MN
Minnesota Senate Bill SF1838

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF1838

Introduced
2/20/23  

Caption

Constitutional amendment proposal to require a supermajority vote of the legislature for passing laws that increase state revenues

Impact

The proposed amendment, if passed, would fundamentally alter the legislative process related to taxation by establishing a higher threshold for revenue-increasing measures. As a result, this could make it significantly more difficult for future legislatures to increase state funding for public services, infrastructure, and other critical areas reliant on taxpayer contributions. The requirement for a two-thirds majority could lead to stalemates, especially in divided legislatures, and may prompt debates over the ramifications of such a restrictive approach to tax policy.

Summary

SF1838 proposes a significant change to the Minnesota Constitution by requiring a supermajority vote in both houses of the legislature to pass any law that increases state revenues. This includes changes to existing taxes, tax credits, fees, or the introduction of new taxes or fees. The bill is framed as a way to promote fiscal responsibility and limit tax increases without broader legislative consensus, thereby giving more power to a minority of legislators to block tax legislation.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked considerable debate among legislators and stakeholders. Proponents argue that it will safeguard taxpayers by preventing hasty increases in taxation, whereas opponents contend that it undermines the legislative process and could jeopardize essential services that depend on adequate funding. Critics suggest that requiring a supermajority may overly politicize tax decisions, making it more challenging to respond to economic needs through government revenue adjustments.

Companion Bills

MN HF2221

Similar To Supermajority vote of legislature required for passing laws that increase state revenues, and constitutional amendment proposed.

Previously Filed As

MN HF2221

Supermajority vote of legislature required for passing laws that increase state revenues, and constitutional amendment proposed.

MN HF530

Supermajority vote of the legislature required to convey certain state land for less than market value, and constitutional amendment proposed.

MN SF436

Constitutional amendment proposal to require a supermajority vote of the legislature to convey certain state land for less than market value

MN ACR48

Proposes constitutional amendment to require two-thirds majority vote by Legislature for bills proposing a new or increased State tax, fee, surcharge or civil penalty.

MN ACR84

Proposes constitutional amendment to require two-thirds majority vote by Legislature for bills proposing a new or increased State tax, fee, surcharge or civil penalty.

MN HF3158

Supermajority vote of the legislature required to authorize public funding for a professional sports facility, and constitutional amendment proposed.

MN SF3327

Constitutional amendment requiring a supermajority vote of the legislature to authorize public funding for a professional sports facility

MN HJR78

Proposing a constitutional amendment to require a two-thirds vote of the legislature to enact and submit to the voters a law imposing an income tax or increasing that tax.

MN LD1553

RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Require a Supermajority of the Legislature to Approve Raising Taxes

MN HJR52

Proposing a constitutional amendment to require a four-fifths vote of the legislature to enact and submit to the voters a law imposing an income tax or increasing that tax.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.