, town, public authority, public corporation, nonprofit firefighting corporation 
101.14 	that has associated with it a relief association as defined in section 424A.001, subdivision 
101.15 	4, special district, school district, however organized, public water or sewer system formed 
101.16 	under chapter 116A, county agricultural society organized pursuant to chapter 38, joint 
101.17 	powers board or organization created under section 471.59 or other statute, public library, 
101.18 	regional public library system, multicounty multitype library system, the following local 
101.19 	collaboratives whose plans have been approved by the Children's Cabinet: family services 
101.20 	collaboratives established under section 142D.15, children's mental health collaboratives 
101.21 	established under sections 245.491 to 245.495, or a collaborative established by the merger 
101.22 	of a children's mental health collaborative and a family services collaborative, other political 
101.23 	subdivision, community action agency, or a limited partnership in which a community action 
101.24 	agency is the sole general partner.

101.25 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2025, and applies to causes 
101.26 	of action accruing on or after that date.

101.27 	Sec. 12. [471.3458] VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY SERVICES PROVIDERS; TIRE 
101.28 	PURCHASES.
101.29 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have 
101.30 	the meanings given.
101.31 	(b) "Fire department" has the meaning given in section 299N.01, subdivision 2.
101.32 	(c) "Municipality" means a statutory or home rule charter city or a town.
102.1 	(d) "Volunteer emergency services provider" means a volunteer firefighter, as defined 
102.2 	in section 299N.03, subdivision 7; volunteer ambulance attendant, as defined in section 
102.3 	144E.001, subdivision 15; volunteer paramedic; or any other volunteer emergency medical 
102.4 	personnel performing emergency medical services for a municipality or fire department.
102.5 		Subd. 2.Tire purchases. A municipality or fire department may authorize a volunteer 
102.6 	emergency services provider who has performed services for the municipality or fire 
102.7 	department for at least three years and who is currently performing services for the 
102.8 	municipality or fire department to purchase up to four vehicle tires for one personal vehicle 
102.9 	owned by the volunteer emergency services provider every three years under a contract for 
102.10 	tires from which the municipality or fire department purchases vehicle tires. The volunteer 
102.11 	emergency services provider must pay for any tires purchased under this section, including 
102.12 	all applicable taxes and fees.
102.13 		Subd. 3.Authorization requirements. (a) The authorization by a municipality or fire 
102.14 	department to purchase tires under this section must be in writing on the municipality's or 
102.15 	fire department's letterhead and include the following:
102.16 	(1) the volunteer emergency services provider's name;
102.17 	(2) the number of years the volunteer emergency services provider has performed services 
102.18 	for the municipality or fire department;
102.19 	(3) the license plate number of the personal vehicle on which the tires will be placed; 
102.20 	and
102.21 	(4) a reference to the contract under which the municipality or fire department purchases 
102.22 	vehicle tires.
102.23 	(b) The municipality or fire department must document how many tires each volunteer 
102.24 	emergency services provider purchases during the periods specified in this section.

102.25 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 477A.017, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
102.26 		Subd. 3.Conformity. Other law to the contrary notwithstanding, in order to receive 
102.27 	distributions under sections 477A.011 to 477A.03, counties and, cities, and towns must 
102.28 	conform to the standards set in subdivision 2 in making all financial reports required to be 
102.29 	made to the state auditor.

103.1 	Sec. 14. REPEALER.
 103.2 	(a) Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 383C.07; and 383C.74, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, and 
103.3 	4, are repealed.
103.4 	(b) Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 471.9998, is repealed.

103.5 	ARTICLE 8
103.6 	CAMPAIGN FINANCE POLICY

103.7 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 3.084, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
103.8 		Subd. 2.Prohibition. (a) A sitting member of the legislature is prohibited from accepting 
103.9 	employment with or otherwise receiving compensation for services performed from:
103.10 	(1) a business whose primary source of revenue is derived from lobbying, government 
103.11 	relations or government affairs services;
103.12 	(2) a business whose primary source of revenue is derived from facilitating government 
103.13 	relations or government affairs services between two third parties; or
103.14 	(3) any other business that employs or contracts with lobbyists, government relations 
103.15 	or government affairs professionals, if the member's job duties include acting in that capacity 
103.16 	or providing direct or indirect consulting, advice, or administrative support for that work a 
103.17 	business whose primary source of revenue is derived from facilitating government relations 
103.18 	or government affairs services if the member's job duties include offering direct or indirect 
103.19 	consulting or advice that helps the business provide government relations or government 
103.20 	affairs services to clients.
103.21 	(b) This prohibition applies regardless of the location where the work of the business is 
103.22 	substantially conducted or its clients are located.
103.23 	(c) The house of representatives and the senate must adopt rules to enforce this section.

103.24 	Sec. 2. [5.51] EXPENSES OF SECRETARY OF STATE-ELECT.
103.25 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined have the 
103.26 	meanings given them.
103.27 	(b) "Secretary of state-elect" means the person who is not currently secretary of state 
103.28 	and is the apparent successful candidate for the Office of Secretary of State following a 
103.29 	general election.
104.1 	(c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Department of Management and 
104.2 	Budget.
104.3 		Subd. 2.Transition expenses. In the fiscal year of an election for secretary of state and 
104.4 	subject to availability of funds, the commissioner shall transfer up to $50,000 from the 
104.5 	general contingent account in the general fund to the Department of Management and 
104.6 	Budget. This transfer is subject to the review and advice of the Legislative Advisory 
104.7 	Commission pursuant to section 3.30. In consultation with the secretary of state-elect, the 
104.8 	commissioner shall use the transferred funds to pay expenses of the secretary of state-elect 
104.9 	associated with preparing for the assumption of official duties as secretary of state. The 
104.10 	commissioner may use the transferred funds for expenses necessary and prudent for 
104.11 	establishment of a transition office prior to the election and for dissolution of the office if 
104.12 	the incumbent secretary of state is reelected or after the inauguration of a new secretary of 
104.13 	state. Expenses of the secretary of state-elect may include suitable office space and 
104.14 	equipment, communications and technology support, consulting services, compensation 
104.15 	and travel costs, and other reasonable expenses. Compensation rates for temporary employees 
104.16 	hired to support the secretary of state-elect and rates paid for consulting services for the 
104.17 	secretary of state-elect shall be determined by the secretary of state-elect.
104.18 		Subd. 3.Unused funds. No new obligations shall be incurred for expenses of the secretary 
104.19 	of state-elect after the date of the inauguration. By March 31 of the year of the inauguration, 
104.20 	the commissioner shall return to the general contingent account any funds transferred under 
104.21 	this section that the commissioner determines are not needed to pay expenses of the secretary 
104.22 	of state-elect.

104.23 	Sec. 3. [6.93] EXPENSES OF STATE AUDITOR-ELECT.
104.24 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined have the 
104.25 	meanings given them.
104.26 	(b) "State auditor-elect" means the person who is not currently state auditor and is the 
104.27 	apparent successful candidate for the Office of State Auditor following a general election.
104.28 	(c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Department of Management and 
104.29 	Budget.
104.30 		Subd. 2.Transition expenses. In the fiscal year of an election for state auditor and 
104.31 	subject to availability of funds, the commissioner shall transfer up to $50,000 from the 
104.32 	general contingent account in the general fund to the Department of Management and 
104.33 	Budget. This transfer is subject to the review and advice of the Legislative Advisory 
105.1 	Commission pursuant to section 3.30. In consultation with the state auditor-elect, the 
105.2 	commissioner shall use the transferred funds to pay expenses of the state auditor-elect 
105.3 	associated with preparing for the assumption of official duties as state auditor. The 
105.4 	commissioner may use the transferred funds for expenses necessary and prudent for 
105.5 	establishment of a transition office prior to the election and for dissolution of the office if 
105.6 	the incumbent state auditor is reelected or after the inauguration of a new state auditor. 
105.7 	Expenses of the state auditor-elect may include suitable office space and equipment, 
105.8 	communications and technology support, consulting services, compensation and travel 
105.9 	costs, and other reasonable expenses. Compensation rates for temporary employees hired 
105.10 	to support the state auditor-elect and rates paid for consulting services for the state 
105.11 	auditor-elect shall be determined by the state auditor-elect.
105.12 		Subd. 3.Unused funds. No new obligations shall be incurred for expenses of the state 
105.13 	auditor-elect after the date of the inauguration. By March 31 of the year of the inauguration, 
105.14 	the commissioner shall return to the general contingent account any funds transferred under 
105.15 	this section that the commissioner determines are not needed to pay expenses of the state 
105.16 	auditor-elect.

105.17 	Sec. 4. [8.40] EXPENSES OF ATTORNEY GENERAL-ELECT.
105.18 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined have the 
105.19 	meanings given them.
105.20 	(b) "Attorney general-elect" means the person who is not currently attorney general and 
105.21 	is the apparent successful candidate for the Office of Attorney General following a general 
105.22 	election.
105.23 	(c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Department of Management and 
105.24 	Budget.
105.25 		Subd. 2.Transition expenses. In the fiscal year of an election for attorney general and 
105.26 	subject to availability of funds, the commissioner shall transfer up to $75,000 from the 
105.27 	general contingent account in the general fund to the Department of Management and 
105.28 	Budget. This transfer is subject to the review and advice of the Legislative Advisory 
105.29 	Commission pursuant to section 3.30. In consultation with the attorney general-elect, the 
105.30 	commissioner shall use the transferred funds to pay expenses of the attorney general-elect 
105.31 	associated with preparing for the assumption of official duties as attorney general. The 
105.32 	commissioner may use the transferred funds for expenses necessary and prudent for 
105.33 	establishment of a transition office prior to the election and for dissolution of the office if 
105.34 	the incumbent attorney general is reelected or after the inauguration of a new attorney 
106.1 	general. Expenses of the attorney general-elect may include suitable office space and 
106.2 	equipment, communications and technology support, consulting services, compensation 
106.3 	and travel costs, and other reasonable expenses. Compensation rates for temporary employees 
106.4 	hired to support the attorney general-elect and rates paid for consulting services for the 
106.5 	attorney general-elect shall be determined by the attorney general-elect.
106.6 		Subd. 3.Unused funds. No new obligations shall be incurred for expenses of the attorney 
106.7 	general-elect after the date of the inauguration. By March 31 of the year of the inauguration, 
106.8 	the commissioner shall return to the general contingent account any funds transferred under 
106.9 	this section that the commissioner determines are not needed to pay expenses of the attorney 
106.10 	general-elect.

106.11 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, subdivision 16a, is amended to read:
106.12 		Subd. 16a.Expressly advocating advocates. "Expressly advocating advocates" means 
106.13 	that a communication:
106.14 	(1) clearly identifies a candidate or a local candidate and uses words or phrases of express 
106.15 	advocacy; or
106.16 	(2) when taken as a whole and with limited reference to external events, such as the 
106.17 	proximity to the election, could only be interpreted by a reasonable person as containing 
106.18 	advocacy of the election or defeat of one or more clearly identified candidates because:
106.19 	(i) the electoral portion of the communication is unmistakable, unambiguous, and 
106.20 	suggestive of only one meaning; and
106.21 	(ii) reasonable minds could not differ as to whether the communication encourages 
106.22 	actions to elect or defeat one or more clearly identified candidates or encourages some other 
106.23 	kind of action.

106.24 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
106.25 	read:
106.26 		Subd. 16c.Expert witness. "Expert witness" means an individual preparing or delivering 
106.27 	testimony or a report consisting of information, data, or professional opinions on which the 
106.28 	individual has particular expertise gained through formal education, professional or 
106.29 	occupational training, or experience in a field in which the individual is or has been 
106.30 	employed.

107.1 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, subdivision 18, is amended to read:
107.2 		Subd. 18.Independent expenditure. (a) "Independent expenditure" means an expenditure 
107.3 	expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate or local candidate, 
107.4 	if the expenditure is made without the express or implied consent, authorization, or 
107.5 	cooperation of, and not in concert with or at the request or suggestion of, any candidate or 
107.6 	any candidate's principal campaign committee or agent or any local candidate or local 
107.7 	candidate's agent. and:
107.8 	(1) expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate or local 
107.9 	candidate; or
107.10 	(2) promotes, supports, attacks, or opposes the nomination, election, or defeat of a clearly 
107.11 	identified candidate or local candidate, regardless of whether the expenditure expressly 
107.12 	advocates for or against a candidate or local candidate.
107.13 	(b) An independent expenditure is not a contribution to that candidate or local candidate.
107.14 	(c) An independent expenditure does not include the act of announcing a formal public 
107.15 	endorsement of a candidate or local candidate for public office, unless the act is 
107.16 	simultaneously accompanied by an expenditure that would otherwise qualify as an 
107.17 	independent expenditure under this subdivision.

107.18 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, subdivision 21, is amended to read:
107.19 		Subd. 21.Lobbyist. (a) "Lobbyist" means an individual:
107.20 	(1) engaged for pay or other consideration of more than $3,000 from all sources in any 
107.21 	year:
107.22 	(i) for the purpose of attempting to influence legislative or administrative action, or the 
107.23 	official action of a political subdivision, by communicating with public or local officials; 
107.24 	or
107.25 	(ii) from a business whose primary source of revenue is derived from facilitating 
107.26 	government relations or government affairs services if the individual's job duties include 
107.27 	offering direct or indirect consulting or advice that helps the business provide those services 
107.28 	to clients; or
107.29 	(2) who spends more than $3,000 of the individual's personal funds, not including the 
107.30 	individual's own traveling expenses and membership dues, in any year for the purpose of 
107.31 	attempting to influence legislative or administrative action, or the official action of a political 
107.32 	subdivision, by communicating with public or local officials.
108.1 	(b) "Lobbyist" does not include:
108.2 	(1) a public official;
108.3 	(2) an employee of the state, including an employee of any of the public higher education 
108.4 	systems;
108.5 	(3) an elected local official;
108.6 	(4) a nonelected local official or an employee of a political subdivision acting in an 
108.7 	official capacity, unless the nonelected official or employee of a political subdivision spends 
108.8 	more than 50 hours in any month attempting to influence legislative or administrative action, 
108.9 	or the official action of a political subdivision other than the political subdivision employing 
108.10 	the official or employee, by communicating or urging others to communicate with public 
108.11 	or local officials, including time spent monitoring legislative or administrative action, or 
108.12 	the official action of a political subdivision, and related research, analysis, and compilation 
108.13 	and dissemination of information relating to legislative or administrative policy in this state, 
108.14 	or to the policies of political subdivisions local official or employee spends more than 50 
108.15 	hours in any month attempting to influence legislative or administrative action or the official 
108.16 	action of a metropolitan governmental unit, other than a political subdivision employing 
108.17 	the official or employee, by communicating with public or local officials;
108.18 	(5) a party or the party's representative appearing in a proceeding before a state board, 
108.19 	commission, or agency of the executive branch unless the board, commission, or agency is 
108.20 	taking administrative action;
108.21 	(6) an individual while engaged in selling goods or services to be paid for by public 
108.22 	funds;
108.23 	(7) a finance professional subject to Security Exchange Commission regulation who 
108.24 	works with a registered lobbyist and a principal to the extent the finance professional is 
108.25 	participating in conduit financing through a political subdivision;
108.26 	(7) (8) a news medium or its employees or agents while engaged in the publishing or 
108.27 	broadcasting of news items, editorial comments, or paid advertisements which directly or 
108.28 	indirectly urge official action;
108.29 	(8) a paid expert witness whose testimony is requested by the body before which the 
108.30 	witness is appearing, but only to the extent of preparing or delivering testimony (9) an expert 
108.31 	witness who communicates with public or local officials, other than the Public Utilities 
108.32 	Commission, if the communication occurs at a public meeting or is made available to the 
108.33 	general public;
109.1 	(9) (10) a party or the party's representative appearing to present a claim to the legislature 
109.2 	and communicating to legislators only by the filing of a claim form and supporting documents 
109.3 	and by appearing at public hearings on the claim; or
109.4 	(10) (11) an individual providing information or advice to members of a collective 
109.5 	bargaining unit when the unit is actively engaged in the collective bargaining process with 
109.6 	a state agency or a political subdivision.
109.7 	(c) An individual who volunteers personal time to work without pay or other consideration 
109.8 	on a lobbying campaign, and who does not spend more than the limit in paragraph (a), clause 
109.9 	(2), need not register as a lobbyist.
109.10 	(d) An individual who provides administrative support to a lobbyist and whose salary 
109.11 	and administrative expenses attributable to lobbying activities are reported as lobbying 
109.12 	expenses by the lobbyist, but who does not communicate or urge others to communicate 
109.13 	with public or local officials, need not register as a lobbyist.

109.14 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, subdivision 22, is amended to read:
109.15 		Subd. 22.Local official. "Local official" means a person who holds elective office in a 
109.16 	political subdivision or who is appointed to or employed in a public position in a political 
109.17 	subdivision in which the person has:
109.18 	(1) the authority to make, to recommend, major decisions regarding the expenditure or 
109.19 	investment of public money;
109.20 	(2) the responsibility to make recommendations to a chief executive or the governing 
109.21 	body about major decisions regarding the expenditure or investment of public money; or
109.22 	(3) the authority to vote on as a member of the governing body, on major decisions 
109.23 	regarding the expenditure or investment of public money.

109.24 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, subdivision 24, is amended to read:
109.25 		Subd. 24.Metropolitan governmental unit. "Metropolitan governmental unit" means 
109.26 	any of the seven counties in the metropolitan area as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 
109.27 	2, a regional railroad authority established by one or more of those counties under section 
109.28 	398A.03, a city with a population of over 50,000 located in the seven-county metropolitan 
109.29 	area, a county in the metropolitan area as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 2; the 
109.30 	Metropolitan Council, or a metropolitan agency as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 
109.31 	5a; the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission; the Metropolitan Airports 
109.32 	Commission; or the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority.

110.1 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, subdivision 26, is amended to read:
110.2 		Subd. 26.Noncampaign disbursement. (a) "Noncampaign disbursement" means a 
110.3 	purchase or payment of money or anything of value made, or an advance of credit incurred, 
110.4 	or a donation in kind received, by a principal campaign committee for any of the following 
110.5 	purposes:
110.6 	(1) payment for accounting and legal services related to operating the candidate's 
110.7 	campaign committee, serving in office, or security for the candidate or the candidate's 
110.8 	immediate family, including but not limited to seeking and obtaining a harassment restraining 
110.9 	order;
110.10 	(2) return of a contribution to the source;
110.11 	(3) repayment of a loan made to the principal campaign committee by that committee;
110.12 	(4) return of a public subsidy;
110.13 	(5) payment for food, beverages, and necessary utensils and supplies, entertainment, 
110.14 	and facility rental for a fundraising event;
110.15 	(6) services for a constituent by a member of the legislature or a constitutional officer 
110.16 	in the executive branch as provided in section 10A.173, subdivision 1;
110.17 	(7) payment for food and beverages consumed by a candidate or volunteers while they 
110.18 	are engaged in campaign activities;
110.19 	(8) payment for food or a beverage consumed while attending a reception or meeting 
110.20 	directly related to legislative duties;
110.21 	(9) payment of expenses incurred by elected or appointed leaders of a legislative caucus 
110.22 	in carrying out their leadership responsibilities;
110.23 	(10) payment by a principal campaign committee of the candidate's expenses for serving 
110.24 	in public office, other than for personal uses;
110.25 	(11) costs of child care for the candidate's children when campaigning;
110.26 	(12) fees paid to attend a campaign school;
110.27 	(13) costs of a postelection party during the election year when a candidate's name will 
110.28 	no longer appear on a ballot or the general election is concluded, whichever occurs first;
110.29 	(14) interest on loans paid by a principal campaign committee on outstanding loans;
110.30 	(15) filing fees;
111.1 	(16) post-general election holiday or seasonal cards, thank-you notes, or advertisements 
111.2 	in the news media mailed or published prior to the end of the election cycle;
111.3 	(17) the cost of campaign material purchased to replace defective campaign material, if 
111.4 	the defective material is destroyed without being used;
111.5 	(18) contributions to a party unit;
111.6 	(19) payments for funeral gifts or memorials;
111.7 	(20) the cost of a magnet less than six inches in diameter containing legislator contact 
111.8 	information and distributed to constituents;
111.9 	(21) costs associated with a candidate attending a political party state or national 
111.10 	convention in this state;
111.11 	(22) other purchases or payments specified in board rules or advisory opinions as being 
111.12 	for any purpose other than to influence the nomination or election of a candidate or to 
111.13 	promote or defeat a ballot question;
111.14 	(23) costs paid to a third party for processing contributions made by a credit card, debit 
111.15 	card, or electronic check;
111.16 	(24) costs paid by a candidate's principal campaign committee to support the candidate's 
111.17 	participation in a recount of ballots affecting the candidate's election;
111.18 	(25) a contribution to a fund established to support a candidate's participation in a recount 
111.19 	of ballots affecting that candidate's election;
111.20 	(26) costs paid by a candidate's principal campaign committee for a single reception 
111.21 	given in honor of the candidate's retirement from public office after the filing period for 
111.22 	affidavits of candidacy for that office has closed;
111.23 	(27) a donation from a terminating principal campaign committee to the state general 
111.24 	fund;
111.25 	(28) a donation from a terminating principal campaign committee to a county obligated 
111.26 	to incur special election expenses due to that candidate's resignation from state office;
111.27 	(29) during a period starting January 1 in the year following a general election and ending 
111.28 	on December 31 of the year of general election, total payments of up to $3,000 for 
111.29 	detection-related security monitoring expenses for a candidate, including home security 
111.30 	hardware, maintenance of home security monitoring hardware, identity theft monitoring 
111.31 	services, and credit monitoring services; and
112.1 	(30) costs paid to repair or replace campaign property that was: (i) lost or stolen, or (ii) 
112.2 	damaged or defaced to such a degree that the property no longer serves its intended purpose. 
112.3 	For purposes of this clause, campaign property includes but is not limited to campaign lawn 
112.4 	signs. The candidate must document the need for these costs in writing or with photographs; 
112.5 	and
112.6 	(31) transition expenses and inaugural event expenses as defined in section 10A.174.
112.7 	(b) The board must determine whether an activity involves a noncampaign disbursement 
112.8 	within the meaning of this subdivision.
112.9 	(c) A noncampaign disbursement is considered to be made in the year in which the 
112.10 	candidate made the purchase of goods or services or incurred an obligation to pay for goods 
112.11 	or services.

112.12 	Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, subdivision 26b, is amended to read:
112.13 		Subd. 26b.Official action of a political subdivision. "Official action of a political 
112.14 	subdivision" means:
112.15 	(1) any action that requires a vote or approval by one or more elected local officials 
112.16 	while acting in their official capacity; or
112.17 	(2) an action by an appointed or employed local official to make, to recommend, or to 
112.18 	vote on as a member of the governing body, if the official has:
112.19 	(i) the authority to make major decisions regarding the expenditure or investment of 
112.20 	public money;
112.21 	(ii) the responsibility to make recommendations to a chief executive or the governing 
112.22 	body about major decisions regarding the expenditure or investment of public money; or
112.23 	(iii) the authority to vote as a member of the governing body on major decisions regarding 
112.24 	the expenditure or investment of public money.

112.25 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, subdivision 35, is amended to read:
112.26 		Subd. 35.Public official. "Public official" means any:
112.27 	(1) member of the legislature;
112.28 	(2) individual employed by the legislature as secretary of the senate, legislative auditor, 
112.29 	director of the Legislative Budget Office, chief clerk of the house of representatives, revisor 
112.30 	of statutes, or researcher, legislative analyst, fiscal analyst, or attorney in the Office of 
113.1 	Senate Counsel, Research and Fiscal Analysis, House Research, or the House Fiscal Analysis 
113.2 	Department;
113.3 	(3) constitutional officer in the executive branch and the officer's chief administrative 
113.4 	deputy;
113.5 	(4) solicitor general or deputy, assistant, or special assistant attorney general;
113.6 	(5) commissioner, deputy commissioner, or assistant commissioner of any state 
113.7 	department or agency as listed in section 15.01 or 15.06, or the state chief information 
113.8 	officer;
113.9 	(6) member, chief administrative officer, or deputy chief administrative officer of a state 
113.10 	board or commission that has either the power to adopt, amend, or repeal rules under chapter 
113.11 	14, or the power to adjudicate contested cases or appeals under chapter 14;
113.12 	(7) individual employed in the executive branch who is authorized to adopt, amend, or 
113.13 	repeal rules under chapter 14 or adjudicate contested cases under chapter 14;
113.14 	(8) executive director of the State Board of Investment;
113.15 	(9) deputy of any official listed in clauses (7) and (8);
113.16 	(10) judge of the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals;
113.17 	(11) administrative law judge or compensation judge in the State Office of Administrative 
113.18 	Hearings or unemployment law judge in the Department of Employment and Economic 
113.19 	Development;
113.20 	(12) member, regional administrator, division director, general counsel, or operations 
113.21 	manager of the Metropolitan Council;
113.22 	(13) member or chief administrator of a metropolitan agency;
113.23 	(14) director of the Division of Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement in the Department 
113.24 	of Public Safety;
113.25 	(15) member or executive director of the Higher Education Facilities Authority;
113.26 	(16) member of the board of directors or president of Enterprise Minnesota, Inc.;
113.27 	(17) member of the board of directors or executive director of the Minnesota State High 
113.28 	School League;
113.29 	(18) member of the Minnesota Ballpark Authority established in section 473.755;
113.30 	(19) citizen member of the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources;
114.1 	(20) manager of a watershed district, or member of a watershed management organization 
114.2 	as defined under section 103B.205, subdivision 13;
114.3 	(21) supervisor of a soil and water conservation district;
114.4 	(22) (20) director of Explore Minnesota Tourism;
114.5 	(23) (21) citizen member of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council established in 
114.6 	section 97A.056;
114.7 	(24) (22) citizen member of the Clean Water Council established in section 114D.30;
114.8 	(25) (23) member or chief executive of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority 
114.9 	established in section 473J.07;
114.10 	(26) (24) district court judge, appeals court judge, or supreme court justice;
114.11 	(27) county commissioner;
114.12 	(28) (25) member of the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission;
114.13 	(29) (26) member of the Destination Medical Center Corporation established in section 
114.14 	469.41; or
114.15 	(30) (27) chancellor or member of the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges 
114.16 	and Universities.

114.17 	Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.04, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
114.18 		Subd. 4.Content. (a) A report under this section must include information the board 
114.19 	requires from the registration form and the information required by this subdivision for the 
114.20 	reporting period.
114.21 	(b) A lobbyist must report the specific subjects of interest for an entity represented by 
114.22 	the lobbyist on each report submitted under this section. A lobbyist must describe a specific 
114.23 	subject of interest in the report with enough information to show the particular issue of 
114.24 	importance to the entity represented.
114.25 	(c) A lobbyist must report every state agency that had administrative action that the 
114.26 	represented entity sought to influence during the reporting period. The lobbyist must report 
114.27 	the specific subjects of interest for each administrative action and the revisor of statutes 
114.28 	rule draft number assigned to the administrative rulemaking.
114.29 	(d) A lobbyist must report every political subdivision that considered official action that 
114.30 	the represented entity sought to influence during the reporting period. The lobbyist must 
114.31 	report the specific subjects of interest for each action.
115.1 	(e) A lobbyist must report general lobbying categories and up to four specific subjects 
115.2 	of interest related to each general lobbying category on which the lobbyist attempted to 
115.3 	influence legislative action during the reporting period. If the lobbyist attempted to influence 
115.4 	legislative action on more than four specific subjects of interest for a general lobbying 
115.5 	category, the lobbyist, in consultation with the represented entity, must determine which 
115.6 	four specific subjects of interest were the entity's highest priorities during the reporting 
115.7 	period and report only those four subjects.
115.8 	(f) A lobbyist must report the Public Utilities Commission project name for each rate 
115.9 	setting, power plant and powerline siting, or granting of certification of need before the 
115.10 	Public Utilities Commission that the represented entity sought to influence during the 
115.11 	reporting period.
115.12 	(g) A lobbyist must report the amount and nature of each gift, item, or benefit, excluding 
115.13 	contributions to a candidate, equal in value to $5 or more, given or paid to any official, as 
115.14 	defined in section 10A.071, subdivision 1, by the lobbyist or an employer or employee of 
115.15 	the lobbyist. The list must include the name and address of each official to whom the gift, 
115.16 	item, or benefit was given or paid and the date it was given or paid.
115.17 	(h) A lobbyist must report each original source of money in excess of $500 in any year 
115.18 	used for the purpose of lobbying to influence legislative action, administrative action, or 
115.19 	the official action of a political subdivision. The list must include the name, address, and 
115.20 	employer, or, if self-employed, the occupation and principal place of business, of each payer 
115.21 	of money in excess of $500.
115.22 	(i) On each report, a lobbyist must disclose the general lobbying categories that were 
115.23 	lobbied on in the reporting period.
115.24 	(j) A lobbyist must report each expert witness that the lobbyist requested to communicate  
115.25 	with public or local officials as described in section 10A.01, subdivision 21, paragraph (b), 
115.26 	clause (9), and each finance professional who participated in conduit financing as described 
115.27 	in section 10A.01, subdivision 21, paragraph (b), clause (7). The lobbyist must report the 
115.28 	name of the expert witness or finance professional; the employer, if any, of the expert witness 
115.29 	or finance professional; the government entity that received the communication from the 
115.30 	expert witness or finance professional; and the specific subject on which the expert witness 
115.31 	or finance professional communicated. The designated lobbyist must also report this 
115.32 	information if the expert witness or finance professional is requested to communicate by 
115.33 	the principal or association that the lobbyist represents.

116.1 	Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.04, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
116.2 		Subd. 6.Principal reports. (a) A principal must report to the board as required in this 
116.3 	subdivision by March 15 for the preceding calendar year.
116.4 	(b) The principal must report the total amount, rounded to the nearest $5,000, spent by 
116.5 	the principal during the preceding calendar year on each type of lobbying listed below:
116.6 	(1) lobbying to influence legislative action;
116.7 	(2) lobbying to influence administrative action, other than lobbying described in clause 
116.8 	(3);
116.9 	(3) lobbying to influence administrative action in cases of rate setting, power plant and 
116.10 	powerline siting, and granting of certificates of need under section 216B.243; and
116.11 	(4) lobbying to influence official action of a political subdivision.
116.12 	(c) For each type of lobbying listed in paragraph (b), the principal must report a total 
116.13 	amount that includes:
116.14 	(1) the portion of all direct payments for compensation and benefits paid by the principal 
116.15 	to lobbyists in this state for that type of lobbying;
116.16 	(2) the portion of all expenditures for advertising, mailing, research, consulting, surveys, 
116.17 	expert testimony, finance professionals, studies, reports, analysis, compilation and 
116.18 	dissemination of information, communications and staff costs used for the purpose of urging 
116.19 	members of the public to contact public or local officials to influence official actions, social 
116.20 	media and public relations campaigns, and legal counsel used to support that type of lobbying 
116.21 	in this state; and
116.22 	(3) a reasonable good faith estimate of the portion of all salaries and administrative 
116.23 	overhead expenses attributable to activities of the principal for that type of lobbying in this 
116.24 	state.
116.25 	(d) The principal must report disbursements made and obligations incurred that exceed 
116.26 	$2,000 for paid advertising used for the purpose of urging members of the public to contact 
116.27 	public or local officials to influence official actions during the reporting period. Paid 
116.28 	advertising includes the cost to boost the distribution of an advertisement on social media. 
116.29 	The report must provide the date that the advertising was purchased, the name and address 
116.30 	of the vendor, a description of the advertising purchased, and any specific subjects of interest 
116.31 	addressed by the advertisement.

117.1 	Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.06, is amended to read:
117.2 	10A.06 CONTINGENT FEES PROHIBITED.
117.3 	(a) No person may act as or employ a lobbyist for compensation that is dependent upon 
117.4 	the result or outcome of any legislative or administrative action, or of the official action of 
117.5 	a political subdivision.
117.6 	(b) This section does not apply to an attorney or financial professional to the extent that 
117.7 	the attorney or financial adviser is participating in conduit financing through a political 
117.8 	subdivision.
117.9 	(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

117.10 	Sec. 17. [10A.066] HANDBOOK FOR LOBBYING.
117.11 	(a) The board must publish on the board's website a handbook for lobbying written in 
117.12 	plain language. At a minimum, the handbook must clearly explain:
117.13 	(1) lobbyist registration requirements, including:
117.14 	(i) an explanation of when a person is required to register as a lobbyist and what specific 
117.15 	types of activities count toward reaching the dollar amount thresholds in section 10A.01, 
117.16 	subdivision 21; and
117.17 	(ii) how registration requirements apply if a person is employed by a government entity;
117.18 	(2) which activities and expenses do not count toward the dollar amount thresholds in 
117.19 	section 10A.01, subdivision 21, but are required to be reported as lobbying disbursements 
117.20 	on a principal's report; and
117.21 	(3) any differences between lobbying the legislature, the executive branch, a political 
117.22 	subdivision, and the Public Utilities Commission.
117.23 	(b) The board must regularly update the handbook to reflect changes to statutes and 
117.24 	rules. In developing and updating the handbook, the board must consult individuals who 
117.25 	are registered lobbyists but who are not full-time professional lobbyists, including lobbyists 
117.26 	for nonprofit organizations, small organizations, and organizations led by individuals who 
117.27 	are Black, Indigenous, and people of color.

117.28 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment, except 
117.29 	that the board is not required to publish the handbook until January 15, 2026.

118.1 	Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.07, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
118.2 		Subdivision 1.Disclosure of potential conflicts. (a) A public official or a local official 
118.3 	elected to or appointed by a metropolitan governmental unit or by a political subdivision 
118.4 	who in the discharge of official duties would be required to take an action or make a decision 
118.5 	that would substantially affect the official's financial interests or those of an associated 
118.6 	business, unless the effect on the official is no greater than on other members of the official's 
118.7 	business classification, profession, or occupation, must take the following actions:
118.8 	(1) prepare a written statement describing the matter requiring action or decision and 
118.9 	the nature of the potential conflict of interest;
118.10 	(2) deliver copies of the statement to the official's immediate superior, if any; and
118.11 	(3) if a member of the legislature or of the, a governing body of a metropolitan 
118.12 	governmental unit, or a political subdivision, deliver a copy of the statement to the presiding 
118.13 	officer of the body of service.
118.14 	If a potential conflict of interest presents itself and there is insufficient time to comply 
118.15 	with clauses (1) to (3), the public or local official must orally inform the superior or the 
118.16 	official body of service or committee of the body of the potential conflict.
118.17 	(b) For purposes of this section, "financial interest" means any ownership or control in 
118.18 	an asset that has the potential to produce a monetary return.

