Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF3096 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

Old	New		Differences
1	1		1.1 A bill for an act
2		-	1.2 relating to elections; relating to campaign finance; modifying various laws related
3		-	1.3 to election administration; modifying absentee voting requirements and procedures;
4		-	1.4 modifying timelines; modifying provisions related to voter registration; amending
5		-	1.5 notice provisions; modifying requirements relating to appointing election judges;
6		-	1.6 formalizing the election reporting system; clarifying terminology; expanding laws
7		-	1.7 relating to reprisals for political activity; expanding election-related bribery and
8		-	1.8 solicitation prohibitions; amending fair campaign practices laws; requiring the
9		-	1.9 Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board to study campaign spending limits;
10		-	1.10 modifying the definition of expressly advocating; modifying campaign disclaimer
11		-	1.11 requirements; establishing and modifying disclaimer requirements; amending
12		-	1.12 standards for coordinated and noncoordinated expenditures and disbursements;
13		-	1.13 requiring reports and publications; modifying laws on transition expenses;
14		-	1.14 modifying requirements for charter school boards of directors and charter school
15		-	1.15 chief administrators; requiring all local officials and charter school officials to file
16		-	1.16 statements of economic interest; modifying campaign finance definitions; modifying
17		-	1.17 campaign finance reporting requirements; modifying statement of economic interest
18		-	1.18 requirements; modifying payment for the presidential nomination primary;
19		-	1.19 modifying requirements for holding the presidential nomination primary; amending
20		-	1.20 statement of economic interest requirements; providing for a civil causes of action
21		-	1.21 and civil enforcement; providing criminal and civil penalties; authorizing
22		-	1.22 rulemaking; repealing the voting equipment grant account; transferring and
23		-	1.23 appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 10A.01,
24		-	1.24 subdivisions 16a, 18, 21, 24, 26, 35, by adding a subdivision; 10A.04, subdivision
25		-	1.25 4; 10A.07, subdivisions 1, 2; 10A.08, subdivision 1; 10A.09, subdivisions 1, 5,
26		-	1.26 5a, 6a; 10A.175, by adding a subdivision; 10A.176; 10A.177; 10A.20, by adding
27		-	1.27 a subdivision; 10A.201, subdivision 6; 10A.202, subdivision 4; 10A.36; 124E.03,
28		-	1.28 by adding a subdivision; 201.054, subdivisions 1, 2; 201.056; 201.061, subdivisions
29		-	1.29 1, 3, 3a, 4, 5, 7; 201.071, subdivisions 1, 4; 201.091, subdivisions 5, 8; 201.121,
30		-	1.30 subdivisions 1, 3; 201.13, subdivision 3; 201.14; 201.161, subdivisions 4, 5, 8;
31		-	1.31 201.162; 201.225, subdivisions 2, 5; 201.275; 202A.20, subdivision 2; 203B.04,
32		-	1.32 subdivisions 1, 4; 203B.05, subdivision 1; 203B.06, subdivision 4; 203B.07,
33		-	1.33 subdivisions 1, 3; 203B.08, subdivisions 1, 3; 203B.081, subdivision 4; 203B.11,
34		-	1.34 subdivision 1; 203B.121, subdivisions 2, 4, 5; 203B.17, subdivision 3; 203B.23,
35		-	1.35 subdivision 2; 203B.29, subdivisions 1, 2; 203B.30, subdivisions 2, 3; 204B.06,
36		-	1.36 subdivisions 1, 1b; 204B.07, subdivision 2; 204B.09, subdivisions 1a, 2, 3; 204B.14,
37		-	1.37 subdivisions 2, 4a; 204B.16, subdivision 1a; 204B.175, subdivision 3; 204B.21,
38		-	1.38 subdivisions 1, 2, by adding a subdivision; 204B.24; 204B.25, subdivision 3;
39		-	1
40		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK
	2	+	1.2 relating to elections; modifying certain election judge provisions; amending
	3	+	1.3 Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.09, subdivision 1.
