HF 501

as introduced - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026) Posted on 02/13/2025 02:43pm

A bill for an act
relating to state government; proposing an amendment to the Minnesota
Constitution, article I, by adding a section; providing for equal rights under the
law and prohibiting discrimination based on the listed characteristics.

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

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

new text begin An amendment to the Minnesota Constitution is proposed to the people. If the amendment
is adopted, a section shall be added to article I, to read:
new text end

new text begin Sec. 18. new text end

new text begin All persons shall be guaranteed equal rights under the laws of this state. The
state shall not discriminate against any person in intent or effect on account of one or more
of the following:
new text end

new text begin (a) race;
new text end

new text begin (b) color;
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new text begin (c) national origin;
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new text begin (d) ancestry;
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new text begin (e) disability; or
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new text begin (f) sex, including but not limited to:
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new text begin (i) making and effectuating decisions about all matters relating to one's own pregnancy
or decision whether to become or remain pregnant;
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new text begin (ii) gender identity or gender expression; or
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new text begin (iii) sexual orientation.
new text end

new text begin Any action by the state that denies an individual's equal rights shall be invalid unless,
at a minimum, it is the least restrictive means of achieving a compelling governmental
interest.
new text end

new text begin For purposes of this section, state includes the state or any agency or political subdivision
of the state.
new text end

new text begin This section is self-executing. This section does not limit or narrow existing rights in
this constitution. Nothing in this section shall invalidate or prevent the adoption of any law,
regulation, program, practice, or benefit designed to prevent or remedy discrimination on
the basis of characteristics listed in this section.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin SUBMISSION TO VOTERS.
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new text begin (a) The proposed amendment must be submitted to the people at the 2026 general election.
If ratified, the amendment is effective January 1, 2027. The question submitted must be:
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new text begin "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to say that all persons shall be guaranteed
equal rights under the laws of this state, and shall not be discriminated against on account
of race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex, including pregnancy, gender, and
sexual orientation?
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	new text begin Yes . new text end
	new text begin No . new text end	new text begin " new text end

new text begin (b) The title required under Minnesota Statutes, section 204D.15, subdivision 1, for the
question submitted to the people under paragraph (a) shall be: "Minnesota Equal Rights
Amendment."
new text end