118.19 	Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.07, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
118.20 		Subd. 2.Required actions. (a) If the official is not a member of the legislature or of the 
118.21 	governing body of a metropolitan governmental unit or of a political subdivision, the superior 
118.22 	must assign the matter, if possible, to another employee who does not have a potential 
118.23 	conflict of interest.
118.24 	(b) If there is no immediate superior, the official must abstain, if possible, by assigning 
118.25 	the matter to a subordinate for disposition or requesting the appointing authority to designate 
118.26 	another to determine the matter. The official shall not chair a meeting, participate in any 
118.27 	vote, or offer any motion or discussion on the matter giving rise to the potential conflict of 
118.28 	interest.
118.29 	(c) If the official is a member of the legislature, the house of service may, at the member's 
118.30 	request, excuse the member from taking part in the action or decision in question.
118.31 	(d) If an official is not permitted or is otherwise unable to abstain from action in 
118.32 	connection with the matter, the official must file a statement describing the potential conflict 
119.1 	and the action taken. A public official must file the statement with the board and a local 
119.2 	official must file the statement with the governing body of the official's political subdivision. 
119.3 	The statement must be filed within a week of the action taken.

119.4 	Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.08, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
119.5 		Subdivision 1.Disclosure required. (a) A public official or elected local official who 
119.6 	represents a client for a fee before an individual, board, commission, or agency that has 
119.7 	rulemaking authority in a hearing conducted under chapter 14, must disclose the official's 
119.8 	participation in the action to the board within 14 days after the public official's initial 
119.9 	appearance at a hearing. If the public official fails to disclose the participation by the date 
119.10 	that the disclosure was due, the board may impose a late filing fee of $25 per day, not to 
119.11 	exceed $1,000, starting on the day after the disclosure was due. The board must send notice 
119.12 	by certified mail to a public official who fails to disclose the participation within ten business 
119.13 	days after the disclosure was due that the public official may be subject to a civil penalty 
119.14 	for failure to disclose the participation. A public official who fails to disclose the participation 
119.15 	within seven days after the certified mail notice was sent by the board is subject to a civil 
119.16 	penalty imposed by the board of up to $1,000.
119.17 	(b) A public official or elected local official required to disclose representation under 
119.18 	this section shall provide the following information: name, address, and office held; name 
119.19 	and address of each client represented at the hearing; the name of the individual, board, 
119.20 	commission, or agency conducting the hearing and the date and location of the initial 
119.21 	appearance at the hearing; and a general description of the subject or subjects on which the 
119.22 	public official represented the client in the hearing.

119.23 	Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
119.24 		Subdivision 1.Time for filing.  An individual must file a statement of economic interest:
119.25 	(1) within 60 days of accepting employment as a public official or a local official in a 
119.26 	metropolitan governmental unitundertaking the duties of office or accepting employment 
119.27 	as a public official or as a local official in a political subdivision or metropolitan 
119.28 	governmental unit;
119.29 	(2) within 60 days of accepting employment by a charter school in a position in which 
119.30 	the person has:
119.31 	(i) the authority to make major decisions regarding the expenditure or investment of 
119.32 	public money;
120.1 	(ii) the responsibility to make recommendations to a chief executive or the governing 
120.2 	body about major decisions regarding the expenditure or investment of public money; or
120.3 	(iii) the authority to vote as a member of the governing body on major decisions regarding 
120.4 	the expenditure or investment of public money;
120.5 	(3) within 60 days of assuming office as a district court judge, appeals court judge, 
120.6 	supreme court justice, or county commissioner or member of a watershed management 
120.7 	organization as defined in section 103B.205, subdivision 13;
120.8 	(3) (4) within 14 days after filing the end of the filing period for a candidate who filed
120.9 	an affidavit of candidacy or petition to appear on the ballot for an elective state constitutional 
120.10 	or legislative office or an elective local office in a metropolitan governmental unit other 
120.11 	than county commissioner;
120.12 	(5) in the case of an individual running for a charter school board, at least 14 days before 
120.13 	the election;
120.14 	(6) in the case of an initial member of a charter school board, within 14 days of taking 
120.15 	office;
120.16 	(4) (7) in the case of a public official requiring the advice and consent of the senate, 
120.17 	within 14 days after undertaking the duties of office; or
120.18 	(5) (8) in the case of members of the Minnesota Racing Commission, the director of the 
120.19 	Minnesota Racing Commission, chief of security, medical officer, inspector of pari-mutuels, 
120.20 	and stewards employed or approved by the commission or persons who fulfill those duties 
120.21 	under contract, within 60 days of accepting or assuming duties.

120.22 	Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.09, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
120.23 		Subd. 5.Form; general requirements. (a) A statement of economic interest required 
120.24 	by this section must be on a form prescribed by the board. Except as provided in subdivision 
120.25 	5b, the individual filing must provide the following information:
120.26 	(1) the individual's name, address, occupation, and principal place of business;
120.27 	(2) a listing of the name of each associated business and the nature of that association;
120.28 	(3) a listing of all real property within the state, excluding homestead property, in which 
120.29 	the individual or the individual's spouse holds: (i) a fee simple interest, a mortgage, a contract 
120.30 	for deed as buyer or seller, or an option to buy, whether direct or indirect, if the interest is 
120.31 	valued in excess of $2,500; or (ii) an option to buy, if the property has a fair market value 
120.32 	of more than $50,000;
121.1 	(4) a listing of all real property within the state in which a partnership of which the 
121.2 	individual or the individual's spouse is a member holds: (i) a fee simple interest, a mortgage, 
121.3 	a contract for deed as buyer or seller, or an option to buy, whether direct or indirect, if the 
121.4 	individual's share of the partnership interest is valued in excess of $2,500; or (ii) an option 
121.5 	to buy, if the property has a fair market value of more than $50,000. A listing under this 
121.6 	clause or clause (3) must indicate the street address and the municipality or the section, 
121.7 	township, range and approximate acreage, whichever applies, and the county in which the 
121.8 	property is located;
121.9 	(5) a listing of any investments, ownership, or interests in property connected with 
121.10 	pari-mutuel horse racing in the United States and Canada, including a racehorse, in which 
121.11 	the individual directly or indirectly holds a partial or full interest or an immediate family 
121.12 	member holds a partial or full interest;
121.13 	(6) a listing of the principal business or professional activity category of each business 
121.14 	from which the individual or the individual's spouse receives more than $250 in any month 
121.15 	during the reporting period as an employee, if the individual or the individual's spouse has 
121.16 	an ownership interest of 25 percent or more in the business;
121.17 	(7) a listing of each principal business or professional activity category from which the 
121.18 	individual or the individual's spouse received compensation of more than $2,500 in the past 
121.19 	12 months as an independent contractor;
121.20 	(8) a listing of the full name of each security with a value of more than $10,000 owned 
121.21 	in part or in full by the individual or the individual's spouse, at any time during the reporting 
121.22 	period; and
121.23 	(9) for each stock or stock option reported under clause (8), a listing of the date or dates 
121.24 	and value as provided in paragraph (h) of each purchase or sale of stock or exercise, sale, 
121.25 	or transaction involving the stock option in that entity during the reporting period, regardless 
121.26 	of the value of the transaction;
121.27 	(10) a listing of the full name of each virtual currency with a value of more than $10,000 
121.28 	owned in part or in full by the individual or the individual's spouse at any time during the 
121.29 	reporting period;
121.30 	(11) for each virtual currency reported under clause (10), a listing of the date or dates 
121.31 	and value as provided in paragraph (h) of each purchase or sale of that virtual currency 
121.32 	during the reporting period, regardless of the value of the purchase or sale; and
121.33 	(12) a listing of any contract, professional license, lease, or franchise that:
122.1 	(i) is held by the individual or the individual's spouse or any business in which the 
122.2 	individual has an ownership interest of 25 percent or more; and
122.3 	(ii) is entered into with, or issued by, the government agency on which the individual 
122.4 	serves as a public or local official.
122.5 	(b) The business or professional categories for purposes of paragraph (a), clauses (6) 
122.6 	and (7), must be the general topic headings used by the federal Internal Revenue Service 
122.7 	for purposes of reporting self-employment income on Schedule C. This paragraph does not 
122.8 	require an individual to report any specific code number from that schedule. Any additional 
122.9 	principal business or professional activity category may only be adopted if the category is 
122.10 	enacted by law.
122.11 	(c) For the purpose of calculating the amount of compensation received from any single 
122.12 	source in a single month, the amount shall include the total amount received from the source 
122.13 	during the month, whether or not the amount covers compensation for more than one month.
122.14 	(d) For the purpose of determining the value of an individual's interest in real property, 
122.15 	the value of the property is the market value shown on the property tax statement.
122.16 	(e) For the purpose of this section, "date of appointment" means the effective date of 
122.17 	appointment to a position.
122.18 	(f) For the purpose of this section, "accepting employment as a public official" means 
122.19 	the effective date of the appointment to the position, as stated in the appointing authority's 
122.20 	notice to the board.
122.21 	(g) The listings required in paragraph (a), clauses (3) to (9) (12), must not identify 
122.22 	whether the individual or the individual's spouse is associated with or owns the listed item.
122.23 	(h) For the purposes of paragraph (a), clauses (9) and (11), the statement must allow the 
122.24 	filer to select one of the following ranges for each reported purchase, sale, exercise, or 
122.25 	transaction:
122.26 	(1) $1 to $10,000;
122.27 	(2) $10,001 to $50,000;
122.28 	(3) $50,001 to $100,000;
122.29 	(4) $100,001 to $250,000;
122.30 	(5) $250,001 to $500,000;
122.31 	(6) $500,001 to $1,000,000;
123.1 	(7) $1,000,001 to $5,000,000;
123.2 	(8) $5,000,001 to $25,000,000;
123.3 	(9) $25,000,001 to $50,000,000; and
123.4 	(10) over $50,000,000.

123.5 	Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.09, subdivision 5a, is amended to read:
123.6 		Subd. 5a.Original statement; reporting period. (a) An original statement of economic 
123.7 	interest required under subdivision 1, clause (1), must cover the calendar month before the 
123.8 	month in which the individual accepted employment as a public official or a local official 
123.9 	in a metropolitan governmental unit. (4), must cover the calendar month before the month 
123.10 	in which the candidate filed the affidavit  of candidacy. An original statement of economic 
123.11 	interest required under subdivision 1, clause (5), must cover the month before the month in 
123.12 	which the candidates' names are provided to eligible voters in accordance with section 
123.13 	124E.07, subdivision 5, paragraph (d). In all other cases an original statement of economic 
123.14 	interest must cover the calendar month before the month in which the individual assumed 
123.15 	the duties of office or accepted the position that required the filing of the statement.
123.16 	(b) An original statement of economic interest required under subdivision 1, clauses (2), 
123.17 	(4), and (5), must cover the calendar month before the month in which the individual assumed 
123.18 	or undertook the duties of office.
123.19 	(c) An original statement of economic interest required under subdivision 1, clause (3), 
123.20 	must cover the calendar month before the month in which the candidate filed the affidavit 
123.21 	of candidacy.

123.22 	Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.09, subdivision 6a, is amended to read:
123.23 		Subd. 6a.Place of filing. A public official required to file a statement under this section 
123.24 	must file it with the board. A county commissioner, soil and water conservation district 
123.25 	supervisor, manager of a watershed district, or member of a watershed management 
123.26 	organization as defined in section 103B.205, subdivision 13, must file the statement with 
123.27 	the board. A local candidate or local official required to file a statement under this section 
123.28 	must file it with the governing body of the official's political subdivision. The governing 
123.29 	body must maintain statements filed with it under this subdivision as public data. If an 
123.30 	official position is defined as both a public official and as a local official of a metropolitan 
123.31 	governmental unit under this chapter, the official must file the statement with the board.

124.1 	Sec. 25. [10A.174] INAUGURAL EVENT AND TRANSITION EXPENSES.
124.2 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have 
124.3 	the meanings given.
124.4 	(b) "Inaugural event expenses" means expenses incurred for any event related to the 
124.5 	individual's inauguration held between the date of the general election at which an individual 
124.6 	is elected to a statewide office and January 31 of the year in which the officeholder takes 
124.7 	office. In the event that an individual fills a vacancy in a constitutional office, "inaugural 
124.8 	event expenses" means expenses incurred for any event related to the individual's 
124.9 	inauguration between the time that it was confirmed that the individual would assume the 
124.10 	constitutional office and the date four weeks after the individual is sworn into office.
124.11 	(c) "Transition expenses" means expenses incurred in preparing for the assumption of 
124.12 	official duties as governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor, or attorney 
124.13 	general. Expenses include but are not limited to establishment of a transition office, the 
124.14 	dissolution of the office, office space and equipment, communications and technology 
124.15 	support, consulting services, compensation and travel costs, and other reasonable expenses. 
124.16 	Transition expenses do not include expenses that are incurred after the officeholder takes 
124.17 	office.
124.18 		Subd. 2.Inaugural event and transition expenses; contributions. A candidate or a 
124.19 	candidate's principal campaign committee must not solicit or accept any contributions for 
124.20 	or make any expenditure for inaugural event expenses or transition expenses except through 
124.21 	the candidate's principal campaign committee or as otherwise prescribed by law.

124.22 	Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.175, is amended by adding a subdivision 
124.23 	to read:
124.24 		Subd. 5a.Disbursement. "Disbursement" means a purchase or payment subject to this 
124.25 	chapter made by any person.

124.26 	Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.176, is amended to read:
124.27 	10A.176 COORDINATED EXPENDITURES.
124.28 		Subdivision 1.Definition; scope. An expenditure described in this section that expressly 
124.29 	advocates for the election of the candidate or the defeat of the candidate's opponent is a 
124.30 	coordinated expenditure and is not independent under section 10A.01, subdivision 18. A 
124.31 	disbursement is a coordinated expenditure and is not independent under section 10A.01, 
124.32 	subdivision 18, where it:
125.1 	(1) satisfies at least one of the content standards in subdivision 1a; and
125.2 	(2) satisfies at least one of the conduct standards in subdivisions 2 to 8.
125.3 		Subd. 1a.Content standards. A disbursement for any of the content outlined in this 
125.4 	subdivision satisfies the content standard of this section if it is:
125.5 	(1) a communication that expressly advocates for the election or defeat of the candidate, 
125.6 	as defined under section 10A.01, subdivision 16a;
125.7 	(2) a communication that promotes, supports, attacks, or opposes the nomination, election, 
125.8 	or defeat of the clearly identified candidate; or
125.9 	(3) an electioneering communication, as defined under section 10A.201.
125.10 		Subd. 2.Conduct standard; fundraising. (a) An expenditure is a coordinated 
125.11 	expenditure A disbursement satisfies the conduct standard of this section if the expenditure
125.12 	disbursement is made on or after January 1 of the year the office will appear on the ballot 
125.13 	by a spender for which the candidate, on or after January 1 of the year the office will appear 
125.14 	on the ballot, has engaged in fundraising of money that is not general treasury money, as 
125.15 	defined in section 10A.01, subdivision 17c, of the spender.
125.16 	(b) For purposes of this subdivision, candidate fundraising includes:
125.17 	(1) soliciting or collecting money for or to the spender that is not general treasury money; 
125.18 	and
125.19 	(2) appearing for the spender as a speaker at an event raising money that is not general 
125.20 	treasury money.
125.21 	(c) This subdivision does not apply to a candidate's fundraising on behalf of a party unit.
125.22 		Subd. 3.Conduct standard; relationship with spender. An expenditure is a coordinated 
125.23 	expenditure A disbursement satisfies the conduct standard of this section if the expenditure
125.24 	disbursement is made on or after January 1 of the year the office will appear on the ballot 
125.25 	by a spender that:
125.26 	(1) is not a party unit; and
125.27 	(2) is an association, political committee, political fund, independent expenditure political 
125.28 	committee, or independent expenditure political fund, in which the candidate was a 
125.29 	chairperson, deputy chairperson, treasurer, or deputy treasurer on or after January 1 of the 
125.30 	year the office will appear on the ballot.
126.1 		Subd. 4.Conduct standard; consulting services. (a) An expenditure is a coordinated 
126.2 	expenditure A disbursement satisfies the conduct standard of this section if the expenditure
126.3 	disbursement is made during an election segment for consulting services from a consultant 
126.4 	who has also provided consulting services to the candidate or the candidate's opponent 
126.5 	during that same election segment.
126.6 	(b) This subdivision does not apply when the following conditions are met:
126.7 	(1) the consultant assigns separate personnel to the spender and the candidate;
126.8 	(2) the consultant has a written policy that describes the measures that the consultant 
126.9 	has taken to prohibit the flow of information between the personnel providing services to 
126.10 	the spender and the personnel providing services to the candidate;
126.11 	(3) the written policy has been distributed to all personnel and clients covered by the 
126.12 	policy, including the candidate and the spender;
126.13 	(4) the consultant has implemented the measures described in the written policy; and
126.14 	(5) no information has been shared between the spender and the personnel that provided 
126.15 	services to the spender and the candidate and the personnel providing services to the 
126.16 	candidate.
126.17 		Subd. 5.Conduct standard; receiving information not publicly available. An 
126.18 	expenditure is a coordinated expenditure A disbursement satisfies the conduct standard of 
126.19 	this section if the expenditure disbursement is made after the spender receives from the 
126.20 	candidate information that is not publicly available regarding the candidate's campaign 
126.21 	plans, strategy, or needs.
126.22 		Subd. 6.Conduct standard; spender-provided information.  An expenditure is a 
126.23 	coordinated expenditure A disbursement satisfies the conduct standard of this section if the 
126.24 	expenditure disbursement is made when:
126.25 	(1) the spender provides information to the candidate regarding the expenditure's
126.26 	disbursement's contents, intended audience, timing, location or mode, volume, or frequency; 
126.27 	and
126.28 	(2) the information is provided to the candidate before the expenditure disbursement is 
126.29 	communicated to the public.
126.30 		Subd. 7.Conduct standard; candidate's participation. An expenditure is a coordinated 
126.31 	expenditure A disbursement satisfies the conduct standard of this section if the expenditure
126.32 	disbursement is made with the candidate's participation in the following:
127.1 	(1) any of the processes required for the creation and development of the expenditure
127.2 	disbursement, including budgeting decisions, media design, acquisition of graphics and 
127.3 	text, production, and distribution of the final product; or
127.4 	(2) any decision regarding the content, timing, location, intended audience, volume of 
127.5 	distribution, or frequency of the expenditure disbursement.
127.6 		Subd. 8.Conduct standard; instructions or directions from candidate. A disbursement 
127.7 	satisfies the conduct standard of this section if the disbursement is materially consistent 
127.8 	with instructions or directions from a candidate regarding the making of disbursements, 
127.9 	regardless of whether the instructions or directions are publicly available. The factors the 
127.10 	board must consider in determining whether a disbursement is consistent with instructions 
127.11 	or directions from a candidate under this clause include but are not limited to:
127.12 	(1) noticeable placement of instructions or directions on a discrete webpage or portion 
127.13 	of a webpage containing one or more other factors identified in this paragraph;
127.14 	(2) whether the instructions or directions include language indicating that information 
127.15 	should be communicated to others or indicates information is intended for voters, including 
127.16 	but not limited to the phrase "voters need to know";
127.17 	(3) whether the instructions or directions include targeted audience information, such 
127.18 	as specific demographics or the location of intended or suggested recipients;
127.19 	(4) whether the instructions or directions include suggested methods of communication, 
127.20 	including indications that recipients need to hear, see, see on the go, or receive information 
127.21 	in other similar manners; and
127.22 	(5) whether there are additional documents linked to the instructions or directions to 
127.23 	provide verification that the recommended messaging would be effective.

127.24 	Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.177, is amended to read:
127.25 	10A.177 NONCOORDINATED EXPENDITURES DISBURSEMENTS.
127.26 	(a) Any of the following actions, taken alone, do not establish that an expenditure a 
127.27 	disbursement made by the spender is coordinated with the candidate:
127.28 	(1) a candidate asks a spender not to make any expenditure to support the candidate or 
127.29 	oppose the candidate's opponent or any disbursement for an electioneering communication 
127.30 	that references the candidate or the candidate's opponent;
128.1 	(2) a candidate provides to a spender names of potential donors, as long as the spender 
128.2 	does not state or suggest to the candidate that funds received from use of the donor list will 
128.3 	be used for independent expenditures to benefit the candidate;
128.4 	(3) an expenditure a disbursement uses a photograph, video, or audio recording obtained 
128.5 	from a publicly available source or public event;
128.6 	(4) an expenditure a disbursement uses information obtained from a biography, position 
128.7 	paper, press release, or similar material about the candidate from a publicly available source 
128.8 	or public event;
128.9 	(5) the spender contributes to the candidate, makes an in-kind donation to the candidate, 
128.10 	or endorses the candidate;
128.11 	(6) an expenditure a disbursement includes a hyperlink to the candidate's website or 
128.12 	social media page;
128.13 	(7) an expenditure a disbursement appears in a news story, commentary, or editorial 
128.14 	distributed through the facilities of any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine, or other 
128.15 	periodical publication by any broadcasting station, including a cable or streaming television 
128.16 	operator, programmer, or producer; website; newspaper; magazine; or other periodical 
128.17 	publication, including any Internet or electronic publication. If the facility is owned or 
128.18 	controlled by any political party, political committee, or candidate, the news story must:
128.19 	(i) represent a bona fide news account communicated in a publication of general 
128.20 	circulation or on a licensed broadcasting facility; and
128.21 	(ii) be part of a general pattern of campaign-related news accounts that give reasonably 
128.22 	equal coverage to all opposing candidates in the circulation or listening area;
128.23 	(8) the spender discusses the candidate's position on a legislative or policy matter with 
128.24 	the candidate. This clause includes the sending, completion, and return of a survey conducted 
128.25 	by the spender to determine whether to endorse the candidate; or
128.26 	(9) the spender invites the candidate to appear before the spender's members, employees, 
128.27 	or shareholders, including the candidate's participation in the event, unless the event promotes 
128.28 	the election of the candidate or the defeat of the candidate's opponent, or the candidate 
128.29 	requests or accepts campaign contributions at the event.
128.30 	(b) Paragraph (a), clause (4), does not apply to publicly available instructions or directions 
128.31 	from a candidate regarding the making of expenditures under section 10A.176, subdivision 
128.32 	8.

129.1 	Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.20, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
129.2 	read:
129.3 		Subd. 5a.Report on personal contributions. A candidate for constitutional or legislative 
129.4 	office that makes a contribution or loan to the candidate's principal campaign committee 
129.5 	that, in aggregate, exceeds the amount permitted by section 10A.27, subdivision 10, must 
129.6 	report the contribution or loan to the board by the next business day. A candidate must file 
129.7 	a new report each time that the reporting threshold is exceeded during an election cycle 
129.8 	segment.

129.9 	Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.201, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
129.10 		Subd. 6.Electioneering communication. (a) "Electioneering communication" means 
129.11 	any broadcast, cable, satellite, telephone, or digital communication that:
129.12 	(1) refers to a clearly identified candidate for state office;
129.13 	(2) is publicly distributed within 60 days before a general election for the office sought 
129.14 	by the candidate, within 30 days before a after the start of the absentee voting period prior 
129.15 	to the state or special primary election for the office sought by the candidate when the office 
129.16 	sought will be on the general or special election ballot through the date of the general or 
129.17 	special election for that office, or within 30 days before a convention of a political party 
129.18 	unit that has authority to endorse a candidate for the office sought by the candidate; and
129.19 	(3) is targeted to the relevant electorate.
129.20 	(b) A communication is not an electioneering communication if it:
129.21 	(1) is publicly disseminated through a means of communication other than a broadcast, 
129.22 	cable, satellite television, or radio station, by telephone, in a digital format online, or by 
129.23 	other electronic means;
129.24 	(2) appears in a news story, commentary, or editorial distributed through the facilities 
129.25 	of any broadcast, cable, or satellite television or radio station, unless such facilities are 
129.26 	owned or controlled by any political party, political committee, or candidate, provided that 
129.27 	a news story distributed through a broadcast, cable, or satellite television or radio station 
129.28 	owned or controlled by any political party, political committee, or candidate is not an 
129.29 	electioneering communication if the news story meets the requirements described in Code 
129.30 	of Federal Regulations, title 11, section 100.132 (a) and (b);
129.31 	(3) constitutes an expenditure or independent expenditure, provided that the expenditure 
129.32 	or independent expenditure is required to be reported under this chapter;
130.1 	(4) constitutes a candidate debate or forum, or that solely promotes such a debate or 
130.2 	forum and is made by or on behalf of the person sponsoring the debate or forum;
130.3 	(5) is paid for by a candidate;
130.4 	(6) is a noncommercial solicitation for the purposes of opinion research, including but 
130.5 	not limited to opinion research designed for understanding the impact of exposure to political 
130.6 	messages and content, provided that the solicitation is not designed to influence respondents' 
130.7 	views by presenting biased or manipulative content under the guise of it being an opinion 
130.8 	poll, survey, or other form of scientific data collection; or
130.9 	(7) is a communication disseminated by telephone, in a digital format online, or by other 
130.10 	electronic means that the recipient has affirmatively and voluntarily consented to receive 
130.11 	from the sender.

130.12 	Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.202, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
130.13 		Subd. 4.Disclaimer required. An electioneering communication must include a 
130.14 	disclaimer in the same manner as required for campaign material under as required by
130.15 	section 211B.04, subdivision 1, paragraph (c) 2a.

130.16 	Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.36, is amended to read:
130.17 	10A.36 REPRISALS PROHIBITED; PENALTY.
130.18 	(a) An employer, individual, or association must not engage in economic reprisals or 
130.19 	threaten loss of employment or physical coercion against an individual or association because 
130.20 	of that individual's or association's:
130.21 	(1) political contributions or political activity including for becoming a candidate or 
130.22 	local candidate for elected public office, unless precluded by other law; or
130.23 	(2) refusal to communicate with public or local officials to influence a decision about a 
130.24 	legislative or administrative action or the official action of a political subdivision.
130.25 	(b) This subdivision section does not apply to compensation for employment or, loss of 
130.26 	employment if, or economic reprisals:
130.27 	(1) if the political affiliation or viewpoint of the employee is a bona fide occupational 
130.28 	qualification of the employment; or
130.29 	(2) for communications described in paragraph (a), clause (2), if the individual's 
130.30 	responsibilities, through employment or contract, include communicating with public or 
130.31 	local officials.
131.1 	(c) An individual or association injured by a violation of this section may bring a civil 
131.2 	action in district court for damages, injunctive relief, costs and reasonable attorney fees, 
131.3 	and any other relief the court deems just and equitable, including reinstatement of 
131.4 	employment.
131.5 	(d) An employer, individual, or association that violates this section is guilty of a gross 
131.6 	misdemeanor. The board may refer a violation of this section to the appropriate county 
131.7 	attorney.
131.8 	(e) For purposes of this section, "employer" means a person or entity that employs one 
131.9 	or more employees and includes an individual, corporation, partnership, association, business, 
131.10 	trust, nonprofit organization, group of persons, legislature, judicial branch, state, county, 
131.11 	town, city, school district, or other governmental subdivision.

131.12 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2025, and applies to violations 
131.13 	committed on or after that date and to causes of action accruing on or after that date.

131.14 	Sec. 33. [10A.52] MAJOR DECISION OF NONELECTED LOCAL OFFICIALS.
131.15 		Subdivision 1.Major decision regarding the expenditure of public money. (a) 
131.16 	Attempting to influence a nonelected local official is lobbying if the nonelected local official 
131.17 	has:
131.18 	(1) the authority to make major decisions regarding the expenditure or investment of 
131.19 	public money;
131.20 	(2) the responsibility to make recommendations to a chief executive or the governing 
131.21 	body about major decisions regarding the expenditure or investment of public money; or
131.22 	(3) the authority to vote as a member of the governing body on major decisions regarding 
131.23 	the expenditure or investment of public money.
131.24 	(b) The mere act of submitting an application for a grant or responding to a request for 
131.25 	proposals is not lobbying. Communications of a purely administerial or technical nature 
131.26 	regarding the submission of a grant application or response to requests for proposals are 
131.27 	not lobbying.
131.28 		Subd. 2.Actions that are a major decision regarding public funds. A major decision 
131.29 	regarding the expenditure or investment of public money includes but is not limited to a 
131.30 	decision on:
132.1 	(1) the development and ratification of operating and capital budgets of a political 
132.2 	subdivision, including development of the budget request for an office or department within 
132.3 	the political subdivision;
132.4 	(2) whether to apply for or accept state, federal, or private grant funding;
132.5 	(3) selecting recipients for government grants from the political subdivision; or
132.6 	(4) tax abatement, tax increment financing, or expenditures on public infrastructure used 
132.7 	to support private housing or business developments.
132.8 		Subd. 3.Actions that are not a major decision. A major decision regarding the 
132.9 	expenditure of public money does not include:
132.10 	(1) the purchase of goods or services with public funds in the operating or capital budget 
132.11 	of a political subdivision;
132.12 	(2) collective bargaining of a labor contract on behalf of a political subdivision; or
132.13 	(3) participating in discussions with a party or a party's representative regarding litigation 
132.14 	between the party and the political subdivision of the local official.

132.15 	Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 124E.03, is amended by adding a subdivision 
132.16 	to read:
132.17 		Subd. 11.Statement of economic interest. Members of charter school boards and 
132.18 	persons employed as charter school directors and chief administrators are subject to the 
132.19 	requirements of section 10A.09.

132.20 	Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211A.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
132.21 		Subdivision 1.When and where filed by committees or candidates. (a) A committee 
132.22 	or a candidate who receives contributions or makes disbursements of more than $750 in a 
132.23 	calendar year shall submit an initial report to the filing officer within 14 days after the 
132.24 	candidate or committee receives or makes disbursements of more than $750 and must 
132.25 	continue to make the reports required by this subdivision until a final report is filed.
132.26 	(b) In a year in which a candidate receives contributions or makes disbursements of 
132.27 	more than $750 or the candidate's name appears on the ballot, the candidate must file a 
132.28 	report:
132.29 	(1) ten days before the primary or special primary if a primary is held in the jurisdiction, 
132.30 	regardless of whether the candidate is on the primary ballot. If a primary is not conducted, 
132.31 	the report is due ten days before the primary date specified in section 205.065;
133.1 	(2) ten days before the general election or special election; and
133.2 	(3) 30 days after a general or special election.
133.3 	The reporting obligations in this paragraph begin with the first report due after the reporting 
133.4 	period in which the candidate reaches the spending threshold specified in paragraph (a). A 
133.5 	candidate who did not file for office is not required to file reports required by this paragraph 
133.6 	that are due after the end of the filing period. A candidate whose name will not be on the 
133.7 	general election ballot is not required to file the reports required by clauses (2) and (3).
133.8 	(c) Until a final report is filed, a candidate must file a report by January 31 of each year. 
133.9 	Notwithstanding subdivision 2, clause (4), the report required by this subdivision must only 
133.10 	include the information from the previous calendar year.

133.11 	Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211A.02, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
133.12 		Subd. 2.Information required. The report to be filed by a candidate or committee must 
133.13 	include:
133.14 	(1) the name of the candidate and office sought;
133.15 	(2) the printed name, address, telephone number, signature, and email address, if available,
133.16 	of the person responsible for filing the report. If the person responsible for filing the report 
133.17 	does not have an email address, the person must include an attestation to that effect;
133.18 	(3) the total cash on hand designated to be used for political purposes;
133.19 	(4) the total amount of contributions received and the total amount of disbursements for 
133.20 	the period from the last previous report to five days before the current report is due;
133.21 	(5) if disbursements made to the same vendor exceed $100 in the aggregate during the 
133.22 	period covered by the report, the name and address for the vendor and the amount, date, 
133.23 	and purpose for each disbursement; and
133.24 	(6) the name, address, and employer, or occupation if self-employed, of any individual 
133.25 	or entity that during the period covered by the report has made one or more contributions 
133.26 	that in the aggregate exceed $100, and the amount and date of each contribution. The filing 
133.27 	officer must restrict public access to the address of any individual who has made a 
133.28 	contribution that exceeds $100 and who has filed with the filing officer a written statement 
133.29 	signed by the individual that withholding the individual's address from the financial report 
133.30 	is required for the safety of the individual or the individual's family.

134.1 	Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
134.2 		Subdivision 1.Campaign material. (a) A person who participates in the preparation or 
134.3 	dissemination of campaign material other than as provided in section 211B.05, subdivision 
134.4 	1, that does not prominently include the name and address of the person or committee 
134.5 	causing the material to be prepared or disseminated in a disclaimer substantially in the form 
134.6 	provided in paragraph (b) or (c) is guilty of a misdemeanor.
134.7 	(b) Except in cases covered by paragraph (c), the required form of disclaimer is: "Prepared 
134.8 	and Paid for by the ....... committee, ....... (address)" for material prepared and paid for by 
134.9 	a principal campaign committee, or "Prepared and Paid for by the ....... committee, ....... 
134.10 	(address)" for material prepared and paid for by a person or committee other than a principal 
134.11 	campaign committee. The address must be either the committee's mailing address or the 
134.12 	committee's website, if the website includes the committee's mailing address. If the material 
134.13 	is produced and disseminated without cost, the words "paid for" may be omitted from
134.14 	"Prepared by" may be used in place of "Paid for by" in the disclaimer. Except as required 
134.15 	by paragraph (c), in the case of a candidate's or committee's website or social media page, 
134.16 	the requirements of this subdivision are satisfied for the entire website or social media page 
134.17 	when the disclaimer appears once on the website or social media home page.
134.18 	(c) In the case of broadcast audio or video media, including audio or video media posted 
134.19 	on a candidate or principal campaign committee's website, the required form of disclaimer 
134.20 	is: "Paid for by the ....... committee." If the material is produced and broadcast without cost, 
134.21 	the required form of the disclaimer is: "The ....... committee is responsible for the content 
134.22 	of this message."