	4	+	1.4BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
	5	+	1.5 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
	6	+	1.6 Subdivision 1.Counting and initialing.(a) Before the voting begins, at least two election
	7	+	1.7judges must certify the number of ballots delivered to the precinct. Election judges may
	8	+	1.8conduct this count, presuming that the total count provided for prepackaged ballots is correct.
	9	+	1.9As each package is opened, two judges must count the ballots in the package to ensure that
	10	+	1.10the total count provided for the package is correct. Any discrepancy must be noted on the
	11	+	1.11incident log.
	12	+	1.12 (b) Before the voting begins, or as soon as possible after it begins, at least two election
	13	+	1.13judges shall each initial the backs of all the ballots. The election judges shall not otherwise
	14	+	1.14mark the ballots.
	15	+	1Section 1.
	16	+	25-04719 as introduced03/06/25 REVISOR JFK/NS
41	17		SENATE
42	18		STATE OF MINNESOTA
43	19		S.F. No. 3096NINETY-FOURTH SESSION
44	20		(SENATE AUTHORS: WESTLIN and Carlson)
45	21		OFFICIAL STATUSD-PGDATE
46		-	Introduction and first reading~~1111~~03/27/2025
	22	+	Introduction and first reading03/27/2025
47	23		Referred to Elections
48		-	Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to Finance04/22/2025 2.1 204B.28, subdivision 2; 204B.44; 204B.45, subdivision 2; 204C.05, subdivision
49		-	2.2 2; 204C.06, subdivisions 1, 2, 6; 204C.08, subdivision 1d; 204C.09, subdivision
50		-	2.3 1; 204C.10; 204C.15, subdivisions 2, 3; 204C.24, subdivision 1; 204C.32,
51		-	2.4 subdivision 1; 204C.33, subdivision 1; 205.07, by adding a subdivision; 205.075,
52		-	2.5 subdivision 4; 205.13, subdivisions 1, 1a; 205.185, subdivision 3; 205A.06,
53		-	2.6 subdivisions 1, 1a; 205A.10, subdivisions 2, 3; 205A.11, subdivision 2; 206.83;
54		-	2.7 207A.11; 211A.02, subdivisions 1, 2; 211B.04, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 5, by adding
55		-	2.8 a subdivision; 211B.13; 211B.32, subdivisions 1, 4; 211B.35, subdivision 2; 368.47;
56		-	2.9 375.20; 383B.041, subdivision 5; 414.09, subdivision 3; 447.32, subdivision 4;
57		-	2.10 proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 5; 6; 8; 10A; 204B;
58		-	2.11 207A; 211B; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 206.57, subdivision 5b;
59		-	2.12 206.95; 209.06; 211B.04, subdivision 4; 211B.06; 211B.08; Minnesota Rules,
60		-	2.13 parts 4503.2000, subpart 2; 4511.1100.
61		-	2.14BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
62		-	2.15 ARTICLE 1
63		-	2.16 ELECTIONS APPROPRIATIONS
64		-	2.17Section 1. ELECTIONS APPROPRIATIONS.
65		-	2.18 The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies
66		-	2.19and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the general fund,
67		-	2.20or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose.
68		-	2.21The figures "2026" and "2027" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under
69		-	2.22them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, or June 30, 2027, respectively.
70		-	2.23"The first year" is fiscal year 2026. "The second year" is fiscal year 2027. "The biennium"
71		-	2.24is fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
72		-	2.25 APPROPRIATIONS
73		-	2.26 Available for the Year
74		-	2.27 Ending June 30
75		-	20272.28 2026
76		-	-0-$260,000$2.29Sec. 2. SECRETARY OF STATE
77		-	1,846,000$2,319,000$
78		-	2.30Sec. 3. CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND PUBLIC
79		-	2.31DISCLOSURE BOARD
80		-	2.32$500,000 the first year is to pay fees and
81		-	2.33expenses if an order granting plantiff's motion
82		-	2.34for them is filed in Minnesota Chamber of
83		-	2.35Commerce v. Choi (23-CV-02015). The board
84		-	2.36must pay, on behalf of all defendants, all fees
85		-	2.37and expenses awarded to the plaintiff.
