HF 2022

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 02/25/2014 02:49pm

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

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

Section 1. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS PROPOSED.

An amendment to the Minnesota Constitution is proposed to the people. If the
amendment is adopted,

article V, section 1, will read:

Section 1.

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

article V, section 2, will read:

Sec. 2.

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

article V, section 5, will read:

Sec. 5.

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

Sec. 2. SCHEDULE AND QUESTION.

The proposed amendment shall be submitted to the people at the 2014 general
election and, if approved, shall take effect on the first Monday in January 2015. The
question submitted shall be:

"Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to abolish the office of lieutenant
governor on the first Monday in January 2015?

Yes .......

No ......."