134.23 	Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.04, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
134.24 		Subd. 2.Independent expenditures. (a) The required form of the disclaimer on a written
134.25 	Except in cases covered by paragraph (b), the required form of disclaimer for an independent 
134.26 	expenditure is: "This is an independent expenditure prepared and paid for by ....... (name 
134.27 	of entity participating in the expenditure), ....... (address). It is not coordinated with or 
134.28 	approved by any candidate nor is any candidate responsible for it." The address must be 
134.29 	either the entity's mailing address or the entity's website, if the website includes the entity's 
134.30 	mailing address. When a written independent expenditure is produced and disseminated 
134.31 	without cost, the words "and paid for" may be omitted from the disclaimer.
134.32 	(b) The required form of the disclaimer on a broadcast an audio or video media
134.33 	independent expenditure is: "This independent expenditure is paid for by ....... (name of 
134.34 	entity participating in the expenditure). It is not coordinated with or approved by any 
135.1 	candidate nor is any candidate responsible for it." When a broadcast an audio or video media
135.2 	independent expenditure is produced and disseminated without cost, the following disclaimer 
135.3 	may be used: "....... (name of entity participating in the expenditure) is responsible for the 
135.4 	contents of this independent expenditure. It is not coordinated with or approved by any 
135.5 	candidate nor is any candidate responsible for it."

135.6 	Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.04, is amended by adding a subdivision 
135.7 	to read:
135.8 		Subd. 2a.Electioneering communication. (a) Except in cases covered by paragraph 
135.9 	(b), the required form of disclaimer for an electioneering communication is: "Paid for by 
135.10 	....... (name of entity participating in the communication), ....... (address). It is not coordinated 
135.11 	with or approved by any candidate nor is any candidate responsible for it." The address 
135.12 	must be either the entity's mailing address or the entity's website, if the website includes 
135.13 	the entity's mailing address. When an electioneering communication is produced and 
135.14 	disseminated without cost, the words "Prepared by" may be used in place of "Paid for by" 
135.15 	in the disclaimer.
135.16 	(b) The required form of the disclaimer on an audio or video media electioneering 
135.17 	communication is: " paid for by ....... (name of entity participating in the communication). 
135.18 	It is not coordinated with or approved by any candidate nor is any candidate responsible 
135.19 	for it." When an audio or video media electioneering communication is produced and 
135.20 	disseminated without cost, the following disclaimer may be used: "....... (name of entity 
135.21 	participating in the expenditure) is responsible for the contents of this communication. It is 
135.22 	not coordinated with or approved by any candidate nor is any candidate responsible for it."

135.23 	Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.04, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
135.24 		Subd. 3.Material that does not need a disclaimer. (a) This section does not apply to 
135.25 	fundraising tickets, business cards, personal letters, or similar items that are clearly being 
135.26 	distributed by the candidate.
135.27 	(b) This section does not apply to an individual or association that is not required to 
135.28 	register or report under chapter 10A or 211A.
135.29 	(c) This section does not apply to the following:
135.30 	(1) bumper stickers, pins, buttons, pens, or similar small items on which the disclaimer 
135.31 	cannot be conveniently printed;
136.1 	(2) skywriting, wearing apparel, or other means of displaying an advertisement of such 
136.2 	a nature that the inclusion of a disclaimer would be impracticable; and
136.3 	(3) online banner ads and similar electronic communications that for which it would be 
136.4 	technologically infeasible. In this case, the communication must state the name of the person 
136.5 	who paid for, or in the case of a communication that is produced and disseminated without 
136.6 	cost, who is responsible for the communication and link directly to an online page that 
136.7 	includes only the disclaimer. The person who paid for or is responsible for the communication 
136.8 	must, at the request of the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board or the Office of 
136.9 	Administrative Hearings, demonstrate why it was technologically infeasible to include a 
136.10 	disclaimer in the form required by subdivision 1, 2, or 2a.
136.11 	(d) This section does not modify or repeal section 211B.06.

136.12 	Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.04, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
136.13 		Subd. 5.Font size. For written communications other than an outdoor sign, website, or 
136.14 	social media page, (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c), the disclaimer must be 
136.15 	printed in 8-point font or larger with sufficient color contrast to be reasonably legible.
136.16 	(b) For an outdoor sign, the font of the disclaimer must be a height of at least five percent 
136.17 	of the vertical height of the sign with sufficient color contrast to be reasonably legible.
136.18 	(c) For websites and social media, the font of the disclaimer must be displayed large 
136.19 	enough and with sufficient color contrast to be reasonably legible.

136.20 	EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION. Paragraph (b) applies to outdoor signs printed 
136.21 	on or after January 1, 2026.

136.22 	Sec. 42. [211B.065] MISREPRESENTATION OF CAMPAIGN AUTHORITY.
136.23 		Subdivision 1.Misrepresentation prohibited. (a) A person must not:
136.24 	(1) misrepresent the person or any committee or organization as speaking or writing or 
136.25 	otherwise acting for or on behalf of any real, potential, spurious, or nonexistent candidate, 
136.26 	political party, committee, fund, or organization with the intent to defraud; or
136.27 	(2) willfully and knowingly participate in or conspire to participate in any plan, scheme, 
136.28 	or design to violate clause (1).
136.29 	(b) A person must not:
136.30 	(1) misrepresent the person as speaking, writing, or otherwise acting for or on behalf of 
136.31 	any real, potential, spurious, or nonexistent candidate, political party, committee, fund, or 
137.1 	organization or employee or agent of any such candidate, political party, or political 
137.2 	committee or organization when soliciting money or any other thing of value with the intent 
137.3 	to defraud; or
137.4 	(2) willfully and knowingly participate in or conspire to participate in any plan, scheme, 
137.5 	or design to violate clause (1).
137.6 		Subd. 2.Criminal penalties; civil remedies. (a) Except as otherwise provided, a person 
137.7 	who violates this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
137.8 	(b) The attorney general, a county attorney, or a party injured by a violation of subdivision 
137.9 	1 may bring a civil action pursuant to section 8.31 to recover damages, together with costs 
137.10 	of investigation and reasonable attorney fees, and receive other equitable relief as determined 
137.11 	by the court. An action brought by an injured party under section 8.31, subdivision 3a, 
137.12 	benefits the public. In addition to all other damages, the court may impose a civil penalty 
137.13 	of up to $1,000 for each violation.
137.14 	(c) Civil remedies allowable under this section are cumulative and do not restrict any 
137.15 	other right or remedy otherwise available. The complaint process provided in sections 
137.16 	211B.31 to 211B.36 does not apply to violations of this section.

137.17 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2025, and applies to crimes 
137.18 	committed on or after that date and causes of action accruing on or after that date.

137.19 	Sec. 43. [211B.066] DISTRIBUTION OF ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATIONS 
137.20 	AND SAMPLE BALLOTS.
137.21 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have 
137.22 	the meanings given.
137.23 	(b) "Person or entity" means any individual, committee, or association as defined in 
137.24 	section 10A.01, subdivision 6.
137.25 	(c) "Sample ballot" means a document that is formatted and printed in a manner that so 
137.26 	closely resembles an official ballot that it could lead a reasonable person to believe the 
137.27 	document is an official ballot. A document that contains the names of particular candidates 
137.28 	or ballot questions alongside illustrations of a generic ballot or common ballot markings is 
137.29 	not a sample ballot as long as the document does not closely resemble an official ballot and 
137.30 	would not lead a reasonable person to believe the document is an official ballot.
137.31 		Subd. 2.Requirements. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, any person 
137.32 	or entity that mails an absentee ballot application or sample ballot to anyone in the state 
138.1 	must comply with this section. This section does not apply to a unit of government or 
138.2 	employee of that unit of government when discharging official election duties.
138.3 	(b) The person or entity mailing the absentee ballot application or sample ballot must 
138.4 	include the following statement: "This mailing is not an official election communication 
138.5 	from a unit of government. This [absentee ballot application or sample ballot] has not been 
138.6 	included at the request of a government official." If a sample ballot is enclosed, the statement 
138.7 	must also include the following: "This is a sample ballot, not an official ballot. You cannot 
138.8 	cast the enclosed sample ballot."
138.9 	(c) The statement required in paragraph (b) must be printed in a typeface and format 
138.10 	designed to be clearly visible at the time the mailing is opened. The person or entity sending 
138.11 	the sample ballot or absentee ballot application must include the person or entity's name 
138.12 	and street address in the return address position on the mailing envelope.
138.13 	(d) If an absentee ballot application is included, the application fields must be blank and 
138.14 	must not include the voter's name, address, or any other required information. 
138.15 	Notwithstanding this subdivision, the county auditor or municipal clerk must not reject an 
138.16 	absentee ballot application solely because of the inclusion of printed information on the 
138.17 	application.

138.18 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2026.

138.19 	Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.13, is amended to read:
138.20 	211B.13 BRIBERY, TREATING, AND SOLICITATION.
138.21 		Subdivision 1.Bribery, advancing money, and treating prohibited. (a) A person who
138.22 	is guilty of a felony if the person willfully, directly or indirectly, advances, pays, gives, 
138.23 	promises, provides a chance to win, or lends any money, food, liquor, clothing, entertainment, 
138.24 	or other thing of monetary value, or who offers, promises, or endeavors to obtain any money, 
138.25 	position, appointment, employment, or other valuable consideration, to or for a person, in 
138.26 	order to induce:
138.27 	(1) a voter to vote, to refrain from voting, or to vote in a particular way, at an election, 
138.28 	is guilty of a felony;
138.29 	(2) an individual to register to vote; or
138.30 	(3) a registered or eligible voter to sign a petition that is directly related to an election 
138.31 	during the period beginning on the first day of the absentee voting period for that election 
138.32 	and ending on election day.
139.1 	(b) This section does not prevent a candidate from stating publicly preference for or 
139.2 	support of another candidate to be voted for at the same primary or election. Refreshments 
139.3 	of Food or, nonalcoholic beverages, or items having a value up to $5 are not prohibited 
139.4 	under this section if consumed on the premises at a private gathering or public meeting are 
139.5 	not prohibited under this section or if offered on equal terms to individuals without regard 
139.6 	to whether the recipient takes a specified action.
139.7 		Subd. 2.Certain solicitations prohibited. A person may not knowingly solicit, receive, 
139.8 	or accept any money, property, or other thing of monetary value, or a promise or, pledge, 
139.9 	or opportunity to win any of these that is a disbursement prohibited by this section or section 
139.10 	211B.15.
139.11 		Subd. 3.Civil enforcement. In addition to other remedies, the attorney general or county 
139.12 	attorney may enforce this section pursuant to section 8.31.

139.13 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2025, and applies to crimes 
139.14 	committed on or after that date.

139.15 	Sec. 45. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.32, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
139.16 		Subdivision 1.Administrative remedy; exhaustion. (a) Except as provided in paragraphs 
139.17 	(b) and (c), a complaint alleging a violation of chapter 211A or 211B must be filed with the 
139.18 	office. The complaint must be finally disposed of by the office before the alleged violation 
139.19 	may be prosecuted by a county attorney.
139.20 	(b) Complaints arising under those sections and related to those individuals and 
139.21 	associations specified in section 10A.022, subdivision 3, must be filed with the Campaign 
139.22 	Finance and Public Disclosure Board.
139.23 	(c) Violations of sections 211B.065, 211B.075, and 211B.076 may be enforced as 
139.24 	provided in those sections.

139.25 	Sec. 46. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.32, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
139.26 		Subd. 4.Proof of claim. The burden of proving the allegations in the complaint is on 
139.27 	the complainant. The standard of proof of a violation of section 211B.06, relating to false 
139.28 	statements in paid political advertising or campaign material, is clear and convincing 
139.29 	evidence. The standard of proof of any other a violation of chapter 211A or 211B is a 
139.30 	preponderance of the evidence.

140.1 	Sec. 47. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.35, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
140.2 		Subd. 2.Disposition of complaint. The panel must determine whether the violation 
140.3 	alleged in the complaint occurred and must make at least one of the following dispositions:
140.4 	(a) The panel may dismiss the complaint.
140.5 	(b) The panel may issue a reprimand.
140.6 	(c) The panel may find that a statement made in a paid advertisement or campaign 
140.7 	material violated section 211B.06.
140.8 	(d) The panel may impose a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for any violation of chapter 
140.9 	211A or 211B.
140.10 	(e) (d) The panel may refer the complaint to the appropriate county attorney.

140.11 	Sec. 48. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383B.041, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
140.12 		Subd. 5.Economic interest disclosure; Special School District No. 1. Every candidate 
140.13 	for school board in Special School District No. 1, Minneapolis, must file an original statement 
140.14 	of economic interest with the school district within 14 days of the filing of an affidavit or 
140.15 	petition to appear on the ballot the end of the candidate filing period. An elected official in 
140.16 	Special School District No. 1, Minneapolis, must file the annual statement required in section 
140.17 	10A.09, subdivision 6, with the school district for every year that the individual serves in 
140.18 	office. An original and annual statement must contain the information listed in section 
140.19 	10A.09, subdivision 5. The provisions of section 10A.09, subdivisions 6a, 7, and 9, apply 
140.20 	to statements required under this subdivision.

140.21 	Sec. 49. CAMPAIGN SPENDING LIMITS STUDY.
 140.22 	The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board must study the voluntary campaign 
140.23 	spending limits as provided in this section. By January 15, 2026, the board must report to 
140.24 	the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction 
140.25 	over the board with its findings and recommendations. At a minimum, the board must study 
140.26 	and report on:
140.27 	(1) the number of candidates that participate in the public subsidy program, broken down 
140.28 	by office;
140.29 	(2) the number of candidates that do not participate in the public subsidy program, broken 
140.30 	down by office;
140.31 	(3) historic trend data for the past ten years for the information in clauses (1) and (2);
141.1 	(4) for candidates that do not participate in the public subsidy program, how much the 
141.2 	candidate and the candidate's opponent spent and how much is spent on independent 
141.3 	expenditures in the race;
141.4 	(5) how other states set voluntary campaign spending limits, including:
141.5 	(i) if other states distinguish between highly contested races and other races in the amount 
141.6 	of funding provided or spending allowed;
141.7 	(ii) if other states have an automatic inflator on the subsidies and limits; and
141.8 	(iii) the level of candidate participation over time in the programs; and
141.9 	(6) any recommendations the board has regarding the current public subsidy program 
141.10 	in Minnesota and whether the current spending limits are appropriate.

141.11 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

141.12 	Sec. 50. WORKING GROUP ON LOCAL CANDIDATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE 
141.13 	REPORTING.
 141.14 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the terms have the meanings 
141.15 	given.
141.16 	(b) "Board" means the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board.
141.17 	(c) "Candidate" means an individual who seeks nomination or election to a county, 
141.18 	municipal, school district, or other political subdivision office. This definition does not 
141.19 	include an individual seeking a judicial office.
141.20 	(d) "Local campaign report" means any report that a candidate is required to file pursuant 
141.21 	to Minnesota Statutes, chapter 211A.
141.22 		Subd. 2.Membership. (a) The working group consists of the following 12 members:
141.23 	(1) two members of the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board affiliated with 
141.24 	different political parties appointed by the board's chair;
141.25 	(2) the executive director of the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board;
141.26 	(3) two members appointed by the League of Minnesota Cities, one of whom must be 
141.27 	from a city of the fourth class;
141.28 	(4) one member appointed by the Association of Minnesota Counties;
141.29 	(5) one member appointed by the Minnesota Association of Townships;
141.30 	(6) one member appointed by the Minnesota School Boards Association;
142.1 	(7) one senator appointed by the senate majority leader and one senator appointed by 
142.2 	the senate minority leader; and
142.3 	(8) one representative appointed by the speaker of the house and one representative 
142.4 	appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives.
142.5 	(b) Appointments to the working group must be made within two weeks after the effective 
142.6 	date of this section.
142.7 	(c) Public member compensation and reimbursement for expenses are governed by 
142.8 	Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 3. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, 
142.9 	section 15.0595, the source of payment for compensation and reimbursement for expenses 
142.10 	of nonlegislative members of the working group is appropriations available to the Campaign 
142.11 	Finance and Public Disclosure Board. Legislative members may receive per diem and be 
142.12 	reimbursed for their expenses according to the rules of their respective bodies.
142.13 		Subd. 3.Chairs; meetings. (a) The executive director of the board must convene the 
142.14 	first meeting of the working group no later than six weeks after the effective date of this 
142.15 	section. At the first meeting, members must elect a chair from among the legislative members 
142.16 	of the working group members.
142.17 	(b) Working group meetings are subject to the Minnesota Open Meeting Law under 
142.18 	Minnesota Statutes, chapter 13D.
142.19 		Subd. 4.Administrative support. The Legislative Coordinating Commission must 
142.20 	provide administrative support and meeting space for the working group. Upon request of 
142.21 	the working group, the staff of the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board must 
142.22 	provide technical support.
142.23 		Subd. 5.Duties. At a minimum, the working group must:
142.24 	(1) examine and make recommendations on whether any or all local candidate campaign 
142.25 	finance reports should be filed with the board instead of with a local filing officer;
142.26 	(2) assess the extent to which local filing officers are currently able to provide support 
142.27 	to local candidates and the public related to their duty to accept campaign finance reports 
142.28 	from local candidates;
142.29 	(3) review the reporting requirements for local candidates in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 
142.30 	211A, and recommend any changes to those requirements that should be made, especially 
142.31 	if the reports were to be filed with the  board;
143.1 	(4) study the impact of the potential increase of reports being made to the board in terms 
143.2 	of budgetary and staffing needs and the ability of the board to support the local candidates 
143.3 	in filing the reports;
143.4 	(5) study local campaign finance reporting requirements and make any recommendations 
143.5 	on changes to the laws; and
143.6 	(6) propose draft legislation to implement any of the working group's recommendations.
143.7 		Subd. 6.Report. No later than January 15, 2026, the working group must submit a 
143.8 	written report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees and 
143.9 	divisions with jurisdiction over elections. The report must outline a description of the 
143.10 	working group's activities, how the working group addressed each duty described in 
143.11 	subdivision 5, any recommendations made by the working group, and any proposed 
143.12 	legislation recommended by the working group.
143.13 		Subd. 7.Expiration. The working group expires upon submission of the report required 
143.14 	under subdivision 6, or January 16, 2026, whichever is later.

143.15 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

143.16 	Sec. 51. RULEMAKING.
 143.17 	The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board must amend Minnesota Rules, part 
143.18 	4503.0900, to conform to the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 10A.174, regarding 
143.19 	transition expenses. The board may use the good cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes, 
143.20 	section 14.388, for purposes of this section.

143.21 	Sec. 52. REPEALER.
 143.22 	(a) Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 211B.04, subdivision 4; 211B.06; and 211B.08,
143.23 	are repealed.
143.24 	(b) Minnesota Rules, part 4503.2000, subpart 2, is repealed.
143.25 	(c) Minnesota Rules, part 4511.1100, is repealed.

143.26 	EFFECTIVE DATE. Paragraph (b) is effective the day following final enactment.

143.27 	Sec. 53. EFFECTIVE DATE.
 143.28 	Unless otherwise provided, this article is effective January 1, 2026.

144.1 	ARTICLE 9
144.2 	ELECTION POLICY

144.3 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.054, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
144.4 		Subdivision 1.Registration. (a) An individual may register to vote or update a voter 
144.5 	registration:
144.6 	(1) at any time before the 20th day preceding any election as provided in section 201.061, 
144.7 	subdivision 1;
144.8 	(2) on the day of an election as provided in section 201.061, subdivision 3; or
144.9 	(3) when submitting an absentee ballot, by enclosing a completed registration application 
144.10 	as provided in section 203B.04, subdivision 4.
144.11 	(b) An individual who is under the age of 18, but who is at least 16 years of age and 
144.12 	otherwise eligible, may submit a voter registration application as provided in section 201.061, 
144.13 	subdivisions 1 and 1b.

144.14 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.054, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
144.15 		Subd. 2.Prohibitions; penalty. No An individual shall must not intentionally:
144.16 	(1) cause or attempt to cause the individual's name to be registered in any precinct if the 
144.17 	individual is not eligible to vote, except as permitted by section 201.061, subdivision 1b;
144.18 	(2) cause or attempt to cause the individual's name to be registered for the purpose of 
144.19 	voting in more than one precinct;
144.20 	(3) misrepresent the individual's identity when attempting to register to vote or to update 
144.21 	a registration; or
144.22 	(4) aid, abet, counsel, or procure any other individual to violate this subdivision.
144.23 	A violation of this subdivision is a felony.

144.24 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.056, is amended to read:
144.25 	201.056 SIGNATURE OF REGISTERED VOTER; MARKS ALLOWED.
144.26 	An individual who is unable to write the individual's name shall be required to must
144.27 	sign a registration application in the manner provided by section 645.44, subdivision 14. If 
144.28 	the individual registers in person and signs by making a mark, the clerk or election judge 
144.29 	accepting the registration shall or update must certify the mark by signing the individual's 
144.30 	name. If the individual registers or updates a registration by mail and signs by making a 
145.1 	mark, the mark shall must be certified by having a voter registered in the individual's precinct 
145.2 	sign the individual's name and the voter's own name and give the voter's own address.

145.3 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.061, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
145.4 		Subdivision 1.Prior to election day. (a) At any time except during the 20 days 
145.5 	immediately preceding any regularly scheduled election, an eligible voter or any individual 
145.6 	who will be an eligible voter at the time of the next election may register or update a 
145.7 	registration to vote in the precinct in which the voter maintains residence by completing a 
145.8 	voter registration application as described in section 201.071, subdivision 1. A completed 
145.9 	application may be submitted:
145.10 	(1) in person or by mail to the county auditor of that county or to the Secretary of State's 
145.11 	Office; or
145.12 	(2) electronically through a secure website that shall must be maintained by the secretary 
145.13 	of state for this purpose, if the applicant has an email address and provides the applicant's 
145.14 	verifiable Minnesota driver's license number, Minnesota state identification card number, 
145.15 	or the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number.
145.16 	(b) A registration or update to a registration that is received in person or by mail no later 
145.17 	than 5:00 p.m. on the 21st day preceding any election, or a registration or update to a 
145.18 	registration received electronically through the secretary of state's secure website no later 
145.19 	than 11:59 p.m. on the 21st day preceding any election, shall must be accepted. An 
145.20 	improperly addressed or delivered registration application shall must be forwarded within 
145.21 	two working days after receipt to the county auditor of the county where the voter maintains 
145.22 	residence. A state or local agency or an individual that accepts completed voter registration 
145.23 	applications from a voter must submit the completed applications to the secretary of state 
145.24 	or the appropriate county auditor within ten calendar days after the applications are dated 
145.25 	by the voter.
145.26 	(c) An application submitted electronically under paragraph (a), clause (2), may only 
145.27 	be transmitted to the county auditor for processing if the secretary of state has verified the 
145.28 	application information matches the information in a government database associated with 
145.29 	the applicant's driver's license number, state identification card number, or Social Security 
145.30 	number. The secretary of state must review all unverifiable voter registration applications 
145.31 	submitted electronically for evidence of suspicious activity and must forward any such 
145.32 	application to an appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation.
146.1 	(d) An individual may not electronically submit a voter registration application on behalf 
146.2 	of any other individual, except that the secretary of state may provide features on the secure 
146.3 	website established under paragraph (a), clause (2), that allow third parties to connect 
146.4 	application programming interfaces that facilitate an individual's submission of voter 
146.5 	registration information while interacting with the third party.
146.6 	(e) For purposes of this section, mail registration is defined as a voter registration 
146.7 	application delivered to the secretary of state, county auditor, or municipal clerk by the 
146.8 	United States Postal Service or a commercial carrier.

146.9 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.061, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
146.10 		Subd. 3.Election day registration. (a) An individual who is eligible to vote may register 
146.11 	or update a registration on election day by appearing in person at the polling place for the 
146.12 	precinct in which the individual maintains residence, by completing a registration application, 
146.13 	making an oath in the form prescribed by the secretary of state and providing proof of 
146.14 	residence. An individual may prove residence for purposes of registering or updating a 
146.15 	registration by:
146.16 	(1) presenting a driver's license or Minnesota identification card issued pursuant to 
146.17 	section 171.07;
146.18 	(2) presenting any document approved by the secretary of state as proper identification;
146.19 	(3) presenting a current student fee statement that contains the student's valid address 
146.20 	in the precinct together with a picture identification card; or
146.21 	(4) having a voter who is registered to vote in the precinct, or an employee who provides 
146.22 	proof that they are employed by and working in a residential facility in the precinct and 
146.23 	vouching for a resident in the facility, sign an oath in the presence of the election judge 
146.24 	vouching that the voter or employee personally knows that the individual is a resident of 
146.25 	the precinct. A voter who has been vouched for on election day may not sign a proof of 
146.26 	residence oath vouching for any other individual on that election day. A voter who is 
146.27 	registered to vote in the precinct may sign up to eight proof-of-residence oaths on any 
146.28 	election day. This limitation does not apply to an employee of a residential facility described 
146.29 	in this clause. The secretary of state shall provide a form for election judges to use in 
146.30 	recording the number of individuals for whom a voter signs proof-of-residence oaths on 
146.31 	election day. The form must include space for the maximum number of individuals for 
146.32 	whom a voter may sign proof-of-residence oaths. For each proof-of-residence oath, the form 
146.33 	must include a statement that the individual: (i) is registered to vote in the precinct or is an 
147.1 	employee of a residential facility in the precinct, (ii) personally knows that the voter is a 
147.2 	resident of the precinct, and (iii) is making the statement on oath. The form must include a 
147.3 	space for the voter's printed name, signature, telephone number, and address.
147.4 	The oath required by this subdivision and Minnesota Rules, part 8200.9939, must be 
147.5 	attached to the voter registration application.
147.6 	(b) The operator of a residential facility shall prepare a list of the names of its employees 
147.7 	currently working in the residential facility and the address of the residential facility. The 
147.8 	operator shall certify the list and provide it to the appropriate county auditor no less than 
147.9 	20 days before each election for use in election day registration.
147.10 	(c) (b) "Residential facility" means transitional housing as defined in section 256K.48, 
147.11 	subdivision 1; a supervised living facility licensed by the commissioner of health under 
147.12 	section 144.50, subdivision 6; a nursing home as defined in section 144A.01, subdivision 
147.13 	5; an assisted living facility licensed by the commissioner of health under chapter 144G; a 
147.14 	veterans home operated by the board of directors of the Minnesota Veterans Homes under 
147.15 	chapter 198; a residence licensed by the commissioner of human services to provide a 
147.16 	residential program as defined in section 245A.02, subdivision 14; a residential facility for 
147.17 	persons with a developmental disability licensed by the commissioner of human services 
147.18 	under section 252.28; setting authorized to provide housing support as defined in section 
147.19 	256I.03, subdivision 10a; a shelter for battered women as defined in section 611A.37, 
147.20 	subdivision 4; a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter or dwelling designed to 
147.21 	provide temporary living accommodations for the homeless; a facility where a provider 
147.22 	operates a residential treatment program as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 23; or 
147.23 	a facility where a provider operates an adult foster care program as defined in section 
147.24 	245A.02, subdivision 6c.
147.25 	(d) (c) For tribal band members, an individual may prove residence for purposes of 
147.26 	registering or updating a registration by:
147.27 	(1) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe recognized 
147.28 	by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that contains the 
147.29 	name, address, signature, and picture of the individual; or
147.30 	(2) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe recognized 
147.31 	by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that contains the 
147.32 	name, signature, and picture of the individual and also presenting one of the documents 
147.33 	listed in Minnesota Rules, part 8200.5100, subpart 2, item B.
148.1 	(e) (d) A county, school district, or municipality may require that an election judge 
148.2 	responsible for election day registration initial each completed registration application.

148.3 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

148.4 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.061, subdivision 3a, is amended to read:
148.5 		Subd. 3a.Additional proofs of residence permitted for students. (a) If an eligible 
148.6 	voter's name; student identification number, if available; and address within the precinct 
148.7 	appear on a current residential housing list under section 135A.17 certified to the county 
148.8 	auditor by the postsecondary educational institution, the voter may prove residence by 
148.9 	presenting a current valid photo identification issued by a postsecondary educational 
148.10 	institution in Minnesota; identification authorized in subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause 
148.11 	(1) or (2); or identification authorized in subdivision 3, paragraph (d) (c), clause (1) or (2).
148.12 	(b) This additional proof of residence for students must not be allowed unless the 
148.13 	postsecondary educational institution submits to the county auditor no later than 60 days 
148.14 	prior to the election a written agreement that the postsecondary educational institution will 
148.15 	certify for use at the election accurate updated residential housing lists under section 135A.17. 
148.16 	A written agreement is effective for the election and all subsequent elections held in that 
148.17 	calendar year, including the November general election.
148.18 	(c) The additional proof of residence for students must be allowed on an equal basis for 
148.19 	voters who reside in housing meeting the requirements of section 135A.17, if the residential 
148.20 	housing lists certified by the postsecondary educational institution meet the requirements 
148.21 	of this subdivision.
148.22 	(d) An updated residential housing list must be certified to the county auditor no later 
148.23 	than 20 35 days prior to each election. The certification must be dated and signed by the 
148.24 	chief officer or designee of the postsecondary educational institution and must state that the 
148.25 	list is current and accurate and includes only the names of persons residing in the institution's 
148.26 	housing and, for students who do not live in the institution's housing, that it reflects the 
148.27 	institution's records as of the date of the certification.
148.28 	(e) This additional proof of residence for students must be allowed during the 18 days 
148.29 	before an election and on election day. The county auditor shall instruct the election judges 
148.30 	of the precinct in procedures for use of the list in conjunction with photo identification. The 
148.31 	auditor shall supply a list to the election judges with the election supplies for the precinct.
148.32 	(f) The county auditor shall notify all postsecondary educational institutions in the county 
148.33 	of the provisions of this subdivision.

149.1 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2026, and applies to elections 
149.2 	held on or after February 6, 2026.

149.3 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.061, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
149.4 		Subd. 4.Registration by election judges; procedures. Registration and updates to 
149.5 	registrations at the polling place on election day shall must be conducted by the election 
149.6 	judges. Before registering an individual to vote or updating an individual's registration at 
149.7 	the polling place, the election judge must review any list of voters who registered or updated 
149.8 	a registration with an absentee election day registrants ballot provided by the county auditor 
149.9 	or municipal clerk to see if the person individual has already voted by absentee ballot. If 
149.10 	the person's individual's name appears on the list, the election judge must not allow the 
149.11 	individual to register, to update the individual's registration, or to vote in the polling place. 
149.12 	The election judge who registers an individual or updates an individual's registration at the 
149.13 	polling place on election day shall must not handle that voter's ballots at any time prior to 
149.14 	the opening of the ballot box after the voting ends. Registration applications and forms for 
149.15 	oaths shall must be available at each polling place. If an individual who registers or updates 
149.16 	a registration on election day proves residence by oath of a registered voter, the form 
149.17 	containing the oath shall must be attached to the individual's registration application. 
149.18 	Registration applications completed on election day shall must be forwarded to the county 
149.19 	auditor who shall must add the name of each voter to the registration system or update the 
149.20 	voter's registration unless the information forwarded is substantially deficient. A county 
149.21 	auditor who finds an election day registration or update substantially deficient shall must
149.22 	give written notice to the individual whose registration is found deficient. An election day 
149.23 	registration shall or update must not be found deficient solely because the individual who 
149.24 	provided proof of residence was ineligible to do so.

149.25 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.061, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
149.26 		Subd. 5.Unregistered voters; penalty. No election judge in any precinct in which 
149.27 	registration is required may receive the vote at any election of any individual whose name 
149.28 	is not registered in a manner specified in section 201.054, subdivision 1 or not recorded 
149.29 	under section 203B.19. A violation of this subdivision is a felony.

149.30 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.061, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
149.31 		Subd. 7.Record of attempted registrations. The election judge responsible for election 
149.32 	day registration shall must attempt to keep a record of the number of individuals who attempt 
149.33 	to register or update a registration on election day but who cannot provide proof of residence 
150.1 	as required by this section. The record shall must be forwarded to the county auditor with 
150.2 	the election returns for that precinct.

150.3 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.071, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
150.4 		Subdivision 1.Form. Both paper and electronic voter registration applications must 
150.5 	contain the same information unless otherwise provided by law. A voter registration 
150.6 	application must contain spaces for the following required information: voter's first name, 
150.7 	middle name, and last name; voter's previous name, if any; voter's current address; voter's 
150.8 	previous address, if any; voter's date of birth; voter's municipality and county of residence; 
150.9 	voter's telephone number, if provided by the voter; date of registration; current and valid 
150.10 	Minnesota driver's license number or Minnesota state identification number, or if the voter 
150.11 	has no current and valid Minnesota driver's license or Minnesota state identification, the 
150.12 	last four digits of the voter's Social Security number; a box to indicate a voter's preference 
150.13 	to join the permanent absentee voter list; and voter's signature. The paper registration 
150.14 	application must provide a space for a voter to provide a physical description of the location 
150.15 	of their residence, if the voter resides in an area lacking a specific physical address. The 
150.16 	description must be sufficient for the county auditor to identify the correct precinct for the 
150.17 	voter. The description may include the closest cross street or the nearest address to the 
150.18 	described location that is identified on a precinct map, and directions from that cross street 
150.19 	or address to the described location, including but not limited to the cardinal direction and 
150.20 	approximate distance to the location. The paper registration application may include the 
150.21 	voter's email address, if provided by the voter. The electronic voter registration application 
150.22 	must include the voter's email address. The registration application may include the voter's 
150.23 	interest in serving as an election judge, if indicated by the voter. The application must also 
150.24 	contain the following certification of voter eligibility:
150.25 	"I certify that I:
150.26 	(1) am at least 16 years old and understand that I must be at least 18 years old to be 
150.27 	eligible to vote;
150.28 	(2) am a citizen of the United States;
150.29 	(3) will have maintained residence in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding 
150.30 	election day;
150.31 	(4) maintain residence at the address or location given on the registration form;
150.32 	(5) am not under court-ordered guardianship in which the court order revokes my right 
150.33 	to vote;
151.1 	(6) have not been found by a court to be legally incompetent to vote;
151.2 	(7) am not currently incarcerated for a conviction of a felony offense; and
151.3 	(8) have read and understand the following statement: that giving false information is a 
151.4 	felony punishable by not more than five years imprisonment or a fine of not more than 
151.5 	$10,000, or both."
151.6 	The certification must include boxes for the voter to respond to the following questions:
151.7 	"(1) Are you a citizen of the United States?" and
151.8 	"(2) Are you at least 16 years old and will you be at least 18 years old on or before the 
151.9 	day of the election in which you intend to vote?"
151.10 	And the instruction:
151.11 	"If you checked 'no' to either of these questions, do not complete this form."
151.12 	The form of the voter registration application and the certification of voter eligibility 
151.13 	must be as provided in this subdivision and approved by the secretary of state. Voter 
151.14 	registration forms authorized by the National Voter Registration Act must also be accepted 
151.15 	as valid. The federal postcard application form must also be accepted as valid if it is not 
151.16 	deficient and the voter is eligible to register in Minnesota.
151.17 	An individual may use a voter registration application to apply to register to vote in 
151.18 	Minnesota or to changeupdate information on an existing registration.