86		-	2Article 1 Sec. 3.
87		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 3.1 Sec. 4. TRANSFERS; SECRETARY OF STATE.
88		-	3.2 (a) The secretary of state, in consultation with the commissioner of management and
89		-	3.3budget, must transfer $200,000 in fiscal year 2026 from the general fund to the Help America
90		-	3.4Vote Act (HAVA) account established in Minnesota Statutes, section 5.30. This is a onetime
91		-	3.5transfer.
92		-	3.6 (b) The secretary of state, in consultation with the commissioner of management and
93		-	3.7budget, must transfer any balance remaining in the voting equipment grant account
94		-	3.8established under Minnesota Statutes, section 206.95, on the effective date of this section
95		-	3.9to the voting operations, technology, and election resources account established under
96		-	3.10Minnesota Statutes, section 5.305.
97		-	3.11 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
98		-	3.12 Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 202A.20, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
99		-	3.13 Subd. 2.Reporting caucus results.If a major political party does not participate in a
100		-	3.14presidential nomination primary pursuant to chapter 207A and instead conducts preference
101		-	3.15balloting at precinct caucuses, the secretary of state shall promptly report to the public the
102		-	3.16results of preference balloting at the precinct caucuses.
103		-	3.17 Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 207A.11, is amended to read:
104		-	3.18 207A.11 PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION PRIMARY ESTABLISHED.
105		-	3.19 (a) A presidential nomination primary must be held each year in which a president and
106		-	3.20vice president of the United States are to be nominated and elected, except as provided in
107		-	3.21section 207A.17, paragraph (b).
108		-	3.22 (b) The party chairs must jointly submit to the secretary of state, no later than March 1
109		-	3.23in a year prior to a presidential election year, the single date on which the parties have agreed
110		-	3.24to conduct the presidential nomination primary in the next year. The date selected must not
111		-	3.25be the date of the town general election provided in section 205.075, subdivision 1. If a date
112		-	3.26is not jointly submitted by the deadline, the presidential nomination primary must be held
113		-	3.27on the first Tuesday in March in the year of the presidential election. No other election may
114		-	3.28be conducted on the date of the presidential nomination primary.
115		-	3.29 (c) The secretary of state must adopt rules to implement the provisions of this chapter.
116		-	3.30The secretary of state shall consult with the party chairs throughout the rulemaking process,
117		-	3.31including seeking advice about possible rules before issuing a notice of intent to adopt rules,
118		-	3.32consultation before the notice of comment is published, consultation on the statement of
119		-	3Article 1 Sec. 6.
120		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 4.1need and reasonableness, consultation in drafting and revising the rules, and consultation
121		-	4.2regarding any modifications to the rule being considered.
122		-	4.3 (d) This chapter only applies to a major political party that selects delegates at the
123		-	4.4presidential nomination primary to send to a national convention. A major political party
124		-	4.5that does not participate in a national convention is not eligible to participate in the
125		-	4.6presidential nomination primary.
126		-	4.7 (e) For purposes of this chapter, "political party" or "party" means a major political party
127		-	4.8as defined in section 200.02, subdivision 7, that is eligible to participate in the presidential
128		-	4.9nomination primary.
129		-	4.10 Sec. 7. [207A.17] PARTY PAYMENT FOR COSTS.
130		-	4.11 (a) No later than September 1 of the year preceding a presidential election year, the
131		-	4.12secretary of state must notify each major political party of the estimated state and local costs
132		-	4.13of conducting the presidential nomination primary and invoice each party for its portion of
133		-	4.14the costs. Each party's portion of the costs is calculated by dividing the amount originally
134		-	4.15certified to the commissioner of management and budget under section 207A.15, subdivision
135		-	4.161, paragraph (b), by the number of parties eligible to participate in the presidential nomination
136		-	4.17primary. The secretary of state must deposit payments received from parties for amounts
137		-	4.18billed under this paragraph in the general fund.
