Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF3168

Introduced
4/10/25  

Caption

Pool of alternate members for ethnic councils established, and reports required.

Impact

The bill specifically amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 15.0145, by introducing provisions for the selection, duties, and terms of alternate members. Each council is required to maintain a two-to-one ratio of alternates to regular members, ensuring that there are always sufficient representatives available to participate in decision-making processes. This change is expected to bolster the councils' effectiveness, enhance participation from diverse community leaders, and ensure that various perspectives are heard during deliberations.

Summary

House File 3168 aims to enhance the functioning of ethnic councils in Minnesota by establishing a pool of alternate members. This initiative is designed to ensure consistent participation and representation within these councils, which include the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs, the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage, and the Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans. By instituting an alternate member system, the bill seeks to maintain a quorum during meetings and improve the councils' operational efficiency, particularly when regular members are unable to fulfill their responsibilities.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HF3168 may revolve around the selection process for alternate members, particularly the criteria for ensuring demographic representation. Questions may arise regarding the effectiveness of the proposed system in truly reflecting the communities served. Additionally, the bill mandates that councils track attendance and participation rates, potentially leading to discussions about accountability and the proactive engagement of both regular and alternate council members. Concerns may also be raised about how the implementation will play out in practice, especially regarding the qualifications and the experience required for alternates.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MN HF158

Minnesota Youth Advisory Council established, Legislative Coordinating Commission required to appoint an executive director, council duties specified, and reports required.

MN SF194

Minnesota Youth Advisory Council establishment

MN SF4894

Constitutional amendment to establish an independent citizens' redistricting commission, establishment of advisory citizens' redistricting commission, establishing redistricting principles and requirements, and appropriations

MN HF4593

Advisory citizens' redistricting commission established, redistricting principles and redistricting requirements established, constitutional amendment to establish an independent citizen's redistricting commission proposed, and money appropriated.

MN HF4598

Independent Redistricting Commission established, Applicant Review Panel established, principles to be used in adopting legislative and congressional districts established, legislative members lobbying activity prohibited, convening and conduct of regular legislative sessions requirements amended, and constitutional amendment proposed.

MN HF5275

Office of Emergency Medical Services established to replace Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board, duties specified, advisory council established, alternative EMS response model pilot program established, emergency ambulance service aid established, and money appropriated.

MN HF2462

Council on LGBTQIA Minnesotans established.

MN SF2431

Council on LGBTQIA Minnesotans establishment and appropriations

MN HF2686

Board of Medical Practice membership modified, requirements for complaint review committee membership and processes established, requirements for information on provider profiles on Board of Medicine website established, requirements for posted information at points of patient contact established, audit required, and reports required.

MN HF5018

Independent Redistricting Commission established, Applicant Review Panel established, principles to be used in adopting legislative and congressional districts established, legislative members prohibited from engaging in certain lobbying activities, and regular legislative session convening and conduct requirements amended.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.