151.19 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025, except that this section is 
151.20 	effective January 1, 2026, for the secretary of state's online voter registration application.

151.21 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.071, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
151.22 		Subd. 4.Change of registration. A county auditor who receives a registration application 
151.23 	indicating that an individual was previously registered in a different county in Minnesota 
151.24 	shall must update the voter's record electronically through the statewide registration system 
151.25 	in the manner prescribed by the secretary of state. A county auditor who receives a 
151.26 	registration application or notification requiring a change an update of registration records 
151.27 	under this subdivision as a result of an a voter updating the voter's registration on election 
151.28 	day registration shall must also check the statewide registration system to determine whether 
151.29 	the individual voted in more than one precinct in the most recent election.

152.1 	Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.091, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
152.2 		Subd. 5.Copy of list to registered voter. The county auditors and the secretary of state 
152.3 	shall must provide copies of the public information lists in electronic or other media to any 
152.4 	voter registered in Minnesota within ten five business days of receiving a complete written 
152.5 	or electronic request accompanied by payment of the cost of reproduction. The county 
152.6 	auditors and the secretary of state shall must make a copy of the list available for public 
152.7 	inspection without cost. An individual who inspects or acquires a copy of a public information 
152.8 	list may must not use any information contained in it for purposes unrelated to elections, 
152.9 	political activities, or law enforcement.

152.10 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

152.11 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.091, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
152.12 		Subd. 8.Registration places. (a) Each county auditor shall must designate a number of 
152.13 	public buildings in those political subdivisions of the county where preregistration of voters 
152.14 	is allowed as provided in section 201.061, subdivision 1, where eligible voters may register 
152.15 	to vote or update the voter's registration as provided in section 201.061, subdivision 1.
152.16 	(b) An adequate supply of registration applications and instructions must be maintained 
152.17 	at each designated location, and a designated individual must be available there to accept 
152.18 	registration applications and transmit them to the county auditor.
152.19 	(c) A person who, because of disability, needs assistance in order to determine eligibility 
152.20 	or, to register must, or to update a voter registration may be assisted by a designated 
152.21 	individual. Assistance includes but is not limited to reading the registration form and 
152.22 	instructions and filling out the registration form as directed by the eligible voter.

152.23 	Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.121, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
152.24 		Subdivision 1.Entry of registration information. (a) At the time a voter registration 
152.25 	application is properly completed, submitted, and received in accordance with sections 
152.26 	201.061 and 201.071, the county auditor shall must enter or update the information contained 
152.27 	on it into the statewide registration system. Voter registration applications completed before 
152.28 	election day must be entered into the statewide registration system within ten days after 
152.29 	they have been submitted to the county auditor. Voter registration applications completed 
152.30 	on election day must be entered into the statewide registration system within 42 days after 
152.31 	the election, unless the county auditor notifies the secretary of state before the deadline has 
152.32 	expired that the deadline will not be met. Upon receipt of a notification under this paragraph, 
153.1 	the secretary of state must extend the deadline for that county auditor by an additional 28 
153.2 	days. The secretary of state may waive a county's obligations under this paragraph if, on 
153.3 	good cause shown, the county demonstrates its permanent inability to comply.
153.4 	The secretary of state must post data on each county's compliance with this paragraph on 
153.5 	the secretary of state's website including, as applicable, the date each county fully complied 
153.6 	or the deadline by which a county's compliance must be complete.
153.7 	(b) Upon receiving a completed voter registration application, the secretary of state may 
153.8 	electronically transmit the information on the application to the appropriate county auditor 
153.9 	as soon as possible for review by the county auditor before final entry into or update in the 
153.10 	statewide registration system. The secretary of state may mail the voter registration 
153.11 	application to the county auditor.
153.12 	(c) Within ten days after the county auditor has entered or updated information from a 
153.13 	voter registration application into in the statewide registration system, the secretary of state 
153.14 	shall must compare the voter's name, date of birth, and driver's license number, state 
153.15 	identification number, or the last four digits of the Social Security number with the same 
153.16 	information contained in the Department of Public Safety database.
153.17 	(d) The secretary of state shall must provide a report to the county auditor on a weekly 
153.18 	basis that includes a list of voters whose name, date of birth, or identification number have 
153.19 	been compared with the same information in the Department of Public Safety database and 
153.20 	cannot be verified as provided in this subdivision. The report must list separately those 
153.21 	voters who have submitted a voter registration application by mail and have not voted in a 
153.22 	federal election in this state.
153.23 	(e) The county auditor shall must compile a list of voters for whom the county auditor 
153.24 	and the secretary of state are unable to conclude that information on the voter registration 
153.25 	application and the corresponding information in the Department of Public Safety database 
153.26 	relate to the same person.
153.27 	(f) The county auditor shall must send a notice of incomplete registration to any voter 
153.28 	whose name appears on the list and change the voter's status to "challenged." A voter who 
153.29 	receives a notice of incomplete registration from the county auditor may either provide the 
153.30 	information required to clear the challenge at least 21 days before the next election or at 
153.31 	the polling place on election day.

154.1 	Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.121, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
154.2 		Subd. 3.Postelection sampling. (a) Within ten days after an election, the county auditor 
154.3 	shall must send the notice required by subdivision 2 to a random sampling of the individuals 
154.4 	who registered or updated voter registration information on election day. The random 
154.5 	sampling shall must be determined in accordance with the rules of the secretary of state. 
154.6 	As soon as practicable after the election, the county auditor shall must mail the notice 
154.7 	required by subdivision 2 to all other individuals who registered or updated voter registration 
154.8 	information on election day. If a notice is returned as not deliverable, the county auditor 
154.9 	shall must attempt to determine the reason for the return. A county auditor who does not 
154.10 	receive or obtain satisfactory proof of an individual's eligibility to vote shall must
154.11 	immediately notify the county attorney of all of the relevant information. By February 15 
154.12 	of each year, the county auditor must notify the secretary of state of the following information 
154.13 	for each election held in the previous year by each precinct:
154.14 	(1) the total number of all notices that were returned as nondeliverable;
154.15 	(2) the total number of nondeliverable notices that the county auditor was able to 
154.16 	determine the reason for the return along with the reason for each return; and
154.17 	(3) the total number of individuals for whom the county auditor does not receive or 
154.18 	obtain satisfactory proof of an individual's eligibility to vote.
154.19 	(b) By March 1 of every year, the secretary of state shall must report to the chair and 
154.20 	ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over elections the 
154.21 	following information for each election held in the previous year by each precinct and each 
154.22 	county:
154.23 	(1) the total number of all notices that were returned as nondeliverable;
154.24 	(2) the total number of nondeliverable notices that a county auditor was able to determine 
154.25 	the reason for the return along with the reason for each return; and
154.26 	(3) the total number of individuals for whom the county auditor does not receive or 
154.27 	obtain satisfactory proof of an individual's eligibility to vote.

154.28 	Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.13, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
154.29 		Subd. 3.Use of change of address system. (a) At least once each month the secretary 
154.30 	of state shall must obtain a list of individuals registered to vote in this state who have filed 
154.31 	with the United States Postal Service a change of their permanent address. The secretary 
154.32 	of state may also periodically obtain a list of individuals with driver's licenses or state 
155.1 	identification cards to identify those who are registered to vote who have applied to the 
155.2 	Department of Public Safety for a replacement driver's license or state identification card 
155.3 	with a different address, and a list of individuals for whom the Department of Public Safety 
155.4 	received notification of a driver's license or state identification card cancellation due to a 
155.5 	change of residency out of state. However, the secretary of state shall must not load data 
155.6 	derived from these lists into the statewide voter registration system within the 47 days before 
155.7 	the state primary or 47 days before a November general election.
155.8 	(b) If the address is changed to another address in this state, the secretary of state shall
155.9 	must locate the precinct in which the voter maintains residence, if possible. If the secretary 
155.10 	of state is able to locate the precinct in which the voter maintains residence, the secretary 
155.11 	must transmit the information about the changed address by electronic means to the county 
155.12 	auditor of the county in which the new address is located. For addresses for which the 
155.13 	secretary of state is unable to determine the precinct, the secretary may forward information 
155.14 	to the appropriate county auditors for individual review. If the voter has not voted or 
155.15 	submitted a voter registration application since the address change, upon receipt of the 
155.16 	information, the county auditor shall must update the voter's address in the statewide voter 
155.17 	registration system. The county auditor shall must mail to the voter a notice stating the 
155.18 	voter's name, address, precinct, and polling place, unless the voter's record is challenged 
155.19 	due to a felony conviction, noncitizenship, name change, incompetence, or a court's 
155.20 	revocation of voting rights of individuals under guardianship, in which case the auditor 
155.21 	must not mail the notice. The notice must advise the voter that the voter's voting address 
155.22 	has been changed updated and that the voter must notify the county auditor within 21 days 
155.23 	if the new address is not the voter's address of residence. The notice must state that it must 
155.24 	be returned if it is not deliverable to the voter at the named address.
155.25 	(c) If the change of permanent address is to an address outside this state, the secretary 
155.26 	of state shall must notify by electronic means the auditor of the county where the voter 
155.27 	formerly maintained residence that the voter has moved to another state. If the voter has 
155.28 	not voted or submitted a voter registration application since the address change, the county 
155.29 	auditor shall must promptly mail to the voter at the voter's new address a notice advising 
155.30 	the voter that the voter's status in the statewide voter registration system will be changed to 
155.31 	"inactive" unless the voter notifies the county auditor within 21 days that the voter is retaining 
155.32 	the former address as the voter's address of residence, except that if the voter's record is 
155.33 	challenged due to a felony conviction, noncitizenship, name change, incompetence, or a 
155.34 	court's revocation of voting rights of individuals under guardianship, the auditor must not 
156.1 	mail the notice. If the notice is not received by the deadline, the county auditor shall must
156.2 	change the voter's status to "inactive" in the statewide voter registration system.
156.3 	(d) If, in order to maintain voter registration records, the secretary of state enters an 
156.4 	agreement to share information or data with an organization governed exclusively by a 
156.5 	group of states, the secretary must first determine that the data security protocols are sufficient 
156.6 	to safeguard the information or data shared. If required by such an agreement, the secretary 
156.7 	of state may share the following data from the statewide voter registration system and data 
156.8 	released to the secretary of state under section 171.12, subdivision 7a:
156.9 	(1) name;
156.10 	(2) date of birth;
156.11 	(3) address;
156.12 	(4) driver's license or state identification card number;
156.13 	(5) the last four digits of an individual's Social Security number; and
156.14 	(6) the date that an individual's record was last updated.
156.15 	If the secretary of state enters into such an agreement, the secretary and county auditors 
156.16 	must process changes updates to voter records based upon that data in accordance with this 
156.17 	section. Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, when data is shared with the 
156.18 	secretary of state by another state, the secretary of state must maintain the same data 
156.19 	classification that the data had while it was in the possession of the state providing the data.

156.20 	Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.14, is amended to read:
156.21 	201.14 COURT ADMINISTRATOR OF DISTRICT COURT; REPORT CHANGES 
156.22 	OF NAMES.
156.23 	The state court administrator shall must regularly report by electronic means to the 
156.24 	secretary of state the name, address, and, if available, driver's license or state identification 
156.25 	card number of each individual, 18 years of age or over, whose name was changed since 
156.26 	the last report, by marriage, divorce, or any order or decree of the court. The secretary of 
156.27 	state shall must determine if any of the persons individuals in the report are registered to 
156.28 	vote under their previous name and shall must prepare a list of those registrants for each 
156.29 	county auditor. Upon receipt of the list, the county auditor shall make the change in must 
156.30 	update the voter's record with this information and mail to the voter the notice of registration 
156.31 	required by section 201.121, subdivision 2. A notice must not be mailed if the voter's record 
157.1 	is challenged due to a felony conviction, lack of United States citizenship, legal 
157.2 	incompetence, or court-ordered revocation of voting rights of persons under guardianship.

157.3 	Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.161, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
157.4 		Subd. 4.Department of Human Services. (a) If permitted by the federal government, 
157.5 	the commissioner of human services, in consultation with the secretary of state, must ensure 
157.6 	the applications described in subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), also serve as voter 
157.7 	registration applications for applicants 18 years of age or older whose United States 
157.8 	citizenship has been verified as part of the application. The commissioner must transmit 
157.9 	information required to register to vote, as prescribed by the secretary of state, daily by 
157.10 	electronic means to the secretary of state for an individual whose United States citizenship 
157.11 	has been verified. The commissioner must submit data to the secretary of state identifying 
157.12 	the total number of individuals who completed qualifying transactions under this section 
157.13 	and the total number of individuals whose records were ultimately transferred for registration
157.14 	or updates to registrations. At a minimum, the commissioner must submit the data to the 
157.15 	secretary of state on the same day each month.
157.16 	(b) No applicant may be registered to vote or have a registration updated under this 
157.17 	subdivision until (1) the commissioner of human services has certified that the department's 
157.18 	systems have been tested and can accurately provide the required data and accurately exclude 
157.19 	from transmission data on individuals who have not provided documentary evidence of 
157.20 	United States citizenship, and (2) the secretary of state has certified that the system for 
157.21 	automatic registration of those applicants has been tested and is capable of properly 
157.22 	determining whether an applicant is eligible to vote. The department's systems must be 
157.23 	tested and accurately provide the necessary data no later than September 30 of the year 
157.24 	following the year in which federal approval or permission is given, contingent on 
157.25 	appropriations being available for this purpose.

157.26 	Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.161, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
157.27 		Subd. 5.Other agencies and units of government. (a) The commissioner of management 
157.28 	and budget must, in consultation with the secretary of state, identify any other state agency 
157.29 	that is eligible to implement automatic voter registration. The commissioner must consider 
157.30 	a state agency eligible if the agency collects, processes, or stores the following information 
157.31 	as part of providing assistance or services: name, residential address, date of birth, and 
157.32 	citizenship verification. An eligible agency must submit a report to the governor and secretary 
157.33 	of state no later than December 1, 2024, describing steps needed to implement automatic 
158.1 	voter registration, barriers to implementation and ways to mitigate them, and applicable 
158.2 	federal and state privacy protections for the data under consideration. By June 1, 2025, the 
158.3 	governor, at the governor's sole discretion, must make final decisions, as to which agencies 
158.4 	will implement automatic voter registration by December 31, 2025, and which agencies 
158.5 	could implement automatic voter registration if provided with additional resources or if the 
158.6 	legislature changed the law to allow data to be used for automatic voter registration. The 
158.7 	governor must notify the commissioner of management and budget of the governor's 
158.8 	decisions related to automatic voter registration. By October 1, 2025, the commissioner of 
158.9 	management and budget must report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the 
158.10 	legislative committees with jurisdiction over election policy and finance. The report must 
158.11 	include:
158.12 	(1) the agencies that will implement automatic voter registration by December 31, 2025;
158.13 	(2) the agencies which could implement automatic voter registration if provided with 
158.14 	additional resources and recommendations on the necessary additional resources; and
158.15 	(3) the agencies that could implement automatic voter registration if the legislature 
158.16 	changed the law to allow data to be used for voter registration and recommendations on 
158.17 	how the law could be changed to allow the use of the data for this purpose.
158.18 	(b) An agency may not begin verifying citizenship as part of an agency transaction for 
158.19 	the sole purpose of providing automatic voter registration. Once an agency has implemented 
158.20 	automatic voter registration, it must continue to provide automatic voter registration unless 
158.21 	otherwise expressly required by law. For each individual whose United States citizenship 
158.22 	has been verified, the commissioner or agency head must transmit information required to 
158.23 	register to vote, as prescribed by the secretary of state, to the secretary of state by electronic 
158.24 	means. The governor must determine the frequency of the transmissions for each agency.
158.25 	(c) No applicant may be registered to vote or have a registration updated under this 
158.26 	subdivision until (1) the agency's commissioner or agency head has certified that the 
158.27 	necessary systems have been tested and can accurately provide the required data and 
158.28 	accurately exclude from transmission data on individuals whose United States citizenship 
158.29 	has not been verified, and (2) the secretary of state has certified that the system for automatic 
158.30 	registration of those applicants has been tested and is capable of properly determining 
158.31 	whether an applicant is eligible to vote.

159.1 	Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.161, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
159.2 		Subd. 8.Effective date of registration. Unless the applicant declines registration, the 
159.3 	effective date for the voter registration or update to a voter registration is the date that the 
159.4 	county auditor processes the application. This subdivision does not limit the ability of a 
159.5 	person to register to vote or update their registration on election day as provided in section 
159.6 	201.061, subdivision 3. Any person who submits a qualifying application under subdivision 
159.7 	1 that is dated during the 20 days before an election must be provided, at the time of 
159.8 	application, with a notice advising the applicant of the procedures to register to vote or 
159.9 	update a voter registration on election day.

159.10 	Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.162, is amended to read:
159.11 	201.162 DUTIES OF STATE AGENCIES.
159.12 	The commissioner or chief administrative officer of each state agency or 
159.13 	community-based public agency or nonprofit corporation that contracts with the state agency 
159.14 	to carry out obligations of the state agency shall must provide voter registration services 
159.15 	for employees and the public, including, as applicable, automatic voter registration or 
159.16 	information on voter eligibility and, registration procedures, and updating registrations as 
159.17 	required under section 201.161. A person An individual may complete a voter registration 
159.18 	application or apply to change update a voter registration name or address if the person
159.19 	individual has the proper qualifications on the date of application. Nonpartisan voter 
159.20 	registration assistance, including routinely asking members of the public served by the 
159.21 	agency whether they would like to register to vote or update a voter registration and, if 
159.22 	necessary, assisting them in preparing the registration forms must be part of the job of 
159.23 	appropriate agency employees.

159.24 	Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.225, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
159.25 		Subd. 2.Technology requirements. An electronic roster must:
159.26 	(1) be able to be loaded with a data file that includes voter registration data in a file 
159.27 	format prescribed by the secretary of state;
159.28 	(2) allow for data to be exported in a file format prescribed by the secretary of state;
159.29 	(3) allow for data to be entered manually or by scanning a Minnesota driver's license or 
159.30 	identification card to locate a voter record or populate a voter registration application that 
159.31 	would be printed and signed and dated by the voter. The printed registration application 
159.32 	can be a printed form, a label printed with voter information to be affixed to a preprinted 
160.1 	form, a combination of a form and label, or an electronic record that the voter signs 
160.2 	electronically and is printed following its completion at the polling place;
160.3 	(4) allow an election judge to update data that was populated from a scanned driver's 
160.4 	license or identification card;
160.5 	(5) cue an election judge to ask for and input data that is not populated from a scanned 
160.6 	driver's license or identification card that is otherwise required to be collected from the voter 
160.7 	or an election judge;
160.8 	(6) immediately alert the election judge if the voter has provided information that indicates 
160.9 	that the voter is not eligible to vote;
160.10 	(7) immediately alert the election judge if the electronic roster indicates that a voter has 
160.11 	already voted in that precinct, the voter's registration status is challenged, or it appears the 
160.12 	voter maintains residence in a different precinct;
160.13 	(8) provide immediate instructions on how to resolve a particular type of challenge when 
160.14 	a voter's record is challenged;
160.15 	(9) provide for a printed voter signature certificate, containing the voter's name, address 
160.16 	of residence, date of birth, voter identification number, the oath required by section 204C.10, 
160.17 	and a space for the voter's original signature. The printed voter signature certificate can be 
160.18 	a printed form, a label printed with the voter's information to be affixed to the oath, or an 
160.19 	electronic record that the voter signs electronically and is printed following its completion 
160.20 	at the polling place;
160.21 	(10) contain only preregisteredregistered voters within the precinct, and not contain 
160.22 	preregisteredregistered voter data on voters registered outside of the precinct, unless being 
160.23 	utilized for a combined polling place pursuant to section 204B.14, subdivision 2, absentee 
160.24 	or early voting under chapter 203B or for mail balloting on election day pursuant to section 
160.25 	204B.45, subdivision 2a;
160.26 	(11) be only networked within the polling location on election day, except for the purpose 
160.27 	of updating absentee ballot records;
160.28 	(12) meet minimum security, reliability, and networking standards established by the 
160.29 	Office of the Secretary of State in consultation with the Department of Information 
160.30 	Technology Services;
160.31 	(13) be capable of providing a voter's correct polling place; and
161.1 	(14) perform any other functions necessary for the efficient and secure administration 
161.2 	of the participating election, as determined by the secretary of state.
161.3 	Electronic rosters used only for election day registrationregistering voters and updating 
161.4 	voters' registration do not need to comply with clauses (1), (8), and (10). Electronic rosters 
161.5 	used only for preregistered voter processing voters who are registered and do not need to 
161.6 	update a registration do not need to comply with clauses (4) and (5).

161.7 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective on June 1, 2025.

161.8 	Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.225, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
161.9 		Subd. 5.Election day. (a) Precincts may use electronic rosters for registering voters 
161.10 	and updating registrations on election day registration, to process preregistered registered
161.11 	voters, or both. The printed election day registration applications must be reviewed when 
161.12 	electronic records are processed in the statewide voter registration system. The election 
161.13 	judges shall must determine the number of ballots to be counted by counting the number 
161.14 	of original voter signature certificates or the number of voter receipts.
161.15 	(b) Each precinct using electronic rosters shall must have a paper backup system approved 
161.16 	by the secretary of state present at the polling place to use in the event that the election 
161.17 	judges are unable to use the electronic roster.

161.18 	Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.275, is amended to read:
161.19 	201.275 INVESTIGATIONS; PROSECUTIONS.
161.20 	(a) A law enforcement agency that is notified by affidavit of an alleged violation of this 
161.21 	chapter shall must promptly investigate. Upon receiving an affidavit alleging a violation of 
161.22 	this chapter, a county attorney shall must promptly forward it to a law enforcement agency 
161.23 	with jurisdiction for investigation. If there is probable cause for instituting a prosecution, 
161.24 	the county attorney shall must proceed according to the generally applicable standards 
161.25 	regarding the prosecutorial functions and duties of a county attorney, provided that the 
161.26 	county attorney is not required to proceed with the prosecution if the complainant withdraws 
161.27 	the allegation. A county attorney who refuses or intentionally fails to faithfully perform this 
161.28 	or any other duty imposed by this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction 
161.29 	shall must forfeit office.
161.30 	(b) Willful violation of this chapter by any public employee constitutes just cause for 
161.31 	suspension without pay or dismissal of the public employee.
162.1 	(c) Where the matter relates to a voter registration application submitted electronically 
162.2 	through the secure website established in section 201.061, subdivision 1, alleged violations 
162.3 	of this chapter may be investigated and prosecuted in the county in which the individual 
162.4 	registered, updated a voter registration, or attempted to register.

162.5 	Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
162.6 		Subdivision 1.Application procedures. (a) Except as otherwise allowed by subdivision 
162.7 	2 or by section 203B.06, subdivision 3, paragraph (c), clause (4);203B.11, subdivision 4,;
162.8 	or 203B.29, an application for absentee ballots for any election:
162.9 	(1) may be submitted in person at any time not later than the day before the election; or
162.10 	(2) must be received by electronic facsimile device, by email, by mail, or by an individual 
162.11 	delivering an application on behalf of another voter at any time not less than one day five 
162.12 	days before the day of that election.
162.13 	The county auditor shall prepare absentee ballot application forms in the format provided 
162.14 	by the secretary of state and shall furnish them to any person on request. By January 1 of 
162.15 	each even-numbered year, the secretary of state shall make the forms to be used available 
162.16 	to auditors through electronic means. An application submitted pursuant to this subdivision 
162.17 	shall be in writing. An application may be submitted in person, by electronic facsimile 
162.18 	device, by electronic mail, or by mail to:
162.19 	(1) the county auditor of the county where the applicant maintains residence; or
162.20 	(2) the municipal clerk of the municipality, or school district if applicable, where the 
162.21 	applicant maintains residence.
162.22 	(b) An absentee ballot application may alternatively be submitted electronically through 
162.23 	a secure website that shall be maintained by the secretary of state for this purpose. After 
162.24 	5:00 p.m. seven days prior to a primary, general, or special election, the secretary of state 
162.25 	must replace the electronic application with information detailing the available options to 
162.26 	vote before and on the upcoming election day. Notwithstanding paragraph (d), the secretary 
162.27 	of state must require applicants using the website to submit the applicant's email address 
162.28 	and the applicant's:
162.29 	(1) verifiable Minnesota driver's license number, or Minnesota state identification card 
162.30 	number, or; and
162.31 	(2) the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number.
163.1 	If an applicant does not possess both types of documents, the applicant must include the 
163.2 	number for one type of document and must affirmatively certify that the applicant does not 
163.3 	possess the other type of documentation. This paragraph does not apply to a town election 
163.4 	held in March.
163.5 	(c) An application submitted electronically under this paragraph (b) may only be 
163.6 	transmitted to the county auditor for processing if the secretary of state has verified the 
163.7 	application information matches the information in a government database associated with 
163.8 	the applicant's driver's license number, state identification card number, or Social Security 
163.9 	number. The secretary of state must review all unverifiable applications for evidence of 
163.10 	suspicious activity and must forward any such application to an appropriate law enforcement 
163.11 	agency for investigation.
163.12 	(d) An application shall be approved if it is timely received, signed and dated by the 
163.13 	applicant, contains the applicant's name and residence and mailing addresses, date of birth, 
163.14 	and at least one of the following:
163.15 	(1) the applicant's Minnesota driver's license number;
163.16 	(2) Minnesota state identification card number;
163.17 	(3) the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number; or
163.18 	(4) a statement that the applicant does not have any of these numbers.
163.19 	The county auditor or the municipal clerk or school district clerk, if applicable, must retain 
163.20 	all applications. For an application received after the deadline in paragraph (a), the official 
163.21 	in charge of the ballot board must, within one day of receipt of the application, attempt to 
163.22 	contact the applicant by telephone or email to notify the applicant of opportunities to vote 
163.23 	in the election. The official must document the attempts made to contact the applicant.
163.24 	(e) To be approved, the application must contain an oath that the information contained 
163.25 	on the form is accurate, that the applicant is applying on the applicant's own behalf, and 
163.26 	that the applicant is signing the form under penalty of perjury.
163.27 	(f) An applicant's full date of birth, Minnesota driver's license or state identification 
163.28 	number, and the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number must not be made 
163.29 	available for public inspection. An application may be submitted to the county auditor or 
163.30 	municipal clerk by an electronic facsimile device. An application mailed or returned in 
163.31 	person to the county auditor or municipal clerk on behalf of a voter by a person other than 
163.32 	the voter must be deposited in the mail or returned in person to the county auditor or 
164.1 	municipal clerk within ten seven days after it has been dated by the voter and the application 
164.2 	must be received no later than six days before the election the deadline in paragraph (a).
164.3 	(g) An application under this subdivision may must contain an application under 
164.4 	subdivision 5 a space to apply to automatically receive an absentee ballot under subdivision 
164.5 	5.
164.6 	(h) For purposes of this section, "mail" means an absentee ballot application delivered 
164.7 	to the secretary of state, county auditor, or municipal clerk by the United States Postal 
164.8 	Service or a commercial carrier.

164.9 	EFFECTIVE DATE. Paragraph (g) is effective on January 1, 2026, as it applies to the 
164.10 	secretary of state's online absentee ballot website. Paragraph (g) is effective July 1, 2025, 
164.11 	as it applies to all other absentee ballot applications. The remainder of this section is effective 
164.12 	July 1, 2025.

164.13 	Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.04, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
164.14 		Subd. 4.Registration at time of application; updating registration. An eligible voter 
164.15 	who is not registered to vote or needs to update the voter's registration but who is otherwise 
164.16 	eligible to vote by absentee ballot may register or update a registration by including a 
164.17 	completed voter registration application with the absentee ballot. The individual shall must
164.18 	present proof of residence as required by section 201.061, subdivision 3, to the individual 
164.19 	who witnesses the marking of the absentee ballots. A military voter, as defined in section 
164.20 	203B.01, may register in this manner if voting pursuant to sections 203B.04 to 203B.15, or 
164.21 	may register pursuant to sections 203B.16 to 203B.27.

164.22 	Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
164.23 		Subdivision 1.Generally. The full-time clerk of any city or town shall administer the 
164.24 	provisions of sections 203B.04 to 203B.15 and 203B.30 if:
164.25 	(1) the county auditor of that county has designated the clerk to administer them; or
164.26 	(2) the clerk has given the county auditor of that county notice of intention to administer 
164.27 	them.
164.28 	The designation or notice must specify whether the clerk will be responsible for the 
164.29 	administration of a ballot board as provided in section 203B.121 and whether the 
164.30 	municipality's office will be designated an absentee voting location pursuant to section 
164.31 	203B.081, subdivision 1, or only for early voting pursuant to section 203B.081, subdivision 
164.32 	1a, or the alternative procedure pursuant to section 203B.081, subdivision 3.
165.1 	A clerk of a city that is located in more than one county may only administer the 
165.2 	provisions of sections 203B.04 to 203B.15 and 203B.30 if the clerk has been designated 
165.3 	by each of the county auditors or has provided notice to each of the county auditors that the 
165.4 	city will administer absentee voting. A clerk may only administer the provisions of sections 
165.5 	203B.04 to 203B.15 and 203B.30 if the clerk has technical capacity to access the statewide 
165.6 	voter registration system in the secure manner prescribed by the secretary of state. The 
165.7 	secretary of state must identify hardware, software, security, or other technical prerequisites 
165.8 	necessary to ensure the security, access controls, and performance of the statewide voter 
165.9 	registration system. A clerk must receive training approved by the secretary of state on the 
165.10 	use of the statewide voter registration system before administering this section. A clerk may 
165.11 	not use the statewide voter registration system until the clerk has received the required 
165.12 	training. The county auditor must notify the secretary of state of any municipal clerk who 
165.13 	will be administering the provisions of this section and the duties that the clerk will 
165.14 	administer.

165.15 	Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.06, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
165.16 		Subd. 4.Registration check. Upon receipt of an application for ballots, the county 
165.17 	auditor, municipal clerk, or election judge acting pursuant to section 203B.11, who receives 
165.18 	the application shall must determine whether the applicant is a registered voter. If the 
165.19 	applicant is not registered to vote or needs to update the voter's registration, the county 
165.20 	auditor, municipal clerk, or election judge shall must include a voter registration application 
165.21 	among the election materials provided to the applicant.

165.22 	Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.07, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
165.23 		Subdivision 1.Delivery of envelopes, directions. The county auditor or the municipal 
165.24 	clerk shall must prepare, print, and transmit a return envelope, a signature envelope, a ballot 
165.25 	envelope, and a copy of the directions for casting an absentee ballot to each applicant whose 
165.26 	application for absentee ballots is accepted pursuant to section 203B.04. The county auditor 
165.27 	or municipal clerk shall must provide first class postage for the return envelope. The 
165.28 	directions for casting an absentee ballot shall must be printed in at least 14-point bold type 
165.29 	with heavy leading and may be printed on the ballot envelope. When a person requests the 
165.30 	directions in Braille or on audio file, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall must provide 
165.31 	them in the form requested. The secretary of state shall must prepare Braille and audio file 
165.32 	copies and make them available.
166.1 	When a voter registration application is sent to the applicant as provided in section 
166.2 	203B.06, subdivision 4, the directions or registration application shall must include 
166.3 	instructions for registering to vote or updating a voter's registration.

166.4 	Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.07, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
166.5 		Subd. 3.Eligibility certificate. A certificate of eligibility to vote by absentee ballot 
166.6 	shall must be printed on the back of the signature envelope. The certificate shall must contain 
166.7 	space for the voter's Minnesota driver's license number, state identification number, or the 
166.8 	last four digits of the voter's Social Security number, or to indicate that the voter does not 
166.9 	have one of these numbers. The space must be designed to ensure that the voter provides 
166.10 	the same type of identification as provided on the voter's absentee ballot application for 
166.11 	purposes of comparison. The certificate must also contain a statement to be signed and 
166.12 	sworn by the voter indicating that the voter meets all of the requirements established by law 
166.13 	for voting by absentee ballot and space for a statement signed by a person who is at least 
166.14 	18 years of age on or before the day of the election and a citizen of the United States or by 
166.15 	a notary public or other individual authorized to administer oaths stating that:
166.16 	(1) the ballots were displayed to that individual unmarked;
166.17 	(2) the voter marked the ballots in that individual's presence without showing how they 
166.18 	were marked, or, if the voter was physically unable to mark them, that the voter directed 
166.19 	another individual to mark them; and
166.20 	(3) if the voter was not previously registered or needed to update the voter's registration, 
166.21 	the voter has provided proof of residence as required by section 201.061, subdivision 3.

166.22 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective June 1, 2026.

166.23 	Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.08, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
166.24 		Subdivision 1.Marking and return by voter. (a) An eligible voter who receives absentee 
166.25 	ballots as provided in this chapter shall mark them in the manner specified in the directions 
166.26 	for casting the absentee ballots. The return signature envelope containing marked ballots 
166.27 	may be mailed as provided in the directions for casting the absentee ballots, may be left 
166.28 	with the county auditor or municipal clerk who transmitted the absentee ballots to the voter, 
166.29 	or may be left in a drop box as provided in section 203B.082. If delivered in person, the 
166.30 	return signature envelope must be submitted to the county auditor or municipal clerk by 
166.31 	8:003:00 p.m. on election day.
167.1 	(b) After 3:00 p.m. on election day, the county auditor and municipal clerk must post a 
167.2 	notice at each location where absentee ballots may be returned in person. The notice must 
167.3 	include the following information on how a voter may vote on election day:
167.4 	(1) when the polls close for that election;
167.5 	(2) how to access the secretary of state's online polling place finder; and
167.6 	(3) where, at the location, the voter may access either the online polling place finder or 
167.7 	a physical copy of a list of polling places.
167.8 	The county auditor and municipal clerk must make available a means for the voter to access 
167.9 	the online polling place finder or a physical copy of a list of the polling places in that county 
167.10 	or municipality. The notice must be in large print and in a conspicuous location. The notice 
167.11 	must be in all languages required under section 204B.295 for that precinct. The secretary 
167.12 	of state shall prepare a sample of this notice.
167.13 	(b) (c) The voter may designate an agent to deliver in person the sealed absentee ballot 
167.14 	return signature envelope to the county auditor or municipal clerk or to deposit the return
167.15 	signature envelope in the mail. An agent may deliver or mail the return signature envelopes 
167.16 	of not more than three voters in any election. Any person designated as an agent who tampers 
167.17 	with either the return signature envelope or the voted ballots or does not immediately mail 
167.18 	or deliver the return signature envelope to the county auditor or municipal clerk is guilty 
167.19 	of a misdemeanor.