138		-	4.19 (b) If at least one party pays the secretary of state the amount invoiced to it under
139		-	4.20paragraph (a) by October 1 of the year preceding a presidential election year, then a
140		-	4.21presidential nomination primary must be held the following year. If a party does not pay
141		-	4.22the amount invoiced to it under paragraph (a) by October 1 of the year preceding a
142		-	4.23presidential election year, then section 207A.13 does not apply to that party in the following
143		-	4.24year, and a presidential nomination primary ballot must not be prepared for that party. If
144		-	4.25no party pays the secretary of state the amount invoiced to it under paragraph (a) by October
145		-	4.261 of the year preceding a presidential election year, then a presidential nomination primary
146		-	4.27must not be held.
147		-	4.28 Sec. 8. WORKING GROUP ON LOCAL CANDIDATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE
148		-	4.29REPORTING.
149		-	4.30 Subdivision 1.Definitions.(a) For purposes of this section, the terms have the meanings
150		-	4.31given.
151		-	4.32 (b) "Board" means the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board.
152		-	4Article 1 Sec. 8.
153		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 5.1 (c) "Candidate" means an individual who seeks nomination or election to a county,
154		-	5.2municipal, school district, or other political subdivision office. This definition does not
155		-	5.3include an individual seeking a judicial office.
156		-	5.4 (d) "Local campaign report" means any report that a candidate is required to file pursuant
157		-	5.5to Minnesota Statutes, chapter 211A.
158		-	5.6 Subd. 2.Membership.(a) The working group consists of the following 12 members:
159		-	5.7 (1) two members of the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board affiliated with
160		-	5.8different political parties appointed by the board's chair;
161		-	5.9 (2) the executive director of the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board;
162		-	5.10 (3) two members appointed by the League of Minnesota Cities, one of whom must be
163		-	5.11from a city of the fourth class;
164		-	5.12 (4) one member appointed by the Association of Minnesota Counties;
165		-	5.13 (5) one member appointed by the Minnesota Association of Townships;
166		-	5.14 (6) one member appointed by the Minnesota School Boards Association;
167		-	5.15 (7) one senator appointed by the senate majority leader and one senator appointed by
168		-	5.16the senate minority leader; and
169		-	5.17 (8) one representative appointed by the speaker of the house and one representative
170		-	5.18appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives.
171		-	5.19 (b) Appointments to the working group must be made within two weeks after the effective
172		-	5.20date of this section.
173		-	5.21 (c) Public member compensation and reimbursement for expenses are governed by
174		-	5.22Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 3. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
175		-	5.23section 15.0595, the source of payment for compensation and reimbursement for expenses
176		-	5.24of nonlegislative members of the working group is appropriations available to the Campaign
177		-	5.25Finance and Public Disclosure Board. Legislative members may receive per diem and be
178		-	5.26reimbursed for their expenses according to the rules of their respective bodies.
179		-	5.27 Subd. 3.Chairs; meetings.(a) The executive director of the board must convene the
180		-	5.28first meeting of the working group no later than six weeks after the effective date of this
181		-	5.29section. At the first meeting, members must elect a chair from among the legislative members
182		-	5.30of the working group members.
183		-	5Article 1 Sec. 8.
184		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 6.1 (b) Working group meetings are subject to the Minnesota Open Meeting Law under
185		-	6.2Minnesota Statutes, chapter 13D.
186		-	6.3 Subd. 4.Administrative support.The Legislative Coordinating Commission must
187		-	6.4provide administrative support and meeting space for the working group. Upon request of
188		-	6.5the working group, the staff of the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board must
189		-	6.6provide technical support.
