Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF1930

Introduced
3/5/25  

Caption

Reprisals for refusing to communicate with public or local officials prohibited.

Impact

The passage of HF1930 will significantly alter how political activity is approached in Minnesota, providing greater protections for individuals who may face repercussions for their political associations or their reluctance to communicate with officials. By criminalizing such reprisals as gross misdemeanors, the bill aims to empower citizens, ensuring that their rights to free political expression are upheld without fear of economic or physical ramifications. This amendment could also serve as a motivator for more citizens to engage in political discourse, knowing they are protected by law.

Summary

HF1930 is a legislative bill aimed at prohibiting reprisals against individuals or associations who refuse to communicate with public or local officials. Specifically, the bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.36, by imposing penalties for economic reprisals or threats of coercion related to political contributions or refusal to engage in political discussions. This marks a significant move toward safeguarding political expression, ensuring that individuals are not threatened or coerced based on their political beliefs or actions.

Contention

While support for HF1930 focuses on the protection of political freedoms, there may also be concerns regarding its enforcement and implications on employers. Critics may argue that the definition of reprisals needs to be clearer to avoid potential abuse of the law. Additionally, there could be discussions around how this law might intersect with employment practices, particularly in jobs where political affiliation may influence hiring decisions, as the bill specifically allows exceptions if political affiliation is a bona fide occupational qualification.

Companion Bills

MN SF1854

Similar To Reprisals prohibition for refusing to communicate with public or local officials, political activity prohibited reprisals clarification provision, and civil cause of action provision

Previously Filed As

MN SF1507

Intimidation prohibition of election officials

MN HF635

Election official intimidation prohibited, interference with performance of duty of election administration by election official prohibited, tampering with or unauthorized access to types of election systems and equipment prohibited, penalties provided, and money appropriated.

MN SF2732

Electioneering communications regulation

MN HF2337

Electioneering communications regulated, statements of electioneering communications required to be submitted to Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, relevant definitions adopted, and fees established.

MN SF1580

Loophole closure in disclosure of economic interests of public officials to include disclosure of certain independent contracting and consulting

MN HF3527

Minnesota Voting Rights Act established, legislative findings made, actions by political subdivisions or other officials or entities with responsibilities related to election administration that result in voter suppression or vote dilution prohibited, civil cause of action established for violations, prior notice required for claims, and remedies established.

MN HF2860

Minnesota made a sanctuary state for immigration enforcement purposes, and state and local officials restricted from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement efforts.

MN HF3760

Licensing sanctions prohibited for patients in registry program, schools and landlords prohibited from refusing to serve patients enrolled in registry program because cannabis is a controlled substance under federal law, and other protections for patients enrolled in registry program provided.

MN SF3169

Amending eligibility to permit local government officials to participate in public employees defined contribution plan

MN HF4331

Metropolitan Council abolished, duties transferred to other departments, public safety radio communication law and fiscal disparity law conforming amendments made, payment of bonds and other debt obligations provided, metro area sanitary sewer district created, and money appropriated.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.