167.20 	Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.08, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
167.21 		Subd. 3.Procedures on receipt of ballots. When absentee ballots are returned to a 
167.22 	county auditor or municipal clerk, that official shall stamp or initial and date the return
167.23 	signature envelope and place it in a locked ballot container or other secured and locked 
167.24 	space with other return signature envelopes received by that office. Within five days after 
167.25 	receipt, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall deliver to the ballot board all ballots
167.26 	signature envelopes received, except that during the 14 days immediately preceding an 
167.27 	election, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall deliver all ballots signature envelopes
167.28 	received to the ballot board within three days. Ballots Signature envelopes received on 
167.29 	election day after 8:00 p.m. shall be marked as received late by the county auditor or 
167.30 	municipal clerk, and must not be delivered to the ballot board.

168.1 	Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.081, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
168.2 		Subd. 4.Temporary locations. (a) A county auditor or municipal clerk authorized under 
168.3 	section 203B.05 to administer voting before election day may designate additional polling 
168.4 	places with days and hours that differ from those required by section 203B.085. A designation 
168.5 	authorized by this subdivision must be made at least 47 days before the election. As soon 
168.6 	as practicable and no later than five business days after designating an additional polling 
168.7 	place under this subdivision, the county auditor or municipal clerk must post on the county's 
168.8 	or municipality's website the address of the polling place and the dates and times the polling 
168.9 	place will be available for voting. The county auditor or municipal clerk must provide notice 
168.10 	to the secretary of state at the time that the designations are made. As soon as practicable 
168.11 	and no later than five business days after receiving the notice, the secretary of state must 
168.12 	post on the secretary of state's website the address of the polling place and the dates and 
168.13 	times the polling place will be available for voting.
168.14 	(b) At the request of a federally recognized Indian Tribe with a reservation or 
168.15 	off-reservation Tribal lands in the county, the county auditor must establish an additional 
168.16 	polling place for at least one day on the Indian reservation or off-reservation Tribal lands 
168.17 	on a site agreed upon by the Tribe and the county auditor that is accessible to the county 
168.18 	auditor by a public road.
168.19 	(c) At the request of a postsecondary institution or the student government organization 
168.20 	of a postsecondary institution in the county or municipality, the county auditor or a municipal 
168.21 	clerk authorized to administer absentee voting under section 203B.05 must establish an 
168.22 	additional temporary polling place for the state general election or the odd-year city general 
168.23 	election for at least one day at a location agreed upon by the institution and the county 
168.24 	auditor or municipal clerk that:
168.25 	(1) is accessible to the public;
168.26 	(2) satisfies the requirements of state and federal law; and
168.27 	(3) is on the institution's campus or is within one-half mile of the institution's campus 
168.28 	and is reasonably accessible to the institution's students.
168.29 	A request must be made no later than May 31 before an election and the request is valid 
168.30 	only for that election. This paragraph only applies to a postsecondary institution that provides 
168.31 	on-campus student housing to 100 or more students. Nothing in this paragraph prevents the 
168.32 	county auditor or municipal clerk from engaging in a dialogue with the entity that made the 
168.33 	request regarding potential alternative locations for a temporary polling place that does not 
169.1 	meet the requirements of clause (3). An entity that made a request for a temporary polling 
169.2 	place may withdraw its request by notifying the county auditor or municipal clerk.

169.3 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective September 1, 2025.

169.4 	Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.11, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
169.5 		Subdivision 1.Generally. (a) Each full-time municipal clerk or school district clerk 
169.6 	who has authority under section 203B.05 to administer absentee voting laws must designate 
169.7 	election judges to deliver absentee ballots in accordance with this section. The county auditor 
169.8 	must also designate election judges to perform the duties in this section. A ballot may be 
169.9 	delivered only to an eligible voter who is a temporary or permanent resident or patient in 
169.10 	one of the following facilities located in the municipality in which the voter maintains 
169.11 	residence: a health care facility, hospital, or veterans home operated by the board of directors 
169.12 	of the Minnesota veterans homes under chapter 198. The ballots must be delivered by two 
169.13 	election judges, each of whom is affiliated with a different major political party. When the 
169.14 	election judges deliver or return ballots as provided in this section, they must travel together 
169.15 	in the same vehicle. Both election judges must be present when an applicant completes the 
169.16 	certificate of eligibility and marks the absentee ballots, and may assist an applicant as 
169.17 	provided in section 204C.15. The election judges must deposit the return envelopes containing 
169.18 	the marked absentee ballots in a sealed container and return them to the clerk on the same 
169.19 	day that they are delivered and marked.
169.20 	(b) If a health care professional at the facility or hospital determines it is necessary to 
169.21 	ensure the health and safety of election judges, the voter, or others at the facility or hospital, 
169.22 	two employees of the facility or hospital may receive a ballot from the election judges and 
169.23 	deliver the ballot to an individual voter in place of election judges, notwithstanding other 
169.24 	requirements of this section. The employees must not in any manner request, persuade, 
169.25 	induce, or attempt to persuade or induce the voter to vote for any particular political party 
169.26 	or candidate. Both employees must be present when an applicant completes the certificate 
169.27 	of eligibility and marks the absentee ballots, and may assist an applicant as provided in 
169.28 	section 204C.15. The employees must return the ballot to the election judges immediately 
169.29 	after the voter has finished voting.
169.30 	(b) (c) At the discretion of a full-time municipal clerk, school district clerk, or county 
169.31 	auditor, absentee ballots may be delivered in the same manner as prescribed in paragraph 
169.32 	(a) to a shelter for battered women as defined in section 611A.37, subdivision 4, or to an 
169.33 	assisted living facility licensed under chapter 144G.

169.34 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective September 1, 2025.

170.1 	Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.121, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
170.2 		Subd. 2.Duties of ballot board; absentee ballots. (a) The members of the ballot board 
170.3 	shall take possession of all signature envelopes delivered to them in accordance with section 
170.4 	203B.08. Upon receipt from the county auditor, municipal clerk, or school district clerk, 
170.5 	two or more members of the ballot board shall examine each signature envelope and shall 
170.6 	mark it accepted or rejected in the manner provided in this subdivision. Election judges 
170.7 	performing the duties in this section must be of different major political parties, unless they 
170.8 	are exempt from that requirement under section 204B.21, subdivision 2a; section 205.07, 
170.9 	subdivision 4; section 205.075, subdivision 4,; or section 205A.10, subdivision 2.
170.10 	(b) The members of the ballot board shall mark the signature envelope "Accepted" and 
170.11 	initial or sign the signature envelope below the word "Accepted" if a majority of the members 
170.12 	of the ballot board examining the envelope are satisfied that:
170.13 	(1) the voter's name and address on the signature envelope are the same as the information 
170.14 	provided on the absentee ballot application or voter record;
170.15 	(2) the voter signed the certification on the envelope;
170.16 	(3) the voter's Minnesota driver's license, state identification number, or the last four 
170.17 	digits of the voter's Social Security number are the same as a number on the voter's absentee 
170.18 	ballot application or voter record. If the number does not match, the election judges must 
170.19 	compare the signature provided by the applicant to determine whether the ballots were 
170.20 	returned by the same person to whom they were transmitted;
170.21 	(4) the voter is registered and eligible to vote in the precinct or has included a properly 
170.22 	completed voter registration application in the signature envelope;
170.23 	(5) the certificate has been completed as prescribed in the directions for casting an 
170.24 	absentee ballot; and
170.25 	(6) the voter has not already voted at that election, either in person or, if it is after the 
170.26 	close of business on the 19th day before the election, as provided by section 203B.081.
170.27 	The signature envelope from accepted ballots must be preserved and returned to the 
170.28 	county auditor.
170.29 	(c)(1) If a majority of the members of the ballot board examining a signature envelope 
170.30 	find that an absentee voter has failed to meet one of the requirements provided in paragraph 
170.31 	(b), they shall mark the signature envelope "Rejected," initial or sign it below the word 
170.32 	"Rejected," list the reason for the rejection on the envelope, and return it to the county 
170.33 	auditor. There is no other reason for rejecting an absentee ballot beyond those permitted by 
171.1 	this section. Failure to place the ballot within the ballot envelope before placing it in the 
171.2 	outer white envelope is not a reason to reject an absentee ballot.
171.3 	(2) If an envelope has been rejected at least five days before the election, the envelope 
171.4 	must remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board shall provide the voter with 
171.5 	a replacement absentee ballot and signature envelope in place of the rejected ballot.
171.6 	(3) If an envelope is rejected within five days of the election, the envelope must remain 
171.7 	sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board must attempt to contact the voter to 
171.8 	notify the voter that the voter's ballot has been rejected by the method or methods of 
171.9 	communication provided by the voter on the voter's application for an absentee ballot or 
171.10 	voter registration. The official must document the attempts made to contact the voter.
171.11 	(d) The official in charge of the absentee ballot board must mail the voter a written notice 
171.12 	of absentee ballot rejection between six and ten weeks following the election. If the official 
171.13 	determines that the voter has otherwise cast a ballot in the election, no notice is required. 
171.14 	If an absentee ballot arrives after the deadline for submission provided by this chapter, the 
171.15 	notice must be provided between six to ten weeks after receipt of the ballot. A notice of 
171.16 	absentee ballot rejection must contain the following information:
171.17 	(1) the date on which the absentee ballot was rejected or, if the ballot was received after 
171.18 	the required deadline for submission, the date on which the ballot was received;
171.19 	(2) the reason for rejection; and
171.20 	(3) the name of the appropriate election official to whom the voter may direct further 
171.21 	questions, along with appropriate contact information.
171.22 	(e) An absentee ballot signature envelope marked "Rejected" may not be opened or 
171.23 	subject to further review except in an election contest filed pursuant to chapter 209.

171.24 	Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.121, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
171.25 		Subd. 4.Opening of envelopes. (a) After the close of business on the 19th day before 
171.26 	the election, the ballots from secrecy ballot envelopes within the signature envelopes marked 
171.27 	"Accepted" may be opened, duplicated as needed in the manner provided in section 206.86, 
171.28 	subdivision 5, initialed by the members of the ballot board, and deposited in the appropriate 
171.29 	ballot box. If more than one voted ballot is enclosed in the ballot envelope, the ballots must 
171.30 	be returned in the manner provided by section 204C.25 for return of spoiled ballots, and 
171.31 	may not be counted.
172.1 	(b) Accepted signature envelopes must be segregated by precinct and processed in 
172.2 	accordance with this subdivision on a precinct-by-precinct basis. Precincts within a combined 
172.3 	polling place established in section 205A.11, subdivision 2, may be processed together. At 
172.4 	each step, members of the ballot board must notify the official responsible for the ballot 
172.5 	board if there is a discrepancy in any count required by paragraphs (c) to (e) and note it in 
172.6 	the ballot board incident log.
172.7 	(c) Before opening accepted signature envelopes, two members of the ballot board must 
172.8 	count and record the number of envelopes and ensure that the count matches either the 
172.9 	number of accepted signature envelopes provided by the official responsible for the ballot 
172.10 	board or the number of signature envelopes accepted by the ballot board that day.
172.11 	(d) Two members of the ballot board must remove the ballots from the ballot envelopes. 
172.12 	The governing body responsible for the ballot board must retain all ballot envelopes through 
172.13 	the contest period of that election.
172.14 	(e) After ballots have been removed from the ballot envelopes, two members of the 
172.15 	ballot board must count and record the number of ballots to ensure the count matches the 
172.16 	number of accepted signature envelopes, accounting for any empty envelopes or spoiled 
172.17 	ballots, which must be noted on the ballot board incident log.

172.18 	Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.121, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
172.19 		Subd. 5.Storage and counting of absentee ballots. (a) On a day on which absentee 
172.20 	ballots are inserted into a ballot box, two members of the ballot board must:
172.21 	(1) remove the ballots from the ballot box at the end of the day;
172.22 	(2) without inspecting the ballots, ensure that the number of ballots removed from the 
172.23 	ballot box is equal to the number of voters whose absentee ballots were accepted from the 
172.24 	tally in subdivision 4 that were to be inserted into the ballot box that day; and
172.25 	(3) seal and secure all voted and unvoted ballots present in that location at the end of 
172.26 	the day.
172.27 	(b) After the polls have closed on election day, two members of the ballot board must 
172.28 	count the ballots, tabulating the vote in a manner that indicates each vote of the voter and 
172.29 	the total votes cast for each candidate or question. In state primary and state general elections, 
172.30 	the results must indicate the total votes cast for each candidate or question in each precinct 
172.31 	and report the vote totals tabulated for each precinct. The count must be recorded on a 
172.32 	summary statement in substantially the same format as provided in section 204C.26. The 
172.33 	ballot board shall must submit at least one completed summary statement to the county 
173.1 	auditor or municipal clerk. The county auditor or municipal clerk may require the ballot 
173.2 	board to submit a sufficient number of completed summary statements to comply with the 
173.3 	provisions of section 204C.27, or the county auditor or municipal clerk may certify reports 
173.4 	containing the details of the ballot board summary statement to the recipients of the summary 
173.5 	statements designated in section 204C.27.
173.6 	In state primary and state general elections, These vote totals shall must be added to the 
173.7 	vote totals on the summary statements of the returns for the appropriate precinct. In other 
173.8 	elections, these vote totals may be added to the vote totals on the summary statement of 
173.9 	returns for the appropriate precinct or may be reported as a separate total.
173.10 	The count shall must be public. No vote totals from ballots may be made public before 
173.11 	the close of voting on election day.
173.12 	(c) In addition to the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b), if the task has not been 
173.13 	completed previously, the members of the ballot board must verify as soon as possible, but 
173.14 	no later than 24 hours after the end of the hours for voting, that voters whose absentee ballots 
173.15 	arrived after the rosters were marked or supplemental reports were generated and whose 
173.16 	ballots were accepted did not vote in person on election day. An absentee ballot submitted 
173.17 	by a voter who has voted in person on election day must be rejected. All other accepted 
173.18 	absentee ballots must be opened in accordance with the procedures outlined in subdivision 
173.19 	4, except for the absentee ballots cast using the alternative procedure in section 203B.081, 
173.20 	subdivision 3, duplicated if necessary, and counted by members of the ballot board. The 
173.21 	vote totals from these ballots must be incorporated into the totals with the other absentee 
173.22 	ballots and handled according to paragraph (b).

173.23 	Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.17, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
173.24 		Subd. 3.Website security. (a) The secretary of state shall maintain a log of each Internet 
173.25 	Protocol address used to submit an absentee ballot application electronically under this 
173.26 	section, and must monitor the log, volume of website use, and other appropriate indicators 
173.27 	for suspicious activity. Evidence of suspicious activity that cannot be resolved by the 
173.28 	secretary of state must be forwarded to an appropriate law enforcement agency for 
173.29 	investigation.
173.30 	(b) The electronic absentee ballot application system must be secure. The website shall 
173.31 	maintain the confidentiality of all users and preserve the integrity of the data submitted. 
173.32 	The secretary of state shall employ security measures to ensure the accuracy and integrity 
173.33 	of absentee ballot applications submitted electronically pursuant to this section. All data 
173.34 	sent and received through the website must be encrypted.
174.1 	(c) The secretary of state must provide ongoing testing and monitoring to ensure continued 
174.2 	security. The secretary of state must work with the chief information officer as defined in 
174.3 	section 16E.01, subdivision 1, or another security expert to annually assess the security of 
174.4 	the system. The security assessment must include a certification signed by the secretary of 
174.5 	state that states that adequate security measures are in place. The certification must also be 
174.6 	signed by the chief information officer or another security expert affirming that the 
174.7 	assessment is accurate. The secretary of state must submit the security assessment to the 
174.8 	legislative auditor and to the chairs and ranking minority members of the committees in the 
174.9 	senate and house of representatives with primary jurisdiction over elections by January 1 
174.10 	of each year, except that the first annual security assessment must be submitted by September 
174.11 	30, 2014, and no report is required for January 1, 2015.
174.12 	(d) In developing the electronic absentee ballot application system, the secretary of state 
174.13 	must consult with the chief information officer or the chief's designee to ensure the site is 
174.14 	secure.

174.15 	Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.23, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
174.16 		Subd. 2.Duties. (a) The absentee ballot board must examine all returned absentee ballot 
174.17 	envelopes for ballots issued under sections 203B.16 to 203B.27 and accept or reject the 
174.18 	absentee ballots in the manner provided in section 203B.24. If the certificate of voter 
174.19 	eligibility is not printed on the signature envelope, the certificate must be attached to the 
174.20 	ballot envelope.
174.21 	(b) The absentee ballot board must immediately examine the signature envelopes or 
174.22 	certificates of voter eligibility that are attached to the ballot envelopes and mark them 
174.23 	"accepted" or "rejected" during the 45 days before the election. If an envelope has been 
174.24 	rejected at least five days before the election, the ballots in the envelope must be considered 
174.25 	spoiled ballots and the official in charge of the absentee ballot board must provide the voter 
174.26 	with a replacement absentee ballot and envelopes in place of the spoiled ballot.
174.27 	(c) If a county has delegated the responsibility for administering absentee balloting to 
174.28 	a municipality under section 203B.05, accepted absentee ballots must be delivered to the 
174.29 	appropriate municipality's absentee ballot board, except as otherwise provided in this 
174.30 	paragraph. If a municipality and county agree that the county's ballot board retains 
174.31 	responsibility for ballots issued pursuant to sections 203B.16 to 203B.27, absentee ballots 
174.32 	issued pursuant to these sections that are accepted must be opened, counted, and retained 
174.33 	by the county's absentee ballot board. The absentee ballot board with the authority to open 
175.1 	and count the ballots must do so in accordance with section 203B.121, subdivisions 4 and 
175.2 	5.

175.3 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

175.4 	Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.29, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
175.5 		Subdivision 1.Emergency response providers. Any eligible Minnesota voter who is 
175.6 	a trained or certified emergency response provider or utility worker who is deployed in 
175.7 	response to any state of emergency declared by the President of the United States or any 
175.8 	governor of any state within the United States during the time period authorized by law for 
175.9 	absentee voting or on election day may request that ballots, instructions, and a certificate 
175.10 	of voter eligibility be transmitted to the voter electronically. Upon receipt of a properly 
175.11 	completed application requesting electronic transmission, the county auditor must 
175.12 	electronically transmit the requested materials to the voter. The absentee ballot application 
175.13 	deadlines in section 203B.04, subdivision 1, do not apply to this subdivision. The county 
175.14 	auditor is not required to provide return postage to voters to whom ballots are transmitted 
175.15 	electronically.

175.16 	Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.29, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
175.17 		Subd. 2.Reasonable accommodation for voter with disability. Any eligible Minnesota 
175.18 	voter with a print disability, including any voter with disabilities that interfere with the 
175.19 	effective reading, writing, or use of printed materials, may request that ballots, instructions, 
175.20 	and a certificate of voter eligibility be transmitted to the voter electronically in an accessible 
175.21 	format that meets Election Assistance Commission minimum accessibility requirements. 
175.22 	Upon receipt of a properly completed application requesting electronic transmission, the 
175.23 	county auditor shall electronically transmit the requested materials to the voter. The absentee 
175.24 	ballot application deadlines in section 203B.04, subdivision 1, do not apply to this 
175.25 	subdivision. The county auditor must also mail the voter materials required under section 
175.26 	203B.07.

175.27 	Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.30, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
175.28 		Subd. 2.Voting procedure. (a) When a voter appears in an early voting polling place, 
175.29 	the voter must state the voter's name, address, and, if requested, the voter's date of birth to 
175.30 	the early voting official. The early voting official must confirm that the voter's registration 
175.31 	is current in the statewide voter registration system and that the voter has not already cast 
175.32 	a ballot in the election. If the voter's status is challenged, the voter may resolve the challenge 
176.1 	as provided in section 204C.12. An individual who is not registered to vote or must register 
176.2 	and a voter whose name or address has changed must register update the voter's registration
176.3 	in the manner provided in section 201.061, subdivision 3. A voter who has already cast a 
176.4 	ballot in the election must not be provided with a ballot.
176.5 	(b) Each voter must sign the certification provided in section 204C.10. The signature of 
176.6 	an individual on the voter's certificate and the issuance of a ballot to the individual is evidence 
176.7 	of the intent of the individual to vote at that election. After the voter signs the certification, 
176.8 	two early voting officials must initial the ballot and issue it to the voter. The voter must 
176.9 	immediately retire to a voting station or other designated location in the polling place to 
176.10 	mark the ballot. The voter must not take a ballot from the polling place. If the voter spoils 
176.11 	the ballot, the voter may return it to the early voting official in exchange for a new ballot. 
176.12 	After completing the ballot, the voter must deposit the ballot into the ballot counter and 
176.13 	ballot box. The early voting official must immediately record that the voter has voted in the 
176.14 	manner provided in section 203B.121, subdivision 3.

176.15 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective upon the revisor of statutes' receipt of 
176.16 	the early voting certification and applies to elections held on or after the 85th day after the 
176.17 	revisor of statutes receives the certification.

176.18 	Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.30, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
176.19 		Subd. 3.Processing of ballots. Each day when early voting occurs, the early voting 
176.20 	officials must:
176.21 	(1) remove and secure ballots cast during the early voting period following the procedures 
176.22 	in section 203B.121, subdivision 5, paragraph (a)., noting the date, voting location, and 
176.23 	number of ballots cast;
176.24 	(2) without inspecting the ballots, ensure that the number of ballots removed from the 
176.25 	ballot box is equal to the number of voter certificates that were signed by voters in subdivision 
176.26 	2, paragraph (b); and
176.27 	(3) seal and secure all voted and unvoted ballots present in that location at the end of 
176.28 	the day.
176.29 	The absentee ballot board must count the ballots after the polls have closed on election 
176.30 	day following the procedures in section 203B.121, subdivision 5, paragraph (b).

176.31 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective upon the revisor of statutes' receipt of 
176.32 	the early voting certification and applies to elections held on or after the 85th day after the 
176.33 	revisor of statutes receives the certification.

177.1 	Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.06, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
177.2 		Subdivision 1.Form of affidavit. (a) An affidavit of candidacy shall state the name of 
177.3 	the office sought and, except as provided in subdivision 4, shall state that the candidate:
177.4 	(1) is an eligible voter;
177.5 	(2) has no other affidavit on file as a candidate for any office at the same primary or 
177.6 	next ensuing general election, except as authorized by subdivision 9; and
177.7 	(3) is, or will be on assuming the office, 21 years of age or more, and will have maintained 
177.8 	residence in the district from which the candidate seeks election for 30 days before the 
177.9 	general election.
177.10 	(b) An affidavit of candidacy must include a statement that the candidate's name as 
177.11 	written on the affidavit for ballot designation is the candidate's true name or the name by 
177.12 	which the candidate is commonly and generally known in the community. and:
177.13 	(1) the phonetic spelling or an explanation for the pronunciation of the full name 
177.14 	designated for the ballot; or
177.15 	(2) a certification that the candidate is directing the official responsible for programming 
177.16 	materials for the election to use the applicable technology's default pronunciation of the 
177.17 	candidate's name.
177.18 	(c) An affidavit of candidacy for partisan office shall also state the name of the candidate's 
177.19 	political party or political principle, stated in three words or less.

177.20 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2026.

177.21 	Sec. 45. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.06, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:
177.22 		Subd. 1b.Address, electronic mail address, and telephone number. (a) An affidavit 
177.23 	of candidacy must state a telephone number where the candidate can be contacted. An 
177.24 	affidavit must also state the candidate's or campaign's nongovernment issued electronic 
177.25 	mail address or an attestation that the candidate and the candidate's campaign do not possess 
177.26 	an electronic mail address. Except for affidavits of candidacy for (1) judicial office, (2) the 
177.27 	office of county attorney, or (3) county sheriff, an affidavit must also state the candidate's 
177.28 	current address of residence as determined under section 200.031, or at the candidate's 
177.29 	request in accordance with paragraph (c), the candidate's campaign contact address. When 
177.30 	filing the affidavit, the candidate must present the filing officer with the candidate's valid 
177.31 	driver's license or state identification card that contains the candidate's current address of 
177.32 	residence, or documentation of proof of residence authorized for election day registration 
178.1 	in section 201.061, subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (2); clause (3), item (ii); or paragraph 
178.2 	(d). If an original bill is shown, the due date on the bill must be within 30 days before or 
178.3 	after the beginning of the filing period or, for bills without a due date, dated within 30 days 
178.4 	before the beginning of the filing period. If the address on the affidavit and the documentation 
178.5 	do not match, the filing officer must not accept the affidavit. The form for the affidavit of 
178.6 	candidacy must allow the candidate to request, if eligible, that the candidate's address of 
178.7 	residence be classified as private data, and to provide the certification required under 
178.8 	paragraph (c) for classification of that address.
178.9 	(b) If an affidavit for an office where a residency requirement must be satisfied by the 
178.10 	close of the filing period is filed as provided by paragraph (c), the filing officer must, within 
178.11 	one business day of receiving the filing, determine whether the address provided in the 
178.12 	affidavit of candidacy is within the area represented by the office the candidate is seeking. 
178.13 	For all other candidates who filed for an office whose residency requirement must be satisfied 
178.14 	by the close of the filing period, a registered voter in this state may request in writing that 
178.15 	the filing officer receiving the affidavit of candidacy review the address as provided in this 
178.16 	paragraph, at any time up to one day after the last day for filing for office. If requested, the 
178.17 	filing officer must determine whether the address provided in the affidavit of candidacy is 
178.18 	within the area represented by the office the candidate is seeking. If the filing officer 
178.19 	determines that the address is not within the area represented by the office, the filing officer 
178.20 	must immediately notify the candidate and the candidate's name must be removed from the 
178.21 	ballot for that office. A determination made by a filing officer under this paragraph is subject 
178.22 	to judicial review under section 204B.44.
178.23 	(c) If the candidate requests that the candidate's address of residence be classified as 
178.24 	private data, the candidate must list the candidate's address of residence on a separate form 
178.25 	to be attached to the affidavit. The candidate must also certify on the affidavit that either: 
178.26 	(1) a police report has been submitted, an order for protection has been issued, or the 
178.27 	candidate has a reasonable fear in regard to the safety of the candidate or the candidate's 
178.28 	family; or (2) the candidate's address is otherwise private pursuant to Minnesota law. The 
178.29 	address of residence provided by a candidate who makes a request for classification on the 
178.30 	candidate's affidavit of candidacy and provides the certification required by this paragraph 
178.31 	is classified as private data, as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12, but may be reviewed 
178.32 	by the filing officer as provided in this subdivision.
178.33 	(d) The requirements of this subdivision do not apply to affidavits of candidacy for a 
178.34 	candidate for: (1) judicial office; (2) the office of county attorney; or (3) county sheriff.

178.35 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

179.1 	Sec. 46. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.07, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
179.2 		Subd. 2.Petitions for presidential electors and alternates. (a) This subdivision section
179.3 	does not apply to candidates for presidential elector or alternate nominated by major political 
179.4 	parties. Major party candidates for presidential elector or alternate are certified under section 
179.5 	208.03. Other presidential electors or alternates are nominated by petition pursuant to this 
179.6 	section.
179.7 	(b) On petitions nominating presidential electors or alternates, the names of the candidates 
179.8 	for president and vice-president shall be added to the political party or political principle 
179.9 	stated on the petition. One petition may be filed to nominate a slate of presidential electors 
179.10 	equal in number to the number of electors to which the state is entitled and an alternate for 
179.11 	each elector nominee.
179.12 	(c) In addition to the petition, each nominated candidate must submit a signed, notarized 
179.13 	affidavit of candidacy for president or vice president that includes the following information:
179.14 	(1) the candidate's name in the form as it should appear on the ballot;
179.15 	(2) the candidate's campaign address, website, phone number, and email address;
179.16 	(3) the name of the political party or political principle stated on the petition;
179.17 	(4) the office sought by the candidate; and
179.18 	(5) a declaration that the candidate is aware of and will follow all applicable election 
179.19 	laws and campaign finance laws.

179.20 	Sec. 47. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.09, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
179.21 		Subd. 1a.Absent candidates. (a) A candidate for special district, county, state, or federal 
179.22 	office who will be absent from the state during the filing period may submit a properly 
179.23 	executed affidavit of candidacy, the appropriate filing fee, and any necessary petitions in 
179.24 	person to the filing officer. The candidate shall state in writing the reason for being unable 
179.25 	to submit the affidavit during the filing period. The affidavit, filing fee, if any, and petitions 
179.26 	must be submitted to the filing officer during the seven days immediately preceding the 
179.27 	candidate's absence from the state. Nominating petitions may be signed during the 14 days 
179.28 	immediately preceding the date when the affidavit of candidacy is filed.
179.29 	(b) A candidate for special district, county, state, or federal office who will be absent 
179.30 	from the state during the entire filing period or who must leave the state for the remainder 
179.31 	of the filing period and who certifies to the secretary of state that the circumstances constitute 
179.32 	an emergency and were unforeseen, may submit a properly executed affidavit of candidacy 
180.1 	by facsimile device or by transmitting electronically a scanned image of the affidavit and 
180.2 	proof of residence required in section 204B.06, subdivision 1b, to the secretary of state 
180.3 	during the filing period. The candidate shall state in writing the specific reason for being 
180.4 	unable to submit the affidavit by mail or by hand during the filing period or in person prior 
180.5 	to the start of the filing period. The affidavit of candidacy, filing fee, if any, and any necessary 
180.6 	petitions must be received by the secretary of state by 5:00 p.m. on the last day for filing. 
180.7 	If the candidate is filing for a special district or county office, the secretary of state shall 
180.8 	forward the affidavit of candidacy, filing fee, if any, and any necessary petitions to the 
180.9 	appropriate filing officer. Copies of a proof of residence submitted under this subdivision 
180.10 	are private data on individuals, as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12.

180.11 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

180.12 	Sec. 48. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.09, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
180.13 		Subd. 2.Other elections. (a) Affidavits of candidacy and nominating petitions for city, 
180.14 	town or other elective offices shall be filed during the time and with the official specified 
180.15 	in chapter 205 or other applicable law or charter, except as provided for a special district 
180.16 	candidate under subdivision 1a. Affidavits of candidacy and applications filed on behalf of 
180.17 	eligible voters for school board office shall be filed during the time and with the official 
180.18 	specified in chapter 205A or other applicable law. Affidavits of candidacy, including proof 
180.19 	of residence required in section 204B.06, subdivision 1b, and nominating petitions filed 
180.20 	under this subdivision must be submitted by mail or by hand, notwithstanding chapter 325L, 
180.21 	or any other law to the contrary, and must be received by the appropriate official within the 
180.22 	specified time for the filing of affidavits and petitions for the office. Copies of a proof of 
180.23 	residence submitted by mail are private data on individuals, as defined in section 13.02, 
180.24 	subdivision 12.
180.25 	(b) The official receiving the filing shall notify the official responsible for preparing the 
180.26 	ballot of the names of the candidates placed on the ballot, any changes to candidates, or 
180.27 	other information necessary to prepare the ballot. The notification must be made within one 
180.28 	business day of receiving the filing or change or immediately following the close of the 
180.29 	filing period, whichever is sooner, unless the clerk and official agree to an alternative 
180.30 	notification timeline.

180.31 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

181.1 	Sec. 49. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.09, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
181.2 		Subd. 3.Write-in candidates. (a) A candidate for county, state, or federal office who 
181.3 	wants write-in votes for the candidate to be counted must file a written request with the 
181.4 	filing office for the office sought not more than 84 days before the primary and no later 
181.5 	than the seventh 19th day before the general election. The filing officer shall provide copies 
181.6 	of the form to make the request. The filing officer shall not accept a written request later 
181.7 	than 5:00 p.m. on the last day for filing a written request.
181.8 	(b) The governing body of a statutory or home rule charter city may adopt a resolution 
181.9 	governing the counting of write-in votes for local elective office. The resolution may:
181.10 	(1) require the candidate to file a written request with the chief election official no later 
181.11 	than the seventh 19th day before the city election if the candidate wants to have the 
181.12 	candidate's write-in votes individually recorded; or
181.13 	(2) require that write-in votes for an individual candidate only be individually recorded 
181.14 	if the total number of write-in votes for that office is equal to or greater than the fewest 
181.15 	number of non-write-in votes for a ballot candidate.
181.16 	If the governing body of the statutory or home rule charter city adopts a resolution authorized 
181.17 	by this paragraph, the resolution must be adopted and the city clerk must notify the county 
181.18 	auditor before the first day of filing for office. A resolution adopted under this paragraph 
181.19 	remains in effect until a subsequent resolution on the same subject is adopted by the 
181.20 	governing body of the statutory or home rule charter city.
181.21 	(c) The governing body of a township, school district, hospital district, park district, soil 
181.22 	and water district, or other ancillary elected district may adopt a resolution governing the 
181.23 	counting of write-in votes for local elective office. The resolution may require that write-in 
181.24 	votes for an individual candidate only be individually recorded if the total number of write-in 
181.25 	votes for that office is equal to or greater than the fewest number of non-write-in votes for 
181.26 	a ballot candidate. If a governing body adopts a resolution authorized by this paragraph, 
181.27 	the resolution must be adopted and the clerk must notify the county auditor before the first 
181.28 	day of filing for office. A resolution adopted under this paragraph remains in effect until a 
181.29 	subsequent resolution on the same subject is adopted by the governing body.
181.30 	(d) A candidate for president of the United States who files a request under this 
181.31 	subdivision must include the name of a candidate for vice president of the United States. 
181.32 	The request must also include the name of at least one candidate for presidential elector. 
181.33 	The total number of names of candidates for presidential elector on the request may not 
181.34 	exceed the total number of electoral votes to be cast by Minnesota in the presidential election.
182.1 	(e) A candidate for governor who files a request under this subdivision must file jointly 
182.2 	with another individual seeking nomination as a candidate for lieutenant governor. A 
182.3 	candidate for lieutenant governor who files a request under this subdivision must file jointly 
182.4 	with another individual seeking nomination as a candidate for governor.

182.5 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective on January 1, 2026.