190		-	6.7 Subd. 5.Duties.At a minimum, the working group must:
191		-	6.8 (1) examine and make recommendations on whether any or all local candidate campaign
192		-	6.9finance reports should be filed with the board instead of with a local filing officer;
193		-	6.10 (2) assess the extent to which local filing officers are currently able to provide support
194		-	6.11to local candidates and the public related to their duty to accept campaign finance reports
195		-	6.12from local candidates;
196		-	6.13 (3) review the reporting requirements for local candidates in Minnesota Statutes, chapter
197		-	6.14211A, and recommend any changes to those requirements that should be made, especially
198		-	6.15if the reports were to be filed with the board;
199		-	6.16 (4) study the impact of the potential increase of reports being made to the board in terms
200		-	6.17of budgetary and staffing needs and the ability of the board to support the local candidates
201		-	6.18in filing the reports;
202		-	6.19 (5) study local campaign finance reporting requirements and make any recommendations
203		-	6.20on changes to the laws; and
204		-	6.21 (6) propose draft legislation to implement any of the working group's recommendations.
205		-	6.22 Subd. 6.Report.No later than January 15, 2026, the working group must submit a
206		-	6.23written report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees and
207		-	6.24divisions with jurisdiction over elections. The report must outline a description of the
208		-	6.25working group's activities, how the working group addressed each duty described in
209		-	6.26subdivision 5, any recommendations made by the working group, and any proposed
210		-	6.27legislation recommended by the working group.
211		-	6.28 Subd. 7.Expiration.The working group expires upon submission of the report required
212		-	6.29under subdivision 6, or January 16, 2026, whichever is later.
213		-	6.30 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
214		-	6Article 1 Sec. 8.
215		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 7.1 Sec. 9. VOTER OUTREACH; SECRETARY OF STATE.
216		-	7.2 The secretary of state must conduct voter outreach efforts across the state with the goal
217		-	7.3of increasing voter turnout. The secretary must focus on counties with the lowest voter
218		-	7.4turnout in the 2022 and 2024 general elections. At a minimum, these efforts must include
219		-	7.5publicizing the methods of registering to vote or updating a voter registration, the ways to
220		-	7.6vote on or before election day, and recent changes to laws relating to voter registration and
221		-	7.7early voting. The secretary of state must provide these voter outreach materials in the three
222		-	7.8most common non-English languages and any other language required for a language
223		-	7.9minority district in a county, as defined by Minnesota Statutes, section 204B.295.
224		-	7.10 Sec. 10. REPEALER.
225		-	7.11 Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 206.95, is repealed.
226		-	7.12 ARTICLE 2
227		-	7.13 CAMPAIGN FINANCE POLICY
228		-	7.14 Section 1. [5.51] EXPENSES OF SECRETARY OF STATE-ELECT.
229		-	7.15 Subdivision 1.Definitions.(a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined have the
230		-	7.16meanings given them.
231		-	7.17 (b) "Secretary of state-elect" means the person who is not currently secretary of state
232		-	7.18and is the apparent successful candidate for the Office of Secretary of State following a
233		-	7.19general election.
234		-	7.20 (c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Department of Management and
235		-	7.21Budget.
236		-	7.22 Subd. 2.Transition expenses.In the fiscal year of an election for secretary of state and
237		-	7.23subject to availability of funds, the commissioner shall transfer up to $50,000 from the
238		-	7.24general contingent account in the general fund to the Department of Management and
239		-	7.25Budget. This transfer is subject to the review and advice of the Legislative Advisory
240		-	7.26Commission pursuant to section 3.30. In consultation with the secretary of state-elect, the
241		-	7.27commissioner shall use the transferred funds to pay expenses of the secretary of state-elect
242		-	7.28associated with preparing for the assumption of official duties as secretary of state. The
243		-	7.29commissioner may use the transferred funds for expenses necessary and prudent for
244		-	7.30establishment of a transition office prior to the election and for dissolution of the office if
245		-	7.31the incumbent secretary of state is reelected or after the inauguration of a new secretary of
246		-	7.32state. Expenses of the secretary of state-elect may include suitable office space and
247		-	7Article 2 Section 1.
248		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 8.1equipment, communications and technology support, consulting services, compensation
249		-	8.2and travel costs, and other reasonable expenses. Compensation rates for temporary employees
250		-	8.3hired to support the secretary of state-elect and rates paid for consulting services for the
251		-	8.4secretary of state-elect shall be determined by the secretary of state-elect.
252		-	8.5 Subd. 3.Unused funds.No new obligations shall be incurred for expenses of the secretary
253		-	8.6of state-elect after the date of the inauguration. By March 31 of the year of the inauguration,
254		-	8.7the commissioner shall return to the general contingent account any funds transferred under
255		-	8.8this section that the commissioner determines are not needed to pay expenses of the secretary
256		-	8.9of state-elect.
257		-	8.10 Sec. 2. [6.93] EXPENSES OF STATE AUDITOR-ELECT.
258		-	8.11 Subdivision 1.Definitions.(a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined have the
259		-	8.12meanings given them.
260		-	8.13 (b) "State auditor-elect" means the person who is not currently state auditor and is the
261		-	8.14apparent successful candidate for the Office of State Auditor following a general election.
262		-	8.15 (c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Department of Management and
263		-	8.16Budget.
264		-	8.17 Subd. 2.Transition expenses.In the fiscal year of an election for state auditor and
265		-	8.18subject to availability of funds, the commissioner shall transfer up to $50,000 from the
266		-	8.19general contingent account in the general fund to the Department of Management and
267		-	8.20Budget. This transfer is subject to the review and advice of the Legislative Advisory
268		-	8.21Commission pursuant to section 3.30. In consultation with the state auditor-elect, the
269		-	8.22commissioner shall use the transferred funds to pay expenses of the state auditor-elect
270		-	8.23associated with preparing for the assumption of official duties as state auditor. The
271		-	8.24commissioner may use the transferred funds for expenses necessary and prudent for
272		-	8.25establishment of a transition office prior to the election and for dissolution of the office if
273		-	8.26the incumbent state auditor is reelected or after the inauguration of a new state auditor.
274		-	8.27Expenses of the state auditor-elect may include suitable office space and equipment,
275		-	8.28communications and technology support, consulting services, compensation and travel
276		-	8.29costs, and other reasonable expenses. Compensation rates for temporary employees hired
277		-	8.30to support the state auditor-elect and rates paid for consulting services for the state
278		-	8.31auditor-elect shall be determined by the state auditor-elect.
279		-	8.32 Subd. 3.Unused funds.No new obligations shall be incurred for expenses of the state
280		-	8.33auditor-elect after the date of the inauguration. By March 31 of the year of the inauguration,
281		-	8Article 2 Sec. 2.
282		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 9.1the commissioner shall return to the general contingent account any funds transferred under
283		-	9.2this section that the commissioner determines are not needed to pay expenses of the state
284		-	9.3auditor-elect.
285		-	9.4 Sec. 3. [8.40] EXPENSES OF ATTORNEY GENERAL-ELECT .
286		-	9.5 Subdivision 1.Definitions.(a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined have the
287		-	9.6meanings given them.
288		-	9.7 (b) "Attorney general-elect" means the person who is not currently attorney general and
289		-	9.8is the apparent successful candidate for the Office of Attorney General following a general
290		-	9.9election.
291		-	9.10 (c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Department of Management and
292		-	9.11Budget.