182.6 	Sec. 50. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.14, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
182.7 		Subd. 2.Separate precincts; combined polling place. (a) The following shall constitute 
182.8 	at least one election precinct:
182.9 	(1) each city ward; and
182.10 	(2) each town and each statutory city.
182.11 	(b) A single, accessible, combined polling place may be established no later than 
182.12 	November 1 if a presidential nomination primary is scheduled to occur in the following 
182.13 	year or May 1 of any other year:
182.14 	(1) for any city of the third or fourth class, any town, or any city having territory in more 
182.15 	than one county, in which all the voters of the city or town shall cast their ballots;
182.16 	(2) for contiguous precincts in the same municipality;
182.17 	(3) for up to four contiguous municipalities located entirely outside the metropolitan 
182.18 	area, as defined by section 200.02, subdivision 24, that are contained in the same county; 
182.19 	or
182.20 	(4) for noncontiguous precincts located in one or more counties.
182.21 	Subject to the requirements of paragraph (c), a single, accessible, combined polling place 
182.22 	may be established after May 1 of any year in the event of an emergency.
182.23 	A copy of the ordinance or resolution establishing a combined polling place must be 
182.24 	filed with the county auditor within 30 days after approval by the governing body, and the 
182.25 	county auditor must provide notice within ten days to the secretary of state, in a manner 
182.26 	and including information prescribed by the secretary of state. A polling place combined 
182.27 	under clause (3) must be approved by the governing body of each participating municipality. 
182.28 	A polling place combined under clause (4) must be approved by the governing body of each 
182.29 	participating municipality and the secretary of state and may be located outside any of the 
182.30 	noncontiguous precincts. A municipality withdrawing from participation in a combined 
182.31 	polling place must do so by filing a resolution of withdrawal with the county auditor no 
182.32 	later than October 1 if a presidential nomination primary is scheduled to occur in the 
183.1 	following year or April 1 of any other year, and the county auditor must provide notice 
183.2 	within ten days to the secretary of state, in a manner and including information prescribed 
183.3 	by the secretary of state.
183.4 	The secretary of state shall provide a separate polling place roster for each precinct 
183.5 	served by the combined polling place, except that. In a precinct that uses electronic rosters,
183.6 	the secretary of state shall provide separate data files for each precinct and the election 
183.7 	official responsible for the electronic rosters may combine the files as necessary to be loaded 
183.8 	onto one or more electronic rosters, provided that the requirements under section 201.225, 
183.9 	subdivision 2, are met. A single set of election judges may be appointed to serve at a 
183.10 	combined polling place. The number of election judges required must be based on the total 
183.11 	number of persons voting at the last similar election in all precincts to be voting at the 
183.12 	combined polling place. Separate ballot boxes must be provided for the ballots from each 
183.13 	precinct. The results of the election must be reported separately for each precinct served by 
183.14 	the combined polling place, except in a polling place established under clause (2) where 
183.15 	one of the precincts has fewer than ten registered voters, in which case the results of that 
183.16 	precinct must be reported in the manner specified by the secretary of state.
183.17 	(c) If a local elections official determines that an emergency situation preventing the 
183.18 	safe, secure, and full operation of a polling place on election day has occurred or is imminent, 
183.19 	the local elections official may combine two or more polling places for that election pursuant 
183.20 	to this subdivision. To the extent possible, the polling places must be combined and the 
183.21 	election conducted according to the requirements of paragraph (b), except that:
183.22 	(1) polling places may be combined after May 1 and until the polls close on election 
183.23 	day;
183.24 	(2) any city or town, regardless of size or location, may establish a combined polling 
183.25 	place under this paragraph;
183.26 	(3) the governing body is not required to adopt an ordinance or resolution to establish 
183.27 	the combined polling place;
183.28 	(4) a polling place combined under paragraph (b), clause (3) or (4), must be approved 
183.29 	by the local election official of each participating municipality;
183.30 	(5) the local elections official must immediately notify the county auditor and the 
183.31 	secretary of state of the combination, including the reason for the emergency combination 
183.32 	and the location of the combined polling place. As soon as possible, the local elections 
183.33 	official must also post a notice stating the reason for the combination and the location of 
183.34 	the combined polling place. The notice must also be posted on the governing board's website, 
184.1 	if one exists. The local elections official must also notify the election judges and request 
184.2 	that local media outlets publicly announce the reason for the combination and the location 
184.3 	of the combined polling place; and
184.4 	(6) on election day, the local elections official must post a notice in large print in a 
184.5 	conspicuous place at the polling place where the emergency occurred, if practical, stating 
184.6 	the location of the combined polling place. The local election official must also post the 
184.7 	notice, if practical, in a location visible by voters who vote from their motor vehicles as 
184.8 	provided in section 204C.15, subdivision 2. If polling place hours are extended pursuant to 
184.9 	section 204C.05, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), the posted notices required by this paragraph 
184.10 	must include a statement that the polling place hours at the combined polling place will be 
184.11 	extended until the specified time.

184.12 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective June 1, 2025.

184.13 	Sec. 51. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.14, subdivision 4a, is amended to read:
184.14 		Subd. 4a.Municipal boundary adjustment procedure. A change in the boundary of 
184.15 	an election precinct that has occurred as a result of a municipal boundary adjustment made 
184.16 	under chapter 414 that is effective more than 21 46 days before a regularly scheduled election 
184.17 	takes effect at the scheduled election.
184.18 	A change in the boundary of an election precinct that has occurred as a result of a 
184.19 	municipal boundary adjustment made under chapter 414 that is effective less than 21 46  or 
184.20 	fewer days before a regularly scheduled election takes effect the day after the scheduled 
184.21 	election.

184.22 	Sec. 52. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.16, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
184.23 		Subd. 1a.Notice to voters. (a) If the location of a polling place has been changed, the 
184.24 	governing body establishing the polling place shall send to every affected household with 
184.25 	at least one registered voter in the precinct a nonforwardable mailed notice stating the 
184.26 	location of the new polling place at least 25 days before the next election. The secretary of 
184.27 	state shall prepare a sample of this notice. A notice that is returned as undeliverable must 
184.28 	be forwarded immediately to the county auditor. This subdivision does not apply to a polling 
184.29 	place location that is changed on election day under section 204B.175.
184.30 	(b) If the location of a polling place has been changed, the local official for the governing 
184.31 	body establishing the polling place must post a notice in large print and in a conspicuous 
184.32 	place at the closed polling place, if practical, stating the location of the new polling place. 
185.1 	The local election official must also post the notice, if practical, in a location visible by 
185.2 	voters who vote from their motor vehicles as provided in section 204C.15, subdivision 2. 
185.3 	The notice must be in all languages required under section 204B.295 for that precinct. The 
185.4 	notice must be posted for each special, primary, and general election until a November 
185.5 	presidential election or redistricting has occurred. The secretary of state shall prepare a 
185.6 	sample of this notice.

185.7 	Sec. 53. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.175, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
185.8 		Subd. 3.Notice. (a) Upon making the determination to relocate a polling place, the local 
185.9 	election official must immediately notify the county auditor and the secretary of state. The 
185.10 	notice must include the reason for the relocation and the reason for the location of the new 
185.11 	polling place. As soon as possible, the local election official must also post a notice stating 
185.12 	the reason for the relocation and the location of the new polling place. The notice must also 
185.13 	be posted on the website of the public body, if there is one. The local election official must 
185.14 	also notify the election judges and request that local media outlets publicly announce the 
185.15 	reason for the relocation and the location of the polling place. If the relocation occurs more 
185.16 	than 14 days prior to the election, the local election official must mail a notice to the impacted 
185.17 	voters of the reason for the relocation and the location of the polling place.
185.18 	(b) On election day, the local election official must post a notice in large print in a 
185.19 	conspicuous place at the polling place where the emergency occurred, if practical, stating 
185.20 	the location of the new polling place. The local election official must also post the notice, 
185.21 	if practical, in a location visible by voters who vote from their motor vehicles as provided 
185.22 	in section 204C.15, subdivision 2. If polling place hours are extended pursuant to section 
185.23 	204C.05, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), the posted notices required by this paragraph must 
185.24 	include a statement that the polling place hours at the new polling place will be extended 
185.25 	until the specified time. Notices required by this paragraph must be in all languages required 
185.26 	under section 204B.295 for that precinct.

185.27 	Sec. 54. [204B.182] CHAIN OF CUSTODY PLANS.
185.28 	(a) The county auditor must develop a county elections chain of custody plan to be used 
185.29 	in all state, county, municipal, school district, and special district elections held in that 
185.30 	county. If any of the political subdivisions cross county lines, the affected counties must 
185.31 	make efforts to ensure that the elections chain of custody procedures affecting the local 
185.32 	jurisdiction are uniform throughout the jurisdiction. County auditors must file the elections 
185.33 	chain of custody plans with the secretary of state.
186.1 	(b) The chain of custody plan must account for both the physical and cyber security of 
186.2 	elections-related materials.  The plan must include sample chain of custody documentation.
186.3 	(c) The secretary of state may provide additional guidance to counties on elections chain 
186.4 	of custody best practices and planning.
186.5 	(d) A municipal clerk, school district clerk, or special district clerk must utilize either 
186.6 	the county chain of custody plan or create a local chain of custody plan for use in local 
186.7 	elections not held in conjunction with federal, state, or county elections that meets or exceeds 
186.8 	the requirements of the county elections chain of custody plan. Any plan adopted under this 
186.9 	paragraph must be adopted and filed with the secretary of state and the county auditor at 
186.10 	least 84 days before the first election in which it will be used.
186.11 	(e) Each political subdivision clerk who develops a local elections chain of custody plan 
186.12 	pursuant to paragraph (d) and each county auditor must review their respective elections 
186.13 	chain of custody plan prior to each state primary election. Any revisions to the elections 
186.14 	chain of custody plan must be completed and filed with the secretary of state by June 1 prior 
186.15 	to the state primary election.

186.16 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and 
186.17 	county auditors must file an elections chain of custody plan with the secretary of state by 
186.18 	June 1, 2026.

186.19 	Sec. 55. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.21, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
186.20 		Subdivision 1.Appointment lists; duties of political parties and secretary of state. (a) 
186.21 	On May March 1 in a year in which there is an election for a partisan political office, each 
186.22 	major political party shall must prepare a list of eligible voters who have indicated within 
186.23 	the last 24 months they are willing to act as election judges in each election precinct. The 
186.24 	list provided by the party must indicate:
186.25 	(1) which eligible voters are willing to travel to a precinct outside of their home 
186.26 	jurisdiction to act as an election judge, and the jurisdictions to which each eligible voter is 
186.27 	willing to travel for that purpose;
186.28 	(2) which eligible voters are willing to serve on a ballot board; and
186.29 	(3) each eligible voter's residential address, telephone number, and email address, along 
186.30 	with the date the eligible voter indicated their willingness to act as an election judge.
186.31 	(b) The political parties shall must furnish the lists electronically to the secretary of state, 
186.32 	in a format specified by the secretary of state. The secretary of state must combine the data 
187.1 	received from each political party under this subdivision and must process the data to locate 
187.2 	the precinct in which the address provided for each potential election judge is located. If 
187.3 	the data submitted by a political party is insufficient for the secretary of state to locate the 
187.4 	proper precinct or does not include the eligible voter's telephone number, email address, 
187.5 	and date the eligible voter indicated their willingness to act as an election judge, the 
187.6 	associated name must not appear in any list forwarded to an appointing authority under this 
187.7 	subdivision. The secretary of state shall must notify political parties of any proposed election 
187.8 	judges with addresses that could not be located in a precinct.
187.9 	(c) By May March 15, the secretary of state shall must furnish electronically to the 
187.10 	county auditor a list of the appropriate names for each election precinct and ballot board in 
187.11 	the jurisdiction of the appointing authority, and a list of the names of individuals residing 
187.12 	outside of the jurisdiction who indicated a willingness to travel to that jurisdiction to act as 
187.13 	an election judge, noting the political party affiliation of each individual on the list. The 
187.14 	county auditor must promptly forward the appropriate names to the appropriate municipal 
187.15 	clerk within seven days of receipt.

187.16 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2026.

187.17 	Sec. 56. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.21, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
187.18 		Subd. 2.Appointing authority; powers and duties. (a) Election judges for precincts 
187.19 	in a municipality shall and for a municipality's ballot board must be appointed by the 
187.20 	governing body of the municipality. Election judges for a county ballot board, for precincts 
187.21 	in unorganized territory, and for performing other election-related duties assigned by the 
187.22 	county auditor shall must be appointed by the county board. Election judges for a precinct 
187.23 	composed of two or more municipalities must be appointed by the governing body of the 
187.24 	municipality or municipalities responsible for appointing election judges as provided in the 
187.25 	agreement to combine for election purposes. Except as otherwise provided in this section, 
187.26 	appointments shall be made from the list of voters who maintain residence in each precinct, 
187.27 	furnished pursuant to subdivision 1, subject to the eligibility requirements and other 
187.28 	qualifications established or authorized under section 204B.19. At least two election judges 
187.29 	in each precinct must be affiliated with different major political parties. If no lists have been 
187.30 	furnished or if additional election judges are required after all listed names in that 
187.31 	municipality have been exhausted, the appointing authority may appoint other individuals 
187.32 	who meet the qualifications to serve as an election judge, including persons on the list 
187.33 	furnished pursuant to subdivision 1 who indicated a willingness to travel to the municipality, 
187.34 	and persons who are not affiliated with a major political party. Election judges must meet 
188.1 	all eligibility requirements and other qualifications established or authorized under section 
188.2 	204B.19.
188.3 	(b) At least two election judges in each precinct and serving on the ballot board must 
188.4 	be affiliated with different major political parties.
188.5 	(c) Within 30 days of receipt of the list furnished pursuant to this section, the appointing 
188.6 	authority must contact each voter who maintains residence in the jurisdiction about their 
188.7 	interest in serving as an election judge in the next 24 months. The communication must:
188.8 	(1) identify the opportunities available for the person to serve as an election judge;
188.9 	(2) include the qualifications necessary to serve as an election judge, information about 
188.10 	the required training, and the dates and times at which the person must be available to 
188.11 	perform those duties; and
188.12 	(3) explain how the person may apply for appointment as an election judge.
188.13 	Any person on the list furnished pursuant to subdivision 1 who does not respond to the 
188.14 	appointing authority within 14 days or does not apply to become an election judge and 
188.15 	complete election judge training before the next state general election is deemed to have 
188.16 	waived their interest in appointment to any election judge position.
188.17 	(d) Prior to each election, when appointing election judges, an appointing authority must 
188.18 	first exhaust the list of individuals who responded to the communication in paragraph (c) 
188.19 	who maintain residence in each precinct or, for appointment to a ballot board, who maintain 
188.20 	residence in a jurisdiction covered by the ballot board. An appointing authority may exhaust 
188.21 	the list furnished pursuant to subdivision 1 by contacting each person once who appears on 
188.22 	the list. This communication must include the specific dates, times, and locations at which 
188.23 	the person must be available to perform the various duties. Any individual from the list who 
188.24 	does not respond within seven days to express an availability to serve is deemed to have 
188.25 	waived interest in serving for that election. For legislative special elections, this period is 
188.26 	shortened to three days.
188.27 	(e) If no lists have been furnished, or when lists have been furnished, after the processes 
188.28 	in paragraphs (c) and (d) are complete, an appointing authority may appoint other individuals 
188.29 	who meet the qualifications to serve as an election judge.
188.30 	(f) An individual who is appointed from a source other than the list furnished pursuant 
188.31 	to subdivision 1 must provide to the appointing authority the individual's major political 
188.32 	party affiliation or a statement that the individual does not affiliate with any major political 
188.33 	party. An individual who refuses to provide the individual's major political party affiliation 
189.1 	or a statement that the individual does not affiliate with a major political party must not be 
189.2 	appointed as an election judge.
189.3 	(g) The appointments shall must be made at least 25 days before the election at which 
189.4 	the election judges will serve, except that the appointing authority may pass a resolution 
189.5 	authorizing the appointment of additional election judges within the 25 days before the 
189.6 	election if the appointing authority determines that additional election judges will be required.

189.7 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2026.

189.8 	Sec. 57. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.21, is amended by adding a subdivision 
189.9 	to read:
189.10 		Subd. 2a.Election judges; party balance. The provisions of sections 204B.19, 
189.11 	subdivision 5; 204B.21, subdivision 2, paragraphs (b) to (f); 204C.15; 204C.19; 206.83; 
189.12 	and 206.86, subdivision 2, relating to party balance in the appointment of judges and to 
189.13 	duties to be performed by judges of different major political parties do not apply to a county 
189.14 	election not held in conjunction with a state or federal election.

189.15 	Sec. 58. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.24, is amended to read:
189.16 	204B.24 ELECTION JUDGES; OATH.
189.17 	Each election judge shall sign the following oath before assuming the duties of the office:
189.18 	"I .......... solemnly swear (or affirm) that:
189.19 	(1) I will perform the duties of election judge according to law and the best of my ability 
189.20 	and will diligently endeavor to prevent fraud, deceit and abuse in conducting this election.
189.21 	(2) I will perform my duties in a fair and impartial manner and not attempt to create an 
189.22 	advantage for my party or for any candidate.
189.23 	(3) In accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 211B.075, I will not share information 
189.24 	about voting that I know to be materially false and will not intentionally hinder, interfere 
189.25 	with, or prevent a person from voting, registering to vote, or aiding another person in casting 
189.26 	a ballot or registering to vote, except as specifically required by law."
189.27 	The oath shall be attached to the summary statement of the election returns of that 
189.28 	precinct. If there is no individual present who is authorized to administer oaths, the election 
189.29 	judges may administer the oath to each other.

189.30 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective June 1, 2025.

190.1 	Sec. 59. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.25, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
190.2 		Subd. 3.Trained election judges; number required. Each election precinct in which 
190.3 	less than 100 individuals voted at the last state general election shall have at least two 
190.4 	election judges who are members of different major political parties who have received 
190.5 	training as required in this section. In every other election precinct, No individual may serve 
190.6 	as an election judge who has not received training as required by subdivision 1.

190.7 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

190.8 	Sec. 60. [204B.275] ELECTION REPORTING SYSTEM.
190.9 		Subdivision 1.Definition. "Election reporting system" means the computerized central 
190.10 	statewide database for offices, candidates, ballot questions, and unofficial results developed 
190.11 	and maintained by the secretary of state. The system facilitates the collection, aggregation, 
190.12 	reporting, and secure sharing of unofficial election results to the public.
190.13 		Subd. 2.Authority. The secretary of state must maintain an election reporting system 
190.14 	as provided in this section.
190.15 		Subd. 3.Entry of names. (a) For federal and state elections, the county auditor must 
190.16 	enter in the election reporting system the names of all candidates who have filed for office 
190.17 	with the county auditor no later than one day after the filing is received. Within one day of 
190.18 	receiving notification and no later than one day after the withdrawal period closes, the 
190.19 	county auditor must enter in the election reporting system the names of candidates for city, 
190.20 	town, school district, or other elective office for which the county auditor has been notified. 
190.21 	For any candidate who files by nominating petition or a petition in place of filing fee, the 
190.22 	county auditor must enter in the election reporting system the name of the candidate within 
190.23 	one day after the petition has been reviewed and determined to meet all legal requirements.
190.24 	(b) The secretary of state must enter in the election reporting system the names of all 
190.25 	candidates who have filed for office with the secretary of state no later than one day after 
190.26 	the filing is received. For any candidate who files by nominating petition or a petition in 
190.27 	place of filing fee, the secretary of state must enter in the election reporting system the name 
190.28 	of the candidate within one day after the petition has been reviewed and determined to meet 
190.29 	all legal requirements.
190.30 		Subd. 4.Results reporting testing. At least seven days prior to any federal or state 
190.31 	primary, general, or special election, the county auditor must test the results reporting 
190.32 	functions in the election reporting system maintained by the secretary of state. The test must 
190.33 	include the entry of vote totals for all candidates or ballot question responses within each 
191.1 	contest or ballot question, and the county auditor must verify that the predetermined test 
191.2 	results are displayed. The county auditor must report to the secretary of state that the test 
191.3 	has been conducted, and no errors are apparent. If errors occur during the test, the county 
191.4 	auditor must work with the secretary of state to resolve all issues and retest until resolved.
191.5 		Subd. 5.Reporting results. For federal and state elections, as soon as practicable after 
191.6 	delivery of the returns, the county auditor must report all unofficial election results in the 
191.7 	elections reporting system.
191.8 		Subd. 6.Unofficial results. Results reported to the election reporting system are unofficial 
191.9 	results. Election results are not official until after the canvassing board certifies the result 
191.10 	of the election.

191.11 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective on June 1, 2025.

191.12 	Sec. 61. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.28, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
191.13 		Subd. 2.Election supplies; duties of county auditors and clerks. (a) Except as 
191.14 	otherwise provided in this section and for absentee ballots in section 204B.35, subdivision 
191.15 	4, the county auditor shall complete the preparation of the election materials for which the 
191.16 	auditor is responsible at least four days before every state primary and state general election. 
191.17 	At any time after all election materials are available from the county auditor but not later 
191.18 	than four days the day before the election each municipal clerk shall secure from the county 
191.19 	auditor:
191.20 	(1) the forms that are required for the conduct of the election;
191.21 	(2) any printed voter instruction materials furnished by the secretary of state;
191.22 	(3) any other instructions for election officers; and
191.23 	(4) a sufficient quantity of the official ballots, registration files, envelopes for ballot 
191.24 	returns, and other supplies and materials required for each precinct in order to comply with 
191.25 	the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law. The county auditor may furnish the election 
191.26 	supplies to the municipal clerks in the same manner as the supplies are furnished to precincts 
191.27 	in unorganized territory pursuant to section 204B.29, subdivision 1.
191.28 	(b) The county auditor must prepare and make available election materials for early 
191.29 	voting to municipal clerks designated to administer early voting under section 203B.05 on 
191.30 	or before the 19th day before the election.

191.31 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

192.1 	Sec. 62. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.44, is amended to read:
192.2 	204B.44 ERRORS AND OMISSIONS; REMEDY.
192.3 	(a) Any individual may file a petition in the manner provided in this section for the 
192.4 	correction of any of the following errors, omissions, or wrongful acts which have occurred 
192.5 	or are about to occur:
192.6 	(1) an error or omission in the placement or printing of the name or description of any 
192.7 	candidate or any question on any official ballot, including the placement of a candidate on 
192.8 	the official ballot who is not eligible to hold the office for which the candidate has filed;
192.9 	(2) any other error in preparing or printing any official ballot;
192.10 	(3) failure of the chair or secretary of the proper committee of a major political party to 
192.11 	execute or file a certificate of nomination;
192.12 	(4) any wrongful act, omission, or error of any election judge, municipal clerk, county 
192.13 	auditor, canvassing board or any of its members, the secretary of state, or any other individual 
192.14 	charged with any duty concerning an election.
192.15 	(b) The petition shall describe the error, omission, or wrongful act and the correction 
192.16 	sought by the petitioner. The petition shall be filed with any judge of the supreme court in 
192.17 	the case of an election for state or federal office or any judge of the district court in that 
192.18 	county in the case of an election for county, municipal, or school district office. The petitioner 
192.19 	shall serve a copy of the petition on the officer, board or individual charged with the error, 
192.20 	omission, or wrongful act, on all candidates for the office in the case of an election for state, 
192.21 	federal, county, municipal, or school district office, and on any other party as required by 
192.22 	the court. Upon receipt of the petition the court shall immediately set a time for a hearing 
192.23 	on the matter and order the officer, board or individual charged with the error, omission or 
192.24 	wrongful act to correct the error or wrongful act or perform the duty or show cause for not 
192.25 	doing so. In the case of a review of a candidate's eligibility to hold office, the court may 
192.26 	order the candidate to appear and present sufficient evidence of the candidate's eligibility. 
192.27 	The court shall issue its findings and a final order for appropriate relief as soon as possible 
192.28 	after the hearing. Failure to obey the order is contempt of court.
192.29 	(c) Any service required by this section on a candidate may be accomplished by electronic 
192.30 	mail sent to the address the candidate provided on their affidavit of candidacy pursuant to 
192.31 	section 204B.06, subdivision 1b, or by any other means permitted by law.
192.32 	(d) If all candidates for an office and the officer, board, or individual charged with the 
192.33 	error, omission, or wrongful act unanimously agree in writing:
193.1 	(1) that an error, omission, or wrongful act occurred; and
193.2 	(2) on the appropriate correction for the error, omission, or wrongful act,
193.3 	then the officer, board, or individual charged with the error, omission, or wrongful act must 
193.4 	correct the error in the manner agreed to without an order from the court. Such agreement 
193.5 	must address, at a minimum, how the correction will take place and, if the correction involves 
193.6 	a change to a ballot, how voters who have received or returned an incomplete ballot will 
193.7 	be notified of the change and what, if any, steps voters who have returned an incorrect ballot 
193.8 	can take to receive a corrected replacement ballot.
193.9 	The officer, board, or individual must notify the secretary of state in writing of the error 
193.10 	and proposed correction within one business day of receiving notification of the candidate's 
193.11 	written agreement and must not distribute any ballots reflecting the proposed correction for 
193.12 	two business days unless the secretary of state waives this notice period. Nothing in this 
193.13 	paragraph shall be construed to preclude any person from filing a petition under this section 
193.14 	alleging that the written agreement constitutes an error, omission, or wrongful act that 
193.15 	requires correction by the court.
193.16 	(e) Any candidate for an office who does not enter into an agreement under paragraph 
193.17 	(d) and who does not prevail at any subsequent proceeding involving a petition filed under 
193.18 	this section must pay the costs and disbursements of the prevailing party or parties unless 
193.19 	the court determines that the candidate's position was substantially justified or such costs 
193.20 	and disbursements would impose undue hardship or otherwise be inequitable.
193.21 	(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, an official may correct any 
193.22 	official ballot without order from the court if the ballot is not in compliance with sections 
193.23 	204B.35 to 204B.37 or any rules promulgated under sections 204B.35 to 204B.37.

193.24 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective June 1, 2025.

193.25 	Sec. 63. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.45, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
193.26 		Subd. 2.Procedure; voting prior to election day. Notice of the election and the special 
193.27 	mail procedure must be given at least ten weeks prior to the election. Not more than 46 days 
193.28 	nor later than 14 28 days before a regularly scheduled any election and not more than 30 
193.29 	days nor later than 14 days before any other election, the auditor shall mail ballots by 
193.30 	nonforwardable mail to all voters registered in the city, town, or unorganized territory. No 
193.31 	later than 14 days before the election, the auditor must make a subsequent mailing of ballots 
193.32 	to those voters who register to vote after the initial mailing but before the 20th day before 
193.33 	the election. Eligible voters not registered at the time the ballots are mailed may apply for 
194.1 	ballots as provided in chapter 203B. Ballot return envelopes, with return postage provided, 
194.2 	must be preaddressed to the auditor or clerk and the voter may return the ballot by mail or 
194.3 	in person to the office of the auditor or clerk. The auditor or clerk must appoint a ballot 
194.4 	board to examine the mail and absentee ballot return envelopes and mark them "accepted" 
194.5 	or "rejected" within three days of receipt if there are 14 or fewer days before election day, 
194.6 	or within five days of receipt if there are more than 14 days before election day. The board 
194.7 	may consist of deputy county auditors or deputy municipal clerks who have received training 
194.8 	in the processing and counting of mail ballots, who need not be affiliated with a major 
194.9 	political party. Election judges performing the duties in this section must be of different 
194.10 	major political parties, unless they are exempt from that requirement under section 204B.21, 
194.11 	subdivision 2a; 205.07, subdivision 4;205.075, subdivision 4,; or section205A.10. If an 
194.12 	envelope has been rejected at least five days before the election, the ballots in the envelope 
194.13 	must remain sealed and the auditor or clerk shall provide the voter with a replacement ballot 
194.14 	and return envelope in place of the spoiled ballot. If the ballot is rejected within five days 
194.15 	of the election, the envelope must remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board 
194.16 	must attempt to contact the voter by telephone or email to notify the voter that the voter's 
194.17 	ballot has been rejected. The official must document the attempts made to contact the voter.
194.18 	If the ballot is accepted, the county auditor or municipal clerk must mark the roster to 
194.19 	indicate that the voter has already cast a ballot in that election. After the close of business 
194.20 	on the 19th day before the election, the ballots from return envelopes marked "Accepted" 
194.21 	may be opened, duplicated as needed in the manner provided by section 206.86, subdivision 
194.22 	5, initialed by the members of the ballot board, and deposited in the ballot box.
194.23 	In all other respects, the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law governing deposit 
194.24 	and counting of ballots apply.
194.25 	The mail and absentee ballots for a precinct must be counted together and reported as 
194.26 	one vote total. No vote totals from mail or absentee ballots may be made public before the 
194.27 	close of voting on election day.
194.28 	The costs of the mailing shall be paid by the election jurisdiction in which the voter 
194.29 	maintains residence. Any ballot received by 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election must be 
194.30 	counted.

194.31 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective November 15, 2025, for elections held 
194.32 	on or after January 1, 2026.

195.1 	Sec. 64. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.05, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
195.2 		Subd. 2.Voters in line at closing. (a) At or before the hour when voting is scheduled 
195.3 	to begin, the election judges shall must agree upon the standard of time they will use to 
195.4 	determine when voting will begin and end. Voting shall must not be allowed after the time 
195.5 	when it is scheduled to end, unless individuals are waiting in the polling place or waiting 
195.6 	in line at the door to register, to update the voter's registration, or to vote. The voting shall
195.7 	must continue until those individuals have been allowed to vote. No An individual who 
195.8 	comes to the polling place or to a line outside the polling place after the time when voting 
195.9 	is scheduled to end shall must not be allowed to vote.
195.10 	(b) The local election official may extend polling place hours to accommodate voters 
195.11 	that would have been in line at the regular polling place if the polling place had not been 
195.12 	combined or moved on election day pursuant to section 204B.14, subdivision 2, or 204B.175. 
195.13 	Polling place hours may be extended at the new polling place for one hour. The local election 
195.14 	official must immediately provide notice to the county auditor, secretary of state, and election 
195.15 	judges of the extension in polling place hours. The local election official must also request 
195.16 	that the local media outlets publicly announce the extended polling place hours. Voters in 
195.17 	the polling place or waiting in line at the door to register, to update the voter's registration,
195.18 	or to vote at the end of the extended polling place hours shall must be allowed to vote 
195.19 	pursuant to paragraph (a).

195.20 	Sec. 65. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.06, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
195.21 		Subdivision 1.Persons allowed near polling place. An individual shall must be allowed 
195.22 	to go to and from the polling place for the purpose of voting without unlawful interference. 
195.23 	No one Except an election official or an individual who is waiting to register, to update the 
195.24 	voter's registration, or to vote or an individual who is conducting exit polling shall, an 
195.25 	individual must not stand within 100 feet of the building in which a polling place is located.

195.26 	Sec. 66. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.06, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
195.27 		Subd. 2.Individuals allowed in polling place; identification. (a) Representatives of 
195.28 	the secretary of state's office, the county auditor's office, and the municipal or school district 
195.29 	clerk's office may be present at the polling place to observe election procedures. Except for 
195.30 	these representatives, election judges, sergeants-at-arms, and challengers, an individual may 
195.31 	remain inside the polling place during voting hours only while voting or, updating the voter's 
195.32 	registration, registering to vote, providing proof of residence for an individual who is 
195.33 	registering to vote or updating a registration, or assisting a disabled voter with a disability 
196.1 	or a voter who is unable to read English. During voting hours no one except individuals 
196.2 	receiving, marking, or depositing ballots shall approach within six feet of a voting booth, 
196.3 	ballot counter, or electronic voting equipment, unless lawfully authorized to do so by an 
196.4 	election judge or the individual is an election judge monitoring the operation of the ballot 
196.5 	counter or electronic voting equipment.
196.6 	(b) Teachers and elementary or secondary school students participating in an educational 
196.7 	activity authorized by section 204B.27, subdivision 7, may be present at the polling place 
196.8 	during voting hours.
196.9 	(c) Each official on duty in the polling place must wear an identification badge that 
196.10 	shows their role in the election process. The badge must not show their party affiliation.

196.11 	Sec. 67. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.06, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
196.12 		Subd. 6.Peace officers. Except when summoned by an election judge to restore the 
196.13 	peace or when voting, updating a registration, or registering to vote, no peace officer shall 
196.14 	enter or remain in a polling place or stand within 50 feet of the entrance of a polling place.

196.15 	Sec. 68. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.08, subdivision 1d, is amended to read:
196.16 		Subd. 1d.Voter's Bill of Rights. The county auditor shall prepare and provide to each 
196.17 	polling place sufficient copies of a poster setting forth the Voter's Bill of Rights as set forth 
196.18 	in this section. Before the hours of voting are scheduled to begin, the election judges shall 
196.19 	post it in a conspicuous location or locations in the polling place. The Voter's Bill of Rights 
196.20 	is as follows:
196.21 	"VOTER'S BILL OF RIGHTS
196.22 	For all persons residing in this state who meet federal voting eligibility requirements:
196.23 	(1) You have the right to be absent from work for the purpose of voting in a state, federal, 
196.24 	or regularly scheduled election without reduction to your pay, personal leave, or vacation 
196.25 	time on election day for the time necessary to appear at your polling place, cast a ballot, 
196.26 	and return to work.
196.27 	(2) If you are in line at your polling place any time before 8:00 p.m., you have the right 
196.28 	to vote.
196.29 	(3) If you can provide the required proof of residence, you have the right to register to 
196.30 	vote or to update your registration and to vote on election day.
197.1 	(4) If you are unable to sign your name, you have the right to orally confirm your identity 
197.2 	with an election judge and to direct another person to sign your name for you.
197.3 	(5) You have the right to request special assistance when voting.
197.4 	(6) If you need assistance, you may be accompanied into the voting booth by a person 
197.5 	of your choice, except by an agent of your employer or union or a candidate.
197.6 	(7) You have the right to bring your minor children into the polling place and into the 
197.7 	voting booth with you.
197.8 	(8) You have the right to vote if you are not currently incarcerated for conviction of a 
197.9 	felony offense.
197.10 	(9) If you are under a guardianship, you have the right to vote, unless the court order 
197.11 	revokes your right to vote.
197.12 	(10) You have the right to vote without anyone in the polling place trying to influence 
197.13 	your vote.
197.14 	(11) If you make a mistake or spoil your ballot before it is submitted, you have the right 
197.15 	to receive a replacement ballot and vote.
197.16 	(12) You have the right to file a written complaint at your polling place if you are 
197.17 	dissatisfied with the way an election is being run.
197.18 	(13) You have the right to take a sample ballot into the voting booth with you.
197.19 	(14) You have the right to take a copy of this Voter's Bill of Rights into the voting booth 
197.20 	with you."

197.21 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment, except 
197.22 	that the change in clause (3) is effective January 1, 2026.

197.23 	Sec. 69. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
197.24 		Subdivision 1.Counting and initialing. (a) Before the voting begins, at least two election 
197.25 	judges must certify the number of ballots delivered to the precinct. Election judges may 
197.26 	conduct this count, presuming that the total count provided for prepackaged ballots is correct. 
197.27 	As each package is opened, two judges must count the ballots in the package to ensure that 
197.28 	the total count provided for the package is correct. Any discrepancy must be noted on the 
197.29 	incident log.
198.1 	(b) Before the voting begins, or as soon as possible after it begins, at least two election 
198.2 	judges shall each initial the backs of all the ballots. The election judges shall not otherwise 
198.3 	mark the ballots.

198.4 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

198.5 	Sec. 70. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.10, is amended to read:
198.6 	204C.10 POLLING PLACE ROSTER; VOTER SIGNATURE CERTIFICATE; 
198.7 	VOTER RECEIPT.
198.8 	(a) An individual seeking to vote shall sign a polling place roster or voter signature 
198.9 	certificate which states that the individual:
198.10 	(1) is at least 18 years old;
198.11 	(2) is a citizen of the United States;
198.12 	(3) has maintained residence in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding the election;
198.13 	(4) maintains residence at the address or location shown;
198.14 	(5) is not under a guardianship in which the court order revokes the individual's right to 
198.15 	vote;
198.16 	(6) has not been found by a court of law to be legally incompetent to vote;
198.17 	(7) has the right to vote because, if the individual was convicted of a felony, the individual 
198.18 	is not currently incarcerated for that conviction;
198.19 	(8) is registered; and
198.20 	(9) has not already voted in the election.
198.21 	The roster must also state: "I understand that deliberately providing false information 
198.22 	is a felony punishable by not more than five years imprisonment and a fine of not more than 
198.23 	$10,000, or both."
198.24 	(b) At the presidential nomination primary, the polling place roster must also state: "I 
198.25 	am in general agreement with the principles of the party for whose candidate I intend to 
198.26 	vote." This statement must appear separately from the statements required in paragraph (a). 
198.27 	The felony penalty provided for in paragraph (a) does not apply to this paragraph.
198.28 	(c) A judge may, before the applicant signs the roster or voter signature certificate, 
198.29 	confirm the applicant's name, address, and date of birth.
199.1 	(d) After the applicant signs the roster or voter signature certificate, the judge shall give 
199.2 	the applicant a voter's receipt. The voter shall deliver the voter's receipt to the judge in 
199.3 	charge of ballots as proof of the voter's right to vote, and thereupon the judge shall hand to 
199.4 	the voter the ballot. The voters' receipts must be maintained during the time for notice of 
199.5 	filing an election contest.
199.6 	(e) Whenever a challenged status appears on the polling place roster, an election judge 
199.7 	must ensure that the challenge is concealed or hidden from the view of any voter other than 
199.8 	the voter whose status is challenged.

199.9 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective September 1, 2025.

199.10 	Sec. 71. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.15, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
199.11 		Subd. 2.Outside the polling place. An individual who is unable to enter a polling place 
199.12 	where paper ballots or an electronic voting system are used may register or update the voter's 
199.13 	registration and vote without leaving a motor vehicle. Upon request of the voter, two election 
199.14 	judges who are members of different major political parties shall must assist the voter to 
199.15 	register or to update a registration, as applicable, and to complete a voter's certificate and 
199.16 	shall must provide the necessary ballots. The voter may request additional assistance in 
199.17 	marking ballots as provided in subdivision 1.

199.18 	Sec. 72. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.15, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
199.19 		Subd. 3.Voting lines. In all polling places, upon request of the voter, two election judges 
199.20 	shall must assist a disabled voter with a disability to enter the polling place and go through 
199.21 	the registration and voting lines lines to register to vote or update the voter's registration, 
199.22 	as applicable, and to vote. The voter may also request the assistance of election judges or 
199.23 	any other individual in marking ballots, as provided in subdivision 1.

199.24 	Sec. 73. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.24, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
199.25 		Subdivision 1.Information requirements. Precinct summary statements shall must be 
199.26 	submitted by the election judges in every precinct. For all elections, the election judges 
199.27 	shall must complete three or more copies of the summary statements, and each copy shall
199.28 	must contain the following information for each kind of ballot:
199.29 	(1) the number of ballots delivered to the precinct as adjusted by the actual count made 
199.30 	by the election judges, the number of unofficial ballots made, and the number of absentee 
199.31 	ballots delivered to the precinct;
200.1 	(2) the number of votes each candidate received or the number of yes and no votes on 
200.2 	each question, the number of undervotes, the number of overvotes, and the number of 
200.3 	defective ballots with respect to each office or question;
200.4 	(3) the number of spoiled ballots, the number of duplicate ballots made, the number of 
200.5 	absentee ballots rejected, and the number of unused ballots, presuming that the total count 
200.6 	provided on each package of unopened prepackaged ballots is correct;
200.7 	(4) the number of voted ballots indicating only a voter's choices as provided by section 
200.8 	206.80, paragraph (b), clause (2), item (ii), in precincts that use an assistive voting device 
200.9 	that produces this type of ballot;
200.10 	(5) the number of individuals who voted at the election in the precinct which must equal 
200.11 	the total number of ballots cast in the precinct, as required by sections 204C.20 and 206.86, 
200.12 	subdivision 1;
200.13 	(6) the number of voters registering or updating registrations on election day in that 
200.14 	precinct;
200.15 	(7) the signatures of the election judges who counted the ballots certifying that all of the 
200.16 	ballots cast were properly piled, checked, and counted; and that the numbers entered by the 
200.17 	election judges on the summary statements correctly show the number of votes cast for each 
200.18 	candidate and for and against each question;
200.19 	(8) the number of election judges that worked in that precinct on election day; and
200.20 	(9) the number of voting booths used in that precinct on election day.
200.21 	At least two copies of the summary statement must be prepared for elections not held 
200.22 	on the same day as the state elections.

200.23 	Sec. 74. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.32, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
200.24 		Subdivision 1.County canvass. The county canvassing board shall must meet at the 
200.25 	county auditor's office on either the second or third day following the state primary. After 
200.26 	taking the oath of office, the canvassing board shall must publicly canvass the election 
200.27 	returns delivered to the county auditor. The board shall must complete the canvass by the 
200.28 	third day following the state primary and shall must promptly prepare and file with the 
200.29 	county auditor a report that states:
200.30 	(a) the number of individuals voting at the election in the county, and in each precinct;
201.1 	(b) for each precinct, the number of individuals registering to vote or updating 
201.2 	registrations on election day and the number of individuals who were registered before 
201.3 	election day in each precinct and did not need to update the voter's registration;
201.4 	(c) for each major political party, the names of the candidates running for each partisan 
201.5 	office and the number of votes received by each candidate in the county and in each precinct;
201.6 	(d) the names of the candidates of each major political party who are nominated; and
201.7 	(e) the number of votes received by each of the candidates for nonpartisan office in each 
201.8 	precinct in the county and the names of the candidates nominated for nonpartisan office.
201.9 	Upon completion of the canvass, the county auditor shall must mail or deliver a notice 
201.10 	of nomination to each nominee for county office voted for only in that county. The county 
201.11 	auditor shall must transmit one of the certified copies of the county canvassing board report 
201.12 	for state and federal offices to the secretary of state by express mail or similar service 
201.13 	immediately upon conclusion of the county canvass. The secretary of state shall must mail 
201.14 	a notice of nomination to each nominee for state or federal office.

201.15 	Sec. 75. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.33, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
201.16 		Subdivision 1.County canvass. The county canvassing board shall must meet at the 
201.17 	county auditor's office between the third and eighth days following the state general election. 
201.18 	After taking the oath of office, the board shall must promptly and publicly canvass the 
201.19 	general election returns delivered to the county auditor. Upon completion of the canvass, 
201.20 	the board shall must promptly prepare and file with the county auditor a report which states:
201.21 	(a) the number of individuals voting at the election in the county and in each precinct;
201.22 	(b) for each precinct, the number of individuals registering to vote or updating 
201.23 	registrations on election day and the number of individuals who were registered before 
201.24 	election day in each precinct and did not need to update the voter's registration;
201.25 	(c) the names of the candidates for each office and the number of votes received by each 
201.26 	candidate in the county and in each precinct;
201.27 	(d) the number of votes counted for and against a proposed change of county lines or 
201.28 	county seat; and
201.29 	(e) the number of votes counted for and against a constitutional amendment or other 
201.30 	question in the county and in each precinct.
201.31 	The result of write-in votes cast on the general election ballots must be compiled by the 
201.32 	county auditor before the county canvass, except that write-in votes for a candidate for 
202.1 	federal, state, or county office must not be counted unless the candidate has timely filed a 
202.2 	request under section 204B.09, subdivision 3. The county auditor shall must arrange for 
202.3 	each municipality to provide an adequate number of election judges to perform this duty or 
202.4 	the county auditor may appoint additional election judges for this purpose. The county 
202.5 	auditor may open the envelopes or containers in which the voted ballots have been sealed 
202.6 	in order to count and record the write-in votes and must reseal the voted ballots at the 
202.7 	conclusion of this process. The county auditor must prepare a separate report of votes 
202.8 	received by precinct for write-in candidates for federal, state, and county offices who have 
202.9 	requested under section 204B.09 that votes for those candidates be tallied.
202.10 	Upon completion of the canvass, the county canvassing board shall must declare the 
202.11 	candidate duly elected who received the highest number of votes for each county and state 
202.12 	office voted for only within the county. The county auditor shall must transmit a certified 
202.13 	copy of the county canvassing board report for state and federal offices to the secretary of 
202.14 	state by messenger, express mail, or similar service immediately upon conclusion of the 
202.15 	county canvass.

202.16 	Sec. 76. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205.07, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
202.17 	read:
202.18 		Subd. 4.Election judges; party balance. The provisions of sections 204B.19, subdivision 
202.19 	5; 204B.21, subdivision 2, paragraphs (b) to (f); 204C.15; 204C.19; 206.83; and 206.86, 
202.20 	subdivision 2, relating to party balance in the appointment of judges and to duties to be 
202.21 	performed by judges of different major political parties do not apply to a city election not 
202.22 	held in conjunction with a state or federal election.

202.23 	Sec. 77. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205.075, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
202.24 		Subd. 4.Election judges; party balance. The provisions of sections 204B.19, subdivision 
202.25 	5; 204B.21, subdivision 2, paragraphs (b) to (f); 204C.15; 204C.19; 206.83; and 206.86, 
202.26 	subdivision 2, relating to party balance in the appointment of judges and to duties to be 
202.27 	performed by judges of different major political parties do not apply to a town election not 
202.28 	held in conjunction with a statewide state or federal election.

202.29 	Sec. 78. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
202.30 		Subdivision 1.Affidavit of candidacy. (a) An individual who is eligible and desires to 
202.31 	become a candidate for an office to be voted for at the municipal general election shall file 
202.32 	an affidavit of candidacy with the municipal clerk. Candidates for a special election to fill 
203.1 	a vacancy held as provided in section 412.02, subdivision 2a, must file an affidavit of 
203.2 	candidacy for the specific office to fill the unexpired portion of the term. Subject to the 
203.3 	approval of the county auditor, the town clerk may authorize candidates for township offices 
203.4 	to file affidavits of candidacy with the county auditor. The affidavit shall be in the same 
203.5 	form as that in section 204B.06. The municipal clerk shall also accept an application signed 
203.6 	by not less than five voters and filed on behalf of an eligible voter in the municipality whom 
203.7 	they desire to be a candidate, if service of a copy of the application has been made on the 
203.8 	candidate and proof of service is endorsed on the application being filed. Upon receipt of 
203.9 	the proper filing fee, the clerk shall place the name of the candidate on the official ballot 
203.10 	without partisan designation.
203.11 	(b) The municipal clerk shall notify the official responsible for preparing the ballot of 
203.12 	the names of the candidates placed on the ballot, any changes to candidates, and other 
203.13 	information necessary to prepare the ballot. The notification must be made within one 
203.14 	business day of receiving the filing or change or immediately following the close of the 
203.15 	filing period, whichever is sooner, unless the clerk and official agree to an alternative 
203.16 	notification timeline.

203.17 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

203.18 	Sec. 79. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205.13, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
203.19 		Subd. 1a.Filing period. In a city nominating candidates at a primary, an affidavit of 
203.20 	candidacy for a city office voted on in November must be filed no more than 84 days nor 
203.21 	less than 70 days before the city primary. In municipalities that do not hold a primary, an 
203.22 	affidavit of candidacy must be filed no more than 70 days and not less than 56 days before 
203.23 	the municipal general election held in March in any year, or a special election not held in 
203.24 	conjunction with another election, and no more than 98 112 days nor less than 84 98 days 
203.25 	before the municipal general election held in November of any year. The municipal clerk's 
203.26 	office must be open for filing from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the last day of the filing period.

203.27 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2026.

203.28 	Sec. 80. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205.185, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
203.29 		Subd. 3.Canvass of returns, certificate of election, ballots, disposition. (a) Between 
203.30 	the third and tenth 14th days after an election, the governing body of a city conducting any 
203.31 	election including a special municipal election, or the governing body of a town conducting 
203.32 	the general election in November shall act as the canvassing board, canvass the returns, and 
203.33 	declare the candidate duly elected who received the highest number of votes for each 
204.1 	municipal office and the results of the election any ballot questions. The governing body 
204.2 	of a town conducting the general election in March shall act as the canvassing board, canvass 
204.3 	the returns, and shall declare the candidate duly elected who received the highest number 
204.4 	of votes for each town office and the results of the election any ballot question within two 
204.5 	days after an election.
204.6 	(b) After the time for contesting elections has passed, the municipal clerk shall issue a 
204.7 	certificate of election to each successful candidate. In case of a contest, the certificate shall 
204.8 	not be issued until the outcome of the contest has been determined by the proper court.
204.9 	(c) In case of a tie vote, the canvassing board having jurisdiction over the municipality 
204.10 	shall determine the result by lot. The clerk of the canvassing board shall certify the results 
204.11 	of the election to the county auditor, and the clerk shall be the final custodian of the ballots 
204.12 	and the returns of the election.

204.13 	Sec. 81. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205A.06, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
204.14 		Subdivision 1.Affidavit of candidacy. (a) An individual who is eligible and desires to 
204.15 	become a candidate for an office to be voted on at the election must file an affidavit of 
204.16 	candidacy with the school district clerk. The affidavit must be in the form prescribed by 
204.17 	section 204B.06. The school district clerk shall also accept an application signed by at least 
204.18 	five voters and filed on behalf of an eligible voter in the school district whom they desire 
204.19 	to be a candidate, if service of a copy of the application has been made on the candidate 
204.20 	and proof of service is endorsed on the application being filed. No individual shall be 
204.21 	nominated by nominating petition for a school district elective office. Upon receipt of the 
204.22 	proper filing fee, the clerk shall place the name of the candidate on the official ballot without 
204.23 	partisan designation.
204.24 	(b) The school district clerk shall notify the official responsible for preparing the ballot 
204.25 	of the names of the candidates placed on the ballot, any changes to candidates, and other 
204.26 	information necessary to prepare the ballot. The notification must be made within one 
204.27 	business day of receiving the filing or change or immediately following the close of the 
204.28 	filing period, whichever is sooner, unless the clerk and official agree to an alternative 
204.29 	notification timeline.

204.30 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

205.1 	Sec. 82. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205A.06, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
205.2 		Subd. 1a.Filing period. In school districts that have adopted a resolution to choose 
205.3 	nominees for school board by a primary election, affidavits of candidacy must be filed with 
205.4 	the school district clerk no earlier than the 84th day and no later than the 70th day before 
205.5 	the second Tuesday in August in the year when the school district general election is held. 
205.6 	In all other school districts, affidavits of candidacy must be filed no earlier than the 98th
205.7 	112th day and no later than the 84th 98th day before the school district general election.

205.8 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2026.

205.9 	Sec. 83. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205A.10, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
205.10 		Subd. 2.Election, conduct. A school district election must be by secret ballot and must 
205.11 	be held and the returns made in the manner provided for the state general election, as far as 
205.12 	practicable. The vote totals from a ballot board established pursuant to section 203B.121
205.13 	may be tabulated and reported by the school district as a whole rather than by precinct. For 
205.14 	school district elections not held in conjunction with a statewide election, the school board 
205.15 	shall appoint election judges as provided in section 204B.21, subdivision 2. The provisions 
205.16 	of sections 204B.19, subdivision 5; 204B.21, subdivision 2, paragraphs (b) to (f); 204C.15; 
205.17 	204C.19; 206.83; and 206.86, subdivision 2, relating to party balance in appointment of 
205.18 	judges and to duties to be performed by judges of different major political parties do not 
205.19 	apply to school district elections not held in conjunction with a statewide state or federal
205.20 	election.

205.21 	Sec. 84. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205A.10, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
205.22 		Subd. 3.Canvass of returns, certificate of election, ballots, disposition. Between the 
205.23 	third and tenth 14th days after a school district election other than a recount of a special 
205.24 	election conducted under section 126C.17, subdivision 9, or 475.59, the school board shall 
205.25 	canvass the returns and declare the candidate duly elected who received the highest number 
205.26 	of votes for each school district office and the results of the election any ballot question. 
205.27 	The recounted results of a referendum conducted under section 126C.17, subdivision 9, or 
205.28 	475.59, must be certified by the canvassing board. After the time for contesting elections 
205.29 	has passed, the school district clerk shall issue a certificate of election to each successful 
205.30 	candidate. If there is a contest, the certificate of election to that office must not be issued 
205.31 	until the outcome of the contest has been determined by the proper court. If there is a tie 
205.32 	vote, the school board shall determine the result by lot. The clerk shall deliver the certificate 
205.33 	of election to the successful candidate by personal service or certified mail. The successful 
206.1 	candidate shall file an acceptance and oath of office in writing with the clerk within 30 days 
206.2 	of the date of mailing or personal service. A person who fails to qualify prior to the time 
206.3 	specified shall be deemed to have refused to serve, but that filing may be made at any time 
206.4 	before action to fill the vacancy has been taken. The school district clerk shall certify the 
206.5 	results of the election to the county auditor, and the clerk shall be the final custodian of the 
206.6 	ballots and the returns of the election.
206.7 	A school district canvassing board shall perform the duties of the school board according 
206.8 	to the requirements of this subdivision for a recount of a special election conducted under 
206.9 	section 126C.17, subdivision 9, or 475.59.

206.10 	Sec. 85. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205A.11, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
206.11 		Subd. 2.Combined polling place. (a) When no other election is being held in a school 
206.12 	district, the school board may designate combined polling places at which the voters in 
206.13 	those precincts may vote in the school district election.
206.14 	(b) By December 31 of each year, the school board must designate, by resolution, any 
206.15 	changes to combined polling places. The combined polling places designated in the resolution 
206.16 	are the polling places, unless a change is made in accordance with this paragraph or:
206.17 	(1) pursuant to section 204B.175; or
206.18 	(2) because a polling place has become unavailable.
206.19 	(c) If the school board designates combined polling places pursuant to this subdivision, 
206.20 	polling places must be designated throughout the district, taking into account both 
206.21 	geographical distribution and population distribution. A combined polling place must be at 
206.22 	a location designated for use as a polling place by a county or municipality, except as 
206.23 	provided in this paragraph. If the municipality conducts elections by mail balloting pursuant 
206.24 	to section 204B.45, the school board may designate a polling place not used by the 
206.25 	municipality if the polling place satisfies the requirements in section 204B.16, subdivisions 
206.26 	4 to 7.
206.27 	(d) In school districts that have organized into separate board member election districts 
206.28 	under section 205A.12, a combined polling place for a school general election must be 
206.29 	arranged so that it does not include more than one board member election district.

207.1 	Sec. 86. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 206.83, is amended to read:
207.2 	206.83 TESTING OF VOTING SYSTEMS.
207.3 	At least three days before voting equipment is used, the official in charge of elections 
207.4 	shall have the voting system tested to ascertain that the system will correctly mark ballots 
207.5 	using all methods supported by the system, including through assistive technology, and 
207.6 	count the votes cast for all candidates and on all questions. Public notice of the time and 
207.7 	place of the test must be given at least two five days in advance by publication once in 
207.8 	official newspapers. The test must be observed by at least two election judges, who are not 
207.9 	of the same major political party, and must be open to representatives of the political parties, 
207.10 	candidates, the press, and the public. The test must be conducted by (1) processing a 
207.11 	preaudited group of ballots punched or marked to record a predetermined number of valid 
207.12 	votes for each candidate and on each question in the contest, and must include for each 
207.13 	office one or more ballot cards which have votes in excess of the number allowed by law 
207.14 	in order to test the ability of the voting system tabulator and electronic ballot marker to 
207.15 	reject those votes; and (2) processing an additional test deck of ballots marked using the 
207.16 	electronic ballot marker for the precinct, including ballots marked using the electronic ballot 
207.17 	display, audio ballot reader, and any assistive voting technology used with the electronic 
207.18 	ballot marker. If any error is detected, the cause must be ascertained and corrected and an 
207.19 	errorless count must be made before the voting system may be used in the election. After 
207.20 	the completion of the test, the programs used and ballot cards must be sealed, retained, and 
207.21 	disposed of as provided for paper ballots.

207.22 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective September 1, 2025.

207.23 	Sec. 87. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 202A.20, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
207.24 		Subd. 2.Reporting caucus results. If a major political party does not participate in a 
207.25 	presidential nomination primary pursuant to chapter 207A and instead conducts preference 
207.26 	balloting at precinct caucuses, the secretary of state shall promptly report to the public the 
207.27 	results of preference balloting at the precinct caucuses.

207.28 	Sec. 88. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 207A.11, is amended to read:
207.29 	207A.11 PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION PRIMARY ESTABLISHED.
207.30 	(a) A presidential nomination primary must be held each year in which a president and 
207.31 	vice president of the United States are to be nominated and elected, except as provided in 
207.32 	section 207A.17, paragraph (b).
208.1 	(b) The party chairs must jointly submit to the secretary of state, no later than March 1 
208.2 	in a year prior to a presidential election year, the single date on which the parties have agreed 
208.3 	to conduct the presidential nomination primary in the next year. The date selected must not 
208.4 	be the date of the town general election provided in section 205.075, subdivision 1. If a date 
208.5 	is not jointly submitted by the deadline, the presidential nomination primary must be held 
208.6 	on the first Tuesday in March in the year of the presidential election. No other election may 
208.7 	be conducted on the date of the presidential nomination primary.
208.8 	(c) The secretary of state must adopt rules to implement the provisions of this chapter. 
208.9 	The secretary of state shall consult with the party chairs throughout the rulemaking process, 
208.10 	including seeking advice about possible rules before issuing a notice of intent to adopt rules, 
208.11 	consultation before the notice of comment is published, consultation on the statement of 
208.12 	need and reasonableness, consultation in drafting and revising the rules, and consultation 
208.13 	regarding any modifications to the rule being considered.
208.14 	(d) This chapter only applies to a major political party that selects delegates at the 
208.15 	presidential nomination primary to send to a national convention. A major political party 
208.16 	that does not participate in a national convention is not eligible to participate in the 
208.17 	presidential nomination primary.
208.18 	(e) For purposes of this chapter, "political party" or "party" means a major political party 
208.19 	as defined in section 200.02, subdivision 7, that is eligible to participate in the presidential 
208.20 	nomination primary.

208.21 	Sec. 89. [207A.17] PARTY PAYMENT FOR COSTS.
208.22 	(a) No later than September 1 of the year preceding a presidential election year, the 
208.23 	secretary of state must notify each major political party of the estimated state and local costs 
208.24 	of conducting the presidential nomination primary and invoice each party for its portion of 
208.25 	the costs. Each party's portion of the costs is calculated by dividing the amount originally 
208.26 	certified to the commissioner of management and budget under section 207A.15, subdivision 
208.27 	1, paragraph (b), by the number of parties eligible to participate in the presidential nomination 
208.28 	primary. The secretary of state must deposit payments received from parties for amounts 
208.29 	billed under this paragraph in the general fund.
208.30 	(b) If at least one party pays the secretary of state the amount invoiced to it under 
208.31 	paragraph (a) by October 1 of the year preceding a presidential election year, then a 
208.32 	presidential nomination primary must be held the following year. If a party does not pay 
208.33 	the amount invoiced to it under paragraph (a) by October 1 of the year preceding a 
208.34 	presidential election year, then section 207A.13 does not apply to that party in the following 
209.1 	year, and a presidential nomination primary ballot must not be prepared for that party. If 
209.2 	no party pays the secretary of state the amount invoiced to it under paragraph (a) by October 
209.3 	1 of the year preceding a presidential election year, then a presidential nomination primary 
209.4 	must not be held.

209.5 	Sec. 90. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 368.47, is amended to read:
209.6 	368.47 TOWNS MAY BE DISSOLVED.
209.7 	(1) When the voters residing within a town have failed to elect any town officials for 
209.8 	more than ten years continuously;
209.9 	(2) when a town has failed for a period of ten years to exercise any of the powers and 
209.10 	functions of a town;
209.11 	(3) when the estimated market value of a town drops to less than $165,000;
209.12 	(4) when the tax delinquency of a town, exclusive of taxes that are delinquent or unpaid 
209.13 	because they are contested in proceedings for the enforcement of taxes, amounts to 12 
209.14 	percent of its market value; or
209.15 	(5) when the state or federal government has acquired title to 50 percent of the real estate 
209.16 	of a town,
209.17 	which facts, or any of them, may be found and determined by the resolution of the county 
209.18 	board of the county in which the town is located, according to the official records in the 
209.19 	office of the county auditor, the county board by resolution may declare the town, naming 
209.20 	it, dissolved and no longer entitled to exercise any of the powers or functions of a town.
209.21 	In Cass, Itasca, and St. Louis Counties, before the dissolution is effective the voters of 
209.22 	the town shall express their approval or disapproval. The town clerk shall, upon a petition 
209.23 	signed by a majority of the registered voters of the town, filed with the clerk at least 60 84
209.24 	days before a regular or special town election, give notice at the same time and in the same 
209.25 	manner of the election that the question of dissolution of the town will be submitted for 
209.26 	determination at the election. At the election the question shall be voted upon by a separate 
209.27 	ballot. The form of the question under this chapter shall be substantially in the following 
209.28 	form: "Shall the town of ... be dissolved?" The ballot shall be deposited in a separate ballot 
209.29 	box and The result of the voting canvassed, certified, and returned in the same manner and 
209.30 	at the same time as other facts and returns of the election. If a majority of the votes cast at 
209.31 	the election are for dissolution, the town shall be dissolved. If a majority of the votes cast 
209.32 	at the election are against dissolution, the town shall not be dissolved.
210.1 	When a town is dissolved under sections 368.47 to 368.49 the county shall acquire title 
210.2 	to any telephone company or other business conducted by the town. The business shall be 
210.3 	operated by the board of county commissioners until it can be sold. The subscribers or 
210.4 	patrons of the business shall have the first opportunity of purchase. If the town has any 
210.5 	outstanding indebtedness chargeable to the business, the county auditor shall levy a tax 
210.6 	against the property situated in the dissolved town to pay the indebtedness as it becomes 
210.7 	due.

210.8 	Sec. 91. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 375.20, is amended to read:
210.9 	375.20 BALLOT QUESTIONS.
210.10 	If the county board may do an act, incur a debt, appropriate money for a purpose, or 
210.11 	exercise any other power or authority, only if authorized by a vote of the people, the question 
210.12 	may be submitted at a special or general election, by a resolution specifying the matter or 
210.13 	question to be voted upon. If the question is to authorize the appropriation of money, creation 
210.14 	of a debt, or levy of a tax, it shall state the amount. Notice of the election shall be given as 
210.15 	in the case of special elections. If the question submitted is adopted, the board shall pass an 
210.16 	appropriate resolution to carry it into effect. In the election the form of the ballot shall be: 
210.17 	"Shall (here state the substance of the resolution to be submitted)?, Yes ...... No......,". The 
210.18 	county board may call a special county election upon a question to be held within 74 84
210.19 	days after a resolution to that effect is adopted by the county board. Upon the adoption of 
210.20 	the resolution the county auditor shall post and publish notices of the election, as required 
210.21 	by section 204D.22, subdivisions 2 and 3. The election shall be conducted and the returns 
210.22 	canvassed in the manner prescribed by sections 204D.20 to 204D.27, so far as practicable.

210.23 	Sec. 92. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 414.09, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
210.24 		Subd. 3.Elections of municipal officers. (a) An order approving an incorporation or 
210.25 	consolidation pursuant to this chapter, or an order requiring an election under section 414.031, 
210.26 	subdivision 4a, shall set a date for an election of new municipal officers not less than 45 
210.27 	days nor more than 60 days after the issuance of such order in accordance with the uniform 
210.28 	election dates defined in section 205.10, subdivision 3a.
210.29 	(b) The chief administrative law judge shall appoint an acting clerk for election purposes, 
210.30 	at least three election judges who shall be residents of the new municipality, and shall 
210.31 	designate polling places within the new municipality.
210.32 	(c) The acting clerk shall prepare the official election ballot pursuant to section 205.17.
211.1 	(d) Any person eligible to hold municipal office may file an affidavit of candidacy not 
211.2 	more than four weeks nor less than two weeks before the date designated in the order for 
211.3 	the election pursuant to section 205.13.
211.4 	(e) The election shall be conducted in conformity with the charter and the laws for 
211.5 	conducting municipal elections insofar as applicable.
211.6 	(f) Any person eligible to vote at a township or municipal election within the area of the 
211.7 	new municipality, is eligible to vote at such election.
211.8 	(g) Any excess in the expense of conducting the election over receipts from filing fees 
211.9 	shall be a charge against the new municipality; any excess of receipts shall be deposited in 
211.10 	the treasury of the new municipality.

211.11 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective June 1, 2025.

211.12 	Sec. 93. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 447.32, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
211.13 		Subd. 4.Candidates; ballots; certifying election. (a) A person who wants to be a 
211.14 	candidate for the hospital board shall file an affidavit of candidacy for the election either 
211.15 	as member at large or as a member representing the city or town where the candidate 
211.16 	maintains residence. The affidavit of candidacy must be filed with the city or town clerk 
211.17 	not more than 98 112 days nor less than 84 98 days before the first Tuesday after the first 
211.18 	Monday in November of the year in which the general election is held. The city or town 
211.19 	clerk must forward the affidavits of candidacy to the clerk of the hospital district or, for the 
211.20 	first election, the clerk of the most populous city or town immediately after the last day of 
211.21 	the filing period. A candidate may withdraw from the election by filing an affidavit of 
211.22 	withdrawal with the clerk of the district no later than 5:00 p.m. two days after the last day 
211.23 	to file affidavits of candidacy.
211.24 	(b) Voting must be by secret ballot. The clerk shall prepare, at the expense of the district, 
211.25 	necessary ballots for the election of officers. Ballots must be prepared as provided in the 
211.26 	rules of the secretary of state. The ballots must be marked and initialed by at least two judges 
211.27 	as official ballots and used exclusively at the election. Any proposition to be voted on may 
211.28 	be printed on the ballot provided for the election of officers. The hospital board may also 
211.29 	authorize the use of voting systems subject to chapter 206. Enough election judges may be 
211.30 	appointed to receive the votes at each polling place. The election judges shall act as clerks 
211.31 	of election, count the ballots cast, and submit them to the board for canvass.
212.1 	(c) Between the third and 14th days after an election, the board must act as the canvassing 
212.2 	board, canvass the returns, and declare the candidate duly elected who received the highest 
212.3 	number of votes for each hospital district office and the results of any ballot questions.
212.4 	(d) After canvassing the election, the board shall issue a certificate of election to the 
212.5 	candidate who received the largest number of votes cast for each office. The clerk shall 
212.6 	deliver the certificate to the person entitled to it in person or by certified mail. Each person 
212.7 	certified shall file an acceptance and oath of office in writing with the clerk within 30 days 
212.8 	after the date of delivery or mailing of the certificate. The board may fill any office as 
212.9 	provided in subdivision 1 if the person elected fails to qualify within 30 days, but qualification 
212.10 	is effective if made before the board acts to fill the vacancy.

212.11 	EFFECTIVE DATE. Paragraph (a) is effective January 1, 2026.

212.12 	Sec. 94. TRANSITION TO NEW VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS; 
212.13 	ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATIONS.
 212.14 	(a) Notwithstanding the requirements of section 10, a completed voter registration 
212.15 	application submitted by a voter is not deficient for purposes of registering that voter if the 
212.16 	application form was printed or provided to the voter prior to July 1, 2025. On or after July 
212.17 	1, 2025, an election official must not print or copy a blank voter registration application 
212.18 	that does not include the modifications required by section 10. An election official may 
212.19 	distribute copies of registration applications that were printed prior to the effective date.
212.20 	(b) Notwithstanding the requirements of section 25, a completed absentee ballot 
212.21 	application submitted by a voter is not deficient for purposes of applying for an absentee 
212.22 	ballot if the application was printed or provided to the voter prior to July 1, 2025. On or 
212.23 	after July 1, 2025, an election official must not print, copy, or distribute a blank absentee 
212.24 	ballot  application that does not include the modifications required by section 25.

212.25 	Sec. 95. VOTER OUTREACH; SECRETARY OF STATE.
 212.26 	(a) The secretary of state must conduct voter outreach efforts across the state with the 
212.27 	goal of increasing voter turnout. The secretary must focus on counties with the lowest voter 
212.28 	turnout in the 2022 and 2024 general elections. At a minimum, these efforts must include 
212.29 	publicizing the methods of registering to vote or updating a voter registration, the ways to 
212.30 	vote on or before election day, and recent changes to laws relating to voter registration and 
212.31 	early voting. The secretary of state must provide these voter outreach materials in the three 
212.32 	most common non-English languages and any other language required for a language 
212.33 	minority district in a county, as defined by Minnesota Statutes, section 204B.295.
213.1 	(b) By January 15, 2027, the secretary of state must report to the chairs and ranking 
213.2 	minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over election policy and 
213.3 	finance on the voter outreach efforts required in paragraph (a). At a minimum, the report 
213.4 	must include:
213.5 	(1) which counties were identified as the lowest voter turnout counties and how they 
213.6 	were identified;
213.7 	(2) for each county, the total number of voters in each election and the percentage of 
213.8 	eligible voters who cast ballots for the 2022, 2024, and 2026 general elections;
213.9 	(3) a description of voter outreach efforts that were conducted pursuant to paragraph 
213.10 	(a), including, where applicable, details of what efforts took place in each county;
213.11 	(4) an itemization of expenditures made for the purposes of paragraph (a); and
213.12 	(5) a listing of the non-English language materials that were provided and, where 
213.13 	applicable, in which counties.
213.14 	If data described in clause (2) for the 2026 general election is not available for purposes 
213.15 	of calculating the percentage of eligible voters who cast ballots, the secretary of state must 
213.16 	use the most recent data available. When data from the 2026 general election becomes 
213.17 	available, the secretary of state must update the report with the percentages for each county 
213.18 	and provide the updated report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative 
213.19 	committees with jurisdiction over election policy and finance.