293		-	9.12 Subd. 2.Transition expenses.In the fiscal year of an election for attorney general and
294		-	9.13subject to availability of funds, the commissioner shall transfer up to $75,000 from the
295		-	9.14general contingent account in the general fund to the Department of Management and
296		-	9.15Budget. This transfer is subject to the review and advice of the Legislative Advisory
297		-	9.16Commission pursuant to section 3.30. In consultation with the attorney general-elect, the
298		-	9.17commissioner shall use the transferred funds to pay expenses of the attorney general-elect
299		-	9.18associated with preparing for the assumption of official duties as attorney general. The
300		-	9.19commissioner may use the transferred funds for expenses necessary and prudent for
301		-	9.20establishment of a transition office prior to the election and for dissolution of the office if
302		-	9.21the incumbent attorney general is reelected or after the inauguration of a new attorney
303		-	9.22general. Expenses of the attorney general-elect may include suitable office space and
304		-	9.23equipment, communications and technology support, consulting services, compensation
305		-	9.24and travel costs, and other reasonable expenses. Compensation rates for temporary employees
306		-	9.25hired to support the attorney general-elect and rates paid for consulting services for the
307		-	9.26attorney general-elect shall be determined by the attorney general-elect.
308		-	9.27 Subd. 3.Unused funds.No new obligations shall be incurred for expenses of the attorney
309		-	9.28general-elect after the date of the inauguration. By March 31 of the year of the inauguration,
310		-	9.29the commissioner shall return to the general contingent account any funds transferred under
311		-	9.30this section that the commissioner determines are not needed to pay expenses of the attorney
312		-	9.31general-elect.
313		-	9Article 2 Sec. 3.
314		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 10.1 Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, subdivision 16a, is amended to read:
315		-	10.2 Subd. 16a.Expressly advocating advocates."Expressly advocating advocates" means
316		-	10.3that a communication:
317		-	10.4 (1) clearly identifies a candidate or a local candidate and uses words or phrases of express
318		-	10.5advocacy; or
319		-	10.6 (2) when taken as a whole and with limited reference to external events, such as the
320		-	10.7proximity to the election, could only be interpreted by a reasonable person as containing
321		-	10.8advocacy of the election or defeat of one or more clearly identified candidates because:
322		-	10.9 (i) the electoral portion of the communication is unmistakable, unambiguous, and
323		-	10.10suggestive of only one meaning; and
324		-	10.11 (ii) reasonable minds could not differ as to whether the communication encourages
325		-	10.12actions to elect or defeat one or more clearly identified candidates or encourages some other
326		-	10.13kind of action.
327		-	10.14Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to
328		-	10.15read:
329		-	10.16 Subd. 16c.Expert witness."Expert witness" means an individual preparing or delivering
330		-	10.17testimony or a report consisting of information, data, or professional opinions on which the
331		-	10.18individual has particular expertise gained through formal education, professional or
332		-	10.19occupational training, or experience in a field in which the individual is or has been
333		-	10.20employed.
334		-	10.21Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, subdivision 18, is amended to read:
335		-	10.22 Subd. 18.Independent expenditure.(a) "Independent expenditure" means an expenditure
336		-	10.23expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate or local candidate,
337		-	10.24if the expenditure is made without the express or implied consent, authorization, or
338		-	10.25cooperation of, and not in concert with or at the request or suggestion of, any candidate or
339		-	10.26any candidate's principal campaign committee or agent or any local candidate or local
340		-	10.27candidate's agent. and:
341		-	10.28 (1) expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate or local
342		-	10.29candidate; or
343		-	10Article 2 Sec. 6.
344		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 11.1 (2) promotes, supports, attacks, or opposes the nomination, election, or defeat of a clearly
345		-	11.2identified candidate or local candidate, regardless of whether the expenditure expressly
346		-	11.3advocates for or against a candidate or local candidate.
347		-	11.4 (b) An independent expenditure is not a contribution to that candidate or local candidate.
348		-	11.5 (c) An independent expenditure does not include the act of announcing a formal public
349		-	11.6endorsement of a candidate or local candidate for public office, unless the act is
350		-	11.7simultaneously accompanied by an expenditure that would otherwise qualify as an
351		-	11.8independent expenditure under this subdivision.