213.20 	Sec. 96. REPEALER.
 213.21 	Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 206.57, subdivision 5b; 206.95; and 209.06, are 
213.22 	repealed.

213.23 	Sec. 97. EFFECTIVE DATE.
 213.24 	Unless otherwise provided, this article is effective July 1, 2025.

	ARTICLE 1	STATE GOVERNMENT AND ELECTIONS APPROPRIATIONS........	Page.Ln 2.44	
	ARTICLE 2	STATE GOVERNMENT POLICY........	Page.Ln 19.26	
	ARTICLE 3	STATE PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT........	Page.Ln 51.6	
	ARTICLE 4	LICENSING BOARDS........	Page.Ln 69.13	
	ARTICLE 5	MINNESOTA BUSINESS FILING FRAUD PREVENTION ACT........	Page.Ln 81.1	
	ARTICLE 6	BUSINESS FILING FEES........	Page.Ln 88.13	
	ARTICLE 7	LOCAL GOVERNMENT POLICY........	Page.Ln 94.15	
	ARTICLE 8	CAMPAIGN FINANCE POLICY........	Page.Ln 103.5	
	ARTICLE 9	ELECTION POLICY........	Page.Ln 144.1	

APPENDIX 

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: S3045-3 

16B.328 OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURES MODEL ORDINANCE.Subd. 2.Model ordinance. 
The commissioner of administration, in consultation with the commissioner of commerce, associations for local governments, and any other interested person, shall develop a model ordinance that can be adapted for use by cities, counties, and towns, governing outdoor lighting to reduce light pollution. The model ordinance must address: 

(1) standards for lighting on private property; outdoor advertising; lighting on commercial, industrial, or institutional property; canopies covering fueling stations; and public streets, sidewalks, and alleys; 

(2) how illumination levels should be measured; 

(3) possible exemptions, such as for temporary emergency or hazard lighting; 

(4) recommended elements for an exterior lighting plan for a development; 

(5) treatment of nonconforming lighting; 

(6) lighting standards that might apply in special subdistricts; 

(7) light pole maximum heights; and 

(8) light trespass. 

16B.45 FUNCTION OF LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR.
The legislative auditor may conduct performance evaluations of all systems analysis, information services, and computerization efforts of agencies, the University of Minnesota, and metropolitan boards, agencies, and commissions. Upon request of the governing body or the state Information Systems Advisory Council, the legislative auditor shall conduct the same services for political subdivisions of the state and report the findings to the governor and the legislature. The cost of these evaluations must be paid by the agencies being evaluated. 

16B.98 GRANTS MANAGEMENT PROCESS.Subd. 14.Administrative costs. 
Unless amounts are otherwise appropriated for administrative costs, a state agency may retain up to five percent of the amount appropriated to the agency for grants enacted by the legislature and formula grants and up to ten percent for competitively awarded grants. This subdivision applies to appropriations made for new grant programs enacted on or after July 1, 2023. This subdivision does not apply to grants funded with an appropriation of proceeds from the sale of state general obligation bonds. 

16C.36 REORGANIZATION SERVICES UNDER MASTER CONTRACT.
The commissioner of administration must make available under a master contract program a list of eligible contractors who can assist state agencies in using data analytics to: 

(1) accomplish agency reorganization along service rather than functional lines in order to provide more efficient and effective service; and 

(2) bring about internal reorganization of management functions in order to flatten the organizational structure by requiring that decisions are made closer to the service needed, eliminating redundancies, and optimizing the span of control ratios to public and private sector industry benchmarks. 

43A.315 STATE EMPLOYEE EFFICIENT USE OF HEALTH CARE INCENTIVE PROGRAM.
The commissioner of management and budget may develop and implement a program that creates an incentive for efficient use by state employees of State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP). The program may reward employees covered by SEGIP as a group if per capita employee health care costs paid by SEGIP for a calendar year prove to be less than estimated by the commissioner prior to the beginning of the calendar year. The reward may consist of payments of one-half of the cost-savings into the employees' health reimbursement accounts, to be made no later than June 30 of the following calendar year. 

43A.317 MINNESOTA EMPLOYEES INSURANCE PROGRAM.Subdivision 1.Intent. 
The legislature finds that the creation of a statewide program to provide employers with the advantages of a large pool for insurance purchasing would advance the welfare of the citizens of the state. 

Subd. 2.Definitions. 
(a) Scope. For the purposes of this section, the terms defined have the meaning given them. 

(b) Commissioner. "Commissioner" means the commissioner of management and budget. 

(c) Eligible employee. "Eligible employee" means an employee eligible to participate in the program under the terms described in subdivision 6. 

(d) Eligible employer. "Eligible employer" means an employer eligible to participate in the program under the terms described in subdivision 5. 

(e) Eligible individual. "Eligible individual" means a person eligible to participate in the program under the terms described in subdivision 6. 

(f) Employee. "Employee" means an employee of an eligible employer. "Employee" includes a sole proprietor, partner of a partnership, member of a limited liability company, or independent contractor. 

(g) Employer. "Employer" means a private person, firm, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, or other entity actively engaged in business or public services. "Employer" includes both for-profit and nonprofit entities. 

(h) Program. "Program" means the Minnesota employees insurance program created by this section. 

Subd. 3.Administration. 
After consulting with the chairs of the senate Governmental Operations and Veterans Committee and the house of representatives Governmental Operations and Veterans Affairs Policy Committee, the commissioner may determine when the program provided under this section is available. When the commissioner makes the program available, the commissioner shall, consistent with the provisions of this section, administer the program and determine its coverage options, funding and premium arrangements, contractual arrangements, and all other matters necessary to administer the program. The commissioner's contracting authority for the program, including authority for competitive bidding and negotiations, is governed by section 43A.23. 

Subd. 5.Employer eligibility. 
(a) Procedures. All employers are eligible for coverage through the program subject to the terms of this subdivision. The commissioner shall establish procedures for an employer to apply for coverage through the program. 

(b) Term. The initial term of an employer's coverage may be for up to two years from the effective date of the employer's application. After that, coverage will be automatically renewed for an additional term unless the employer gives notice of withdrawal from the program according to procedures established by the commissioner or the commissioner gives notice to the employer of the discontinuance of the program. The commissioner may establish conditions under which an employer may withdraw from the program prior to the expiration of a term, including by reason of an increase in health coverage premiums of 50 percent or more from one insurance year to the next. An employer that withdraws from the program may not reapply for coverage for a period of time equal to its initial term of coverage. 

(c) Minnesota work force. An employer is not eligible for coverage through the program if five percent or more of its eligible employees work primarily outside Minnesota, except that an employer may apply to the program on behalf of only those employees who work primarily in Minnesota. 

(d) Employee participation; aggregation of groups. An employer is not eligible for coverage through the program unless its application includes all eligible employees who work primarily in Minnesota, except employees who waive coverage as permitted by subdivision 6. Private entities that are eligible to file a combined tax return for purposes of state tax laws are considered a single employer, except as otherwise approved by the commissioner. 

(e) Private employer. A private employer is not eligible for coverage unless it has two or more eligible employees in the state of Minnesota. If an employer has only two eligible employees and one is the spouse, child, sibling, parent, or grandparent of the other, the employer must be a Minnesota-domiciled employer and have paid Social Security or self-employment tax on behalf of both eligible employees. 

(f) Minimum participation. The commissioner must require as a condition of employer eligibility that at least 75 percent of its eligible employees who have not waived coverage participate in the program. The participation level of eligible employees must be determined at the initial offering of coverage and at the renewal date of coverage. For purposes of this section, waiver of coverage includes only waivers due to coverage under another group health benefit plan. 

(g) Employer contribution. The commissioner must require as a condition of employer eligibility that the employer contribute at least 50 percent toward the cost of the premium of the employee and may require that the contribution toward the cost of coverage is structured in a way that promotes price competition among the coverage options available through the program. 

(h) Enrollment cap. The commissioner may limit employer enrollment in the program if necessary to avoid exceeding the program's reserve capacity. 

Subd. 6.Individual eligibility. 
(a) Procedures. The commissioner shall establish procedures for eligible employees and other eligible individuals to apply for coverage through the program. 

(b) Employees. An employer shall determine when it applies to the program the criteria its employees must meet to be eligible for coverage under its plan. An employer may subsequently change the criteria annually or at other times with approval of the commissioner. The criteria must provide that new employees become eligible for coverage after a probationary period of at least 30 days, but no more than 90 days. 

(c) Other individuals. An employer may elect to cover under its plan: 

(1) the spouse, dependent children to the limiting age as defined in section 62Q.01, subdivision 2a, disabled children to the extent required in sections 62A.14 and 62A.141, and dependent grandchildren to the extent required in sections 62A.042 and 62A.302; 

(2) a retiree who is eligible to receive a pension or annuity from the employer and a covered retiree's spouse, dependent children to the limiting age as defined in section 62Q.01, subdivision 2a, disabled children to the extent required in sections 62A.14 and 62A.141, and dependent grandchildren to the extent required in sections 62A.042 and 62A.302; 

(3) the surviving spouse, dependent children to the limiting age as defined in section 62Q.01, subdivision 2a, disabled children, and dependent grandchildren of a deceased employee or retiree, if the spouse, children, or grandchildren were covered at the time of the death; 

(4) a covered employee who becomes disabled, as provided in sections 62A.147 and 62A.148; or 

(5) any other categories of individuals for whom group coverage is required by state or federal law. 

An employer shall determine when it applies to the program the criteria individuals in these categories must meet to be eligible for coverage. An employer may subsequently change the criteria annually, or at other times with approval of the commissioner. The criteria for dependent children to the limiting age as defined in section 62Q.01, subdivision 2a, disabled children, and dependent grandchildren may be no more inclusive than the criteria under section 43A.18, subdivision 2. This paragraph shall not be interpreted as relieving the program from compliance with any federal and state continuation of coverage requirements. 

(d) Waiver and late entrance. An eligible individual may waive coverage at the time the employer joins the program or when coverage first becomes available. The commissioner may establish a preexisting condition exclusion of not more than 18 months for late entrants as defined in section 62L.02, subdivision 19. 

(e) Continuation coverage. The program shall provide all continuation coverage required by state and federal law. 

Subd. 7.Coverage. 
 Coverage is available through the program beginning on July 1, 1993. Until an arrangement is in place to provide coverage through a transfer of risk to one or more carriers regulated under chapter 62A, 62C, or 62D, the commissioner shall solicit bids under section 43A.23, from carriers regulated under chapters 62A, 62C, and 62D, to provide coverage of eligible individuals. The commissioner shall provide coverage through contracts with carriers, unless the commissioner receives no reasonable bids from carriers. 

(a) Health coverage. Health coverage is available to all employers in the program. The commissioner shall attempt to establish health coverage options that have strong care management features to control costs and promote quality and shall attempt to make a choice of health coverage options available. Health coverage for a retiree who is eligible for the federal Medicare program must be administered as though the retiree is enrolled in Medicare parts A and B. To the extent feasible as determined by the commissioner and in the best interests of the program, the commissioner shall model coverage after the plan established in section 43A.18, subdivision 2. Health coverage must include at least the benefits required of a carrier regulated under chapter 62A, 62C, or 62D for comparable coverage. Coverage under this paragraph must not be provided as part of the health plans available to state employees. 

(b) Optional coverages. In addition to offering health coverage, the commissioner may arrange to offer dental coverage through the program. Employers with health coverage may choose to offer dental coverage according to the terms established by the commissioner. 

(c) Open enrollment. The program must meet all underwriting requirements of chapter 62L and must provide periodic open enrollments for eligible individuals for those coverages where a choice exists. 

(d) Technical assistance. The commissioner may arrange for technical assistance and referrals for eligible employers in areas such as health promotion and wellness, employee benefits structure, tax planning, and health care analysis services as described in section 62J.2930. 

Subd. 8.Premiums. 
(a) Payments. Employers enrolled in the program shall pay premiums according to terms established by the commissioner. If an employer fails to make the required payments, the commissioner may cancel coverage and pursue other civil remedies. 

(b) Rating method. The commissioner shall determine the premium rates and rating method for the program. The rating method for eligible small employers must meet or exceed the requirements of chapter 62L. The rating methods must recover in premiums all of the ongoing costs for state administration and for maintenance of a premium stability and claim fluctuation reserve. On June 30, 1999, after paying all necessary and reasonable expenses, the commissioner must apply up to $2,075,000 of any remaining balance in the Minnesota employees' insurance trust fund to repayment of any amounts drawn or expended for this program from the health care access fund. 

(c) Taxes and assessments. To the extent that the program operates as a self-insured group, the premiums paid to the program are not subject to the taxes imposed by chapter 297I, but the program is subject to a Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association assessment under section 62E.11. 

Subd. 9.Minnesota employees insurance trust fund. 
(a) Contents. The Minnesota employees insurance trust fund in the state treasury consists of deposits received from eligible employers and individuals, contractual settlements or rebates relating to the program, investment income or losses, and direct appropriations. 

(b) Appropriation. All money in the fund is appropriated to the commissioner to pay insurance premiums, approved claims, refunds, administrative costs, and other costs necessary to administer the program. 

(c) Reserves. For any coverages for which the program does not contract to transfer full financial responsibility, the commissioner shall establish and maintain reserves: 

(1) for claims in process, incomplete and unreported claims, premiums received but not yet earned, and all other accrued liabilities; and 

(2) to ensure premium stability and the timely payment of claims in the event of adverse claims experience. The reserve for premium stability and claim fluctuations must be established according to the standards of section 62C.09, subdivision 3, except that the reserve may exceed the upper limit under this standard until July 1, 1997. 

(d) Investments. The State Board of Investment shall invest the fund's assets according to section 11A.24. Investment income and losses attributable to the fund must be credited to the fund. 

Subd. 10.Program status. 
The Minnesota employees insurance program is a state program to provide the advantages of a large pool to small employers for purchasing health coverage, other coverages, and related services from insurance companies, health maintenance organizations, and other organizations. The program is not an insurance company. Coverage under this program shall be considered a certificate of insurance or similar evidence of coverage and is subject to all applicable requirements of chapters 60A, 62A, 62C, 62E, 62H, 62L, and 72A, and is subject to regulation by the commissioner of commerce to the extent applicable. 

Subd. 12.Status of agents. 
Notwithstanding sections 60K.49 and 72A.07, the program may use, and pay referral fees, commissions, or other compensation to, agents licensed as insurance producers under chapter 60K or licensed under section 62C.17, regardless of whether the agents are appointed to represent the particular health carriers or community integrated service networks that provide the coverage available through the program. When acting under this subdivision, an agent is not an agent of the health carrier or community integrated service network, with respect to that transaction. 

43A.318 PUBLIC EMPLOYEES GROUP LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM.Subdivision 1.Definitions. 
(a) Scope. For the purposes of this section, the terms defined have the meanings given them. 

(b) Eligible person. "Eligible person" means: 

(1) a person who is eligible for insurance and benefits under section 43A.24; 

(2) a person who at the time of separation from employment was eligible to purchase coverage at personal expense under section 43A.27, subdivision 3, regardless of whether the person elected to purchase this coverage; 

(3) a spouse of a person described in clause (1) or (2), regardless of the enrollment status in the program of the person described in clause (1) or (2); or 

(4) a parent of a person described in clause (1), regardless of the enrollment status in the program of the person described in clause (1). 

(c) Program. "Program" means the statewide public employees long-term care insurance program created under subdivision 2. 

(d) Qualified vendor. "Qualified vendor" means an entity licensed or authorized to underwrite, provide, or administer group long-term care insurance benefits in this state. 

Subd. 2.Program creation; general provisions. 
(a) The commissioner may administer a program to make long-term care coverage available to eligible persons. The commissioner may determine the program's funding arrangements, request bids from qualified vendors, and negotiate and enter into contracts with qualified vendors. Contracts are not subject to the requirements of section 16C.16 or 16C.19. Contracts must be for a uniform term of at least one year, but may be made automatically renewable from term to term in the absence of notice of termination by either party. The program may not be self-insured until the commissioner has completed an actuarial study of the program and reported the results of the study to the legislature and self-insurance has been specifically authorized by law. 

(b) The program may provide coverage for home, community, and institutional long-term care and any other benefits as determined by the commissioner. Coverage is optional. The enrolled eligible person must pay the full cost of the coverage. 

(c) The commissioner shall promote activities that attempt to raise awareness of the need for long-term care insurance among residents of the state and encourage the increased prevalence of long-term care coverage. These activities must include the sharing of knowledge gained in the development of the program. 

(d) The commissioner may employ and contract with persons and other entities to perform the duties under this section and may determine their duties and compensation consistent with this chapter. 

(e) The benefits provided under this section are not terms and conditions of employment as defined under section 179A.03, subdivision 19, and are not subject to collective bargaining. 

(f) The commissioner shall establish underwriting criteria for entry of all eligible persons into the program. Eligible persons who would be immediately eligible for benefits may not enroll. 

(g) Eligible persons who meet underwriting criteria may enroll in the program upon hiring and at other times established by the commissioner. 

(h) An eligible person enrolled in the program may continue to participate in the program even if an event, such as termination of employment, changes the person's employment status. 

(i) Participating public employee pension plans and public employers may provide automatic pension or payroll deduction for payment of long-term care insurance premiums to qualified vendors contracted with under this section. 

(j) The premium charged to program enrollees must include an administrative fee to cover all program expenses incurred in addition to the cost of coverage. All fees collected are appropriated to the commissioner for the purpose of administrating the program. 

Subd. 4.Long-term care insurance trust fund. 
(a) The long-term care insurance trust fund in the state treasury consists of deposits of the premiums received from persons enrolled in the program. All money in the fund is appropriated to the commissioner to pay premiums, claims, refunds, administrative costs, and other related service costs. The commissioner shall reserve an amount of money sufficient to cover the actuarially estimated costs of claims incurred but unpaid. The trust fund must be used solely for the purpose of the program. 

(b) The State Board of Investment shall invest the money in the fund according to section 11A.24. Investment income and losses attributable to the fund must be credited to or deducted from the fund. 

Subd. 5.Private sources. 
This section does not prohibit or limit individuals or local governments from purchasing long-term care insurance through other private sources. 

206.57 EXAMINATION OF NEW VOTING SYSTEMS.Subd. 5b.Township voting equipment study. 
(a) Beginning in 2009 and at least once every other year until 2016, the secretary of state shall consult with interested parties, including, but not limited to, members of the legislature, town officers, county election officials, the National Federation of the Blind, the Minnesota State Council on Disability, and the Disability Law Center regarding: 

(1) options for full compliance with subdivision 5; and 

(2) ongoing costs of compliance with subdivision 5 and methods of reducing those costs. 

(b) Beginning January 15, 2010, and until January 15, 2017, the secretary of state shall report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over elections policy and finance regarding the findings, discussions, and developments under paragraph (a). 

206.95 VOTING EQUIPMENT GRANT ACCOUNT.Subdivision 1.Voting equipment grant account. 
A voting equipment grant account is established in the special revenue fund. Funds in the account are appropriated to the secretary of state to provide grants to political subdivisions as authorized by this section. Funds in the account are available until expended. 

Subd. 2.Authorized equipment. 
A political subdivision may apply to receive a grant under this section for the purchase or lease of the following: 

(1) an electronic voting system, or any individual components of an electronic voting system as provided in section 206.56, subdivision 8; 

(2) assistive voting technology; 

(3) an electronic roster system meeting the technology requirements of section 201.225, subdivision 2; and 

(4) any other equipment or technology approved by the secretary of state for use in conducting a state or local election in Minnesota consistent with the requirements of law. 

Subd. 3.Application. 
(a) The secretary of state may make a grant from the account to a political subdivision only after receiving an application from the political subdivision. The application must contain the following information: 

(1) the date the application is submitted; 

(2) the name of the political subdivision; 

(3) the name and title of the individual who prepared the application; 

(4) the type of voting system currently used in each precinct in the political subdivision; 

(5) the date the system currently used was acquired and at what cost; 

(6) the total number of registered voters, as of the date of the application, in each precinct in the political subdivision; 

(7) the total amount of the grant requested; 

(8) the total amount and source of the political subdivision's money to be used to match a grant from the account; 

(9) the type of voting system to be acquired with the grant money and whether the voting system will permit individuals with disabilities to cast a secret ballot; 

(10) the proposed schedule for purchasing and implementing the new voting system and the precincts in which the new voting system would be used; 

(11) whether the political subdivision has previously applied for a grant from the account and the disposition of that application; 

(12) a certified statement by the political subdivision that the grant will be used only to purchase authorized equipment under subdivision 2 and that the political subdivision has insufficient resources to purchase the voting system without obtaining a grant from the account; and 

(13) any other information required by the secretary of state. 

(b) The secretary of state must establish a deadline for receipt of grant applications, a procedure for awarding and distributing grants, and a process for verifying the proper use of the grants after distribution. 

Subd. 4.Amount of grant. 
A political subdivision is eligible to receive a grant of no more than 75 percent of the total cost of electronic roster equipment and 50 percent of the total cost of all other equipment or technology authorized for a grant under subdivision 2. In evaluating the application, the secretary of state shall consider only the information set forth in the application and is not subject to chapter 14. If the secretary of state determines that the application has been fully and properly completed, and that there is a sufficient balance in the account to fund the grant, either in whole or in part, the secretary of state may approve the application. 

Subd. 5.Report to legislature. 
No later than January 15, 2018, and annually thereafter until the appropriations provided for grants under this section have been exhausted, the secretary of state must submit a report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over elections policy on grants awarded by this section. The report must detail each grant awarded, including the jurisdiction, the amount of the grant, and the type of equipment purchased. 

209.06 INSPECTION OF BALLOTS.Subdivision 1.Appointment of inspectors. 
After a contest has been instituted, either party may have the ballots inspected before preparing for trial. The party requesting an inspection shall file with the district court where the contest is brought a verified petition, stating that the case cannot properly be prepared for trial without an inspection of the ballots and designating the precincts in which an inspection is desired. A judge of the court in which the contest is pending shall then appoint as many sets of three inspectors for a contest of any office or question as are needed to count and inspect the ballots expeditiously. One inspector must be selected by each of the parties to the contest and a third must be chosen by those two inspectors. If either party neglects or refuses to name an inspector, the judge shall appoint the inspector. The compensation of inspectors is the same as for referees, unless otherwise stipulated. 

Subd. 2.Bond, taxing of costs. 
The party applying for the inspection shall file with the court administrator of district court a bond in the sum of $250 if the contest is in a single county. In other cases the bond shall be in a sum set by the court with sureties approved by the court, and conditioned that the party seeking inspection will pay the administrative costs and expenses of the inspection if that party loses the contest. 

Subd. 3.Report of inspectors. 
An inspection must be made in the office and in the presence of the legal custodian of the ballots. The inspectors shall recanvass the votes cast for the parties to the contest or the question in issue in accordance with the rules for counting ballots in the Minnesota Election Law. They shall make a written report of the inspection indicating the number of votes cast for each candidate or each side of the question in each precinct where the ballots were inspected and indicating any disputed ballots upon which the inspectors cannot agree. 

211B.04 CAMPAIGN MATERIAL MUST INCLUDE DISCLAIMER.Subd. 4.Websites. 
The requirements of this section are satisfied for an entire website or social media page when the disclaimer required in subdivision 1 or 2 appears once on the home page of the site. 

211B.06 FALSE POLITICAL AND CAMPAIGN MATERIAL.211B.06 FALSE POLITICAL AND CAMPAIGN MATERIAL.Subdivision 1.Gross misdemeanor. 
(a) A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor who intentionally participates in the preparation, dissemination, or broadcast of paid political advertising or campaign material with respect to the personal or political character or acts of a candidate, or with respect to the effect of a ballot question, that is designed or tends to elect, injure, promote, or defeat a candidate for nomination or election to a public office or to promote or defeat a ballot question, that is false, and that the person knows is false or communicates to others with reckless disregard of whether it is false. 

(b) A person is guilty of a misdemeanor who intentionally participates in the drafting of a letter to the editor with respect to the personal or political character or acts of a candidate, or with respect to the effect of a ballot question, that is designed or tends to elect, injure, promote, or defeat any candidate for nomination or election to a public office or to promote or defeat a ballot question, that is false, and that the person knows is false or communicates to others with reckless disregard of whether it is false. 

Subd. 2.Exception. 
Subdivision 1 does not apply to any person or organization whose sole act is, in the normal course of their business, the printing, manufacturing, or dissemination of the false information. 

211B.06 FALSE POLITICAL AND CAMPAIGN MATERIAL.Subdivision 1.Gross misdemeanor. 
(a) A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor who intentionally participates in the preparation, dissemination, or broadcast of paid political advertising or campaign material with respect to the personal or political character or acts of a candidate, or with respect to the effect of a ballot question, that is designed or tends to elect, injure, promote, or defeat a candidate for nomination or election to a public office or to promote or defeat a ballot question, that is false, and that the person knows is false or communicates to others with reckless disregard of whether it is false. 

(b) A person is guilty of a misdemeanor who intentionally participates in the drafting of a letter to the editor with respect to the personal or political character or acts of a candidate, or with respect to the effect of a ballot question, that is designed or tends to elect, injure, promote, or defeat any candidate for nomination or election to a public office or to promote or defeat a ballot question, that is false, and that the person knows is false or communicates to others with reckless disregard of whether it is false. 

Subd. 2.Exception. 
Subdivision 1 does not apply to any person or organization whose sole act is, in the normal course of their business, the printing, manufacturing, or dissemination of the false information. 

211B.08 SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS PROHIBITED.211B.08 SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS PROHIBITED.
A religious, charitable, or educational organization may not request a candidate or committee to contribute to the organization, to subscribe for the support of a club or organization, to buy tickets to entertainment, or to pay for space in a publication. This section does not apply to: 

(1) the solicitation of a business advertisement in periodicals in which the candidate was a regular contributor, before candidacy; 

(2) ordinary business advertisements; 

(3) regular payments to a religious, charitable, or educational organization, of which the candidate was a member, or to which the candidate was a contributor for more than six months before candidacy; or 

(4) ordinary contributions at church services. 

211B.08 SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS PROHIBITED.
A religious, charitable, or educational organization may not request a candidate or committee to contribute to the organization, to subscribe for the support of a club or organization, to buy tickets to entertainment, or to pay for space in a publication. This section does not apply to: 

(1) the solicitation of a business advertisement in periodicals in which the candidate was a regular contributor, before candidacy; 

(2) ordinary business advertisements; 

(3) regular payments to a religious, charitable, or educational organization, of which the candidate was a member, or to which the candidate was a contributor for more than six months before candidacy; or 

(4) ordinary contributions at church services. 

383C.07 MEMBERS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS; TERMS OF OFFICE.
Notwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary, in St. Louis County every lay member hereafter appointed by the county board to any board or commission heretofore or hereafter created by law, shall be appointed for a term of three years. 

383C.74 HISTORICAL WORK.Subdivision 1.Appropriation. 
The St. Louis County Board may appropriate from the treasury of the county a sum not to exceed $2,500 each year for the promotion of historical work within its borders. 

Subd. 2.Minnesota State Historical Society. 
Said sum shall be so appropriated for the use of a historical society organized in said county and devoted to the collection, preservation and publication of historical material, the dissemination of historical information and in general carrying on historical work, said society to be designated by the Minnesota State Historical Society. 

Subd. 3.Purpose of appropriation. 
The work of said historical society shall be done in the county making such appropriation and in reference to the history of said county and all facts relevant thereto. 

Subd. 4.Money to remain in county treasury. 
The money appropriated as aforesaid shall remain in the treasury of the county and be paid out in payment of expense incurred by said county historical society for the purposes above indicated on verified bills approved by said local society according to its rules, in the same way that county bills are paid. Said appropriation shall be available for expense occurring in any year although not paid until the succeeding year. Any unused portion of any appropriation for any year shall revert to the funds of the county. Said appropriation shall be effective only for the year in which it is made. 

471.9998 MERCHANT BAGS.Subdivision 1.Merchant option. 
All merchants, itinerant vendors, and peddlers doing business in this state shall have the option to provide customers a paper, plastic, or reusable bag for the packaging of any item or good purchased, provided such purchase is of a size and manner commensurate with the use of paper, plastic, or reusable bags. 

Subd. 2.Prohibition; bag ban. 
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no political subdivision shall impose any ban upon the use of paper, plastic, or reusable bags for packaging of any item or good purchased from a merchant, itinerant vendor, or peddler. 

Repealed Minnesota Session Laws: S3045-3 

Laws 2023, chapter 53, article 17, section 2
Sec. 2. CAPITOL AREA COMMUNITY VITALITY ACCOUNT. Subdivision 1.Account established; appropriation. 
(a) A Capitol Area community vitality account is established in the special revenue fund. Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner of administration to improve the livability, economic health, and safety of communities within the Capitol Area, provided that no funds may be expended until a detailed program and oversight plan to govern their use, in accordance with the spending recommendations of the Capitol Area Community Vitality Task Force as approved by the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, has been further approved by law. 

(b) As used in this section, "Capitol Area" includes that part of the city of St. Paul within the boundaries described in Minnesota Statutes, section 15B.02. 

Subd. 2.Appropriation. 
$5,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 is transferred from the general fund to the Capitol Area community vitality account. 

Laws 2024, chapter 120, article 3, section 2
Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 155A.2705, subdivision 3, is amended to read:Subd. 3.Training. 
Hair technician training must be completed at a Minnesota-licensed cosmetology school. The training must consist of 900 hours of coursework and planned clinical instruction and experience that includes: 

(1) the first 300 hours of the hair technology course that includes: 

(i) student orientation; 

(ii) preclinical instruction in the theory of sciences, including: 

(A) muscle and bone structure and function; 

(B) properties of the hair, a study of all hair types and textures, including coil, curl, or wave patterns, hair strand thicknesses, and volumes of hair, and scalp; 

(C) disorders and diseases of the hair and scalp; 

(D) chemistry as related to hair technology; and 

(E) electricity and light related to the practice of hair technology; 

(iii) theory and preclinical instruction on client and service safety prior to students offering services; 

(iv) introductory service skills that are limited to the observation of an instructor demonstration, student use of mannequins, or student-to-student application of basic services related to hair technology; 

(v) Minnesota statutes and rules pertaining to the regulation of hair technology; 

(vi) health and safety instruction that includes: 

(A) chemical safety; 

(B) safety data sheets; 

(C) personal protective equipment (PPE); 

(D) hazardous substances; and 

(E) laws and regulations related to health and public safety; and 

(vii) infection control to protect the health and safety of the public and technician that includes: 

(A) disinfectants; 

(B) disinfectant procedures; 

(C) cleaning and disinfection; 

(D) single use items; 

(E) storage of tools, implements, and linens; and 

(F) other implements and equipment used in salons and schools; 

(2) 300 hours in hair cutting and styling that includes hair and scalp analysis,; providing services to individuals who have all hair types and textures, including coil, curl, or wave patterns, hair strand thicknesses, and volumes of hair; cleaning,; scalp and hair conditioning,; hair design and shaping,; drying,; arranging,; curling,; dressing,; waving,; and nonchemical straightening; and 

(3) 300 hours in chemical hair services that includes hair and scalp analysis,; providing services to individuals with all hair types and textures, including coil, curl, or wave patterns, hair strand thicknesses, and volumes of hair; dying,; bleaching,; reactive chemicals,; keratin,; hair coloring,; permanent straightening,; permanent waving,; predisposition and strand tests,; safety precautions,; chemical mixing,; color formulation,; and the use of dye removers. 

EFFECTIVE DATE. 
This section is effective August 1, 2025. 

1105.7900SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCY. D.
 Individuals required by Minnesota Statutes, section 326A.14, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), to obtain a verification that their individual qualifications are substantially equivalent to the licensure requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 326A.03, subdivisions 3, 4, and 6, shall obtain the verification from the NASBA National Qualification Appraisal Service prior to rendering professional services in this state. Documentation supporting this verification must be maintained by the individual for a minimum period of six years and must be submitted to the board upon request. 

4503.2000DISCLAIMERS. Subp. 2.Material linked to a disclaimer.  
Minnesota Statutes, section 211B.04, does not apply to the following communications that link directly to an online page that includes a disclaimer in the form required by that section if the communication is made by or on behalf of a candidate, principal campaign committee, political committee, political fund, political party unit, or person who has made an electioneering communication, as those terms are defined in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 10A: 

A. 
text, images, video, or audio disseminated via a social media platform; 

B. 
a text or multimedia message disseminated only to telephone numbers; 

C. 
text, images, video, or audio disseminated using an application accessed primarily via mobile phone, excluding email messages, telephone calls, and voicemail messages; and 

D. 
paid electronic advertisements disseminated via the internet by a third party, including but not limited to online banner advertisements and advertisements appearing within the electronic version of a newspaper, periodical, or magazine. 

The link must be conspicuous and when selected must result in the display of an online page that prominently includes the required disclaimer. 

4511.1100MAJOR DECISION OF NONELECTED LOCAL OFFICIALS. Subpart 1.Major decision regarding the expenditure of public money.  
Attempting to influence a nonelected local official is lobbying if the nonelected local official may make, recommend, or vote on as a member of the political subdivision's governing body, a major decision regarding an expenditure or investment of public money. 

Subp. 2.Actions that are a major decision regarding public funds.  
A major decision regarding the expenditure or investment of public money includes but is not limited to a decision on: 

A. 
the development and ratification of operating and capital budgets of a political subdivision, including development of the budget request for an office or department within the political subdivision; 

B. 
whether to apply for or accept state or federal funding or private grant funding; 

C. 
selecting recipients for government grants from the political subdivision; or 

D. 
tax abatement, tax increment financing, or expenditures on public infrastructure, used to support private housing or business developments. 

Subp. 3.Actions that are not a major decision.  
A major decision regarding the expenditure of public money does not include: 

A. 
the purchase of goods or services with public funds in the operating or capital budget of a political subdivision; 

B. 
collective bargaining of a labor contract on behalf of a political subdivision; or 

C. 
participating in discussions with a party or a party's representative regarding litigation between the party and the political subdivision of the local official.