352		-	11.9 Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, subdivision 21, is amended to read:
353		-	11.10 Subd. 21.Lobbyist.(a) "Lobbyist" means an individual:
354		-	11.11 (1) engaged for pay or other consideration of more than $3,000 from all sources in any
355		-	11.12year:
356		-	11.13 (i) for the purpose of attempting to influence legislative or administrative action, or the
357		-	11.14official action of a political subdivision, by communicating with public or local officials;
358		-	11.15or
359		-	11.16 (ii) from a business whose primary source of revenue is derived from facilitating
360		-	11.17government relations or government affairs services if the individual's job duties include
361		-	11.18offering direct or indirect consulting or advice that helps the business provide those services
362		-	11.19to clients; or
363		-	11.20 (2) who spends more than $3,000 of the individual's personal funds, not including the
364		-	11.21individual's own traveling expenses and membership dues, in any year for the purpose of
365		-	11.22attempting to influence legislative or administrative action, or the official action of a political
366		-	11.23subdivision, by communicating with public or local officials.
367		-	11.24 (b) "Lobbyist" does not include:
368		-	11.25 (1) a public official;
369		-	11.26 (2) an employee of the state, including an employee of any of the public higher education
370		-	11.27systems;
371		-	11.28 (3) an elected local official;
372		-	11.29 (4) a nonelected local official or an employee of a political subdivision acting in an
373		-	11.30official capacity, unless the nonelected official or employee of a political subdivision spends
374		-	11.31more than 50 hours in any month attempting to influence legislative or administrative action,
375		-	11Article 2 Sec. 7.
376		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 12.1or the official action of a political subdivision other than the political subdivision employing
377		-	12.2the official or employee, by communicating or urging others to communicate with public
378		-	12.3or local officials, including time spent monitoring legislative or administrative action, or
379		-	12.4the official action of a political subdivision, and related research, analysis, and compilation
380		-	12.5and dissemination of information relating to legislative or administrative policy in this state,
381		-	12.6or to the policies of political subdivisions local official or employee spends more than 50
382		-	12.7hours in any month attempting to influence legislative or administrative action or the official
383		-	12.8action of a metropolitan governmental unit, other than a political subdivision employing
384		-	12.9the official or employee, by communicating with public or local officials;
385		-	12.10 (5) a party or the party's representative appearing in a proceeding before a state board,
386		-	12.11commission, or agency of the executive branch unless the board, commission, or agency is
387		-	12.12taking administrative action;
388		-	12.13 (6) an individual while engaged in selling goods or services to be paid for by public
389		-	12.14funds;
390		-	12.15 (7) a news medium or its employees or agents while engaged in the publishing or
391		-	12.16broadcasting of news items, editorial comments, or paid advertisements which directly or
392		-	12.17indirectly urge official action;
393		-	12.18 (8) a paid expert witness whose testimony is requested by the body before which the
394		-	12.19witness is appearing, but only to the extent of preparing or delivering testimony an expert
395		-	12.20witness who communicates with public or local officials, other than the Public Utilities
396		-	12.21Commission, if the communication occurs at a public meeting or is made available to the
397		-	12.22general public;
398		-	12.23 (9) a party or the party's representative appearing to present a claim to the legislature
399		-	12.24and communicating to legislators only by the filing of a claim form and supporting documents
400		-	12.25and by appearing at public hearings on the claim; or
401		-	12.26 (10) an individual providing information or advice to members of a collective bargaining
402		-	12.27unit when the unit is actively engaged in the collective bargaining process with a state
403		-	12.28agency or a political subdivision.
404		-	12.29 (c) An individual who volunteers personal time to work without pay or other consideration
405		-	12.30on a lobbying campaign, and who does not spend more than the limit in paragraph (a), clause
406		-	12.31(2), need not register as a lobbyist.
407		-	12.32 (d) An individual who provides administrative support to a lobbyist and whose salary
408		-	12.33and administrative expenses attributable to lobbying activities are reported as lobbying
409		-	12Article 2 Sec. 7.
410		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 13.1expenses by the lobbyist, but who does not communicate or urge others to communicate
411		-	13.2with public or local officials, need not register as a lobbyist.
412		-	13.3 Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, subdivision 24, is amended to read:
413		-	13.4 Subd. 24.Metropolitan governmental unit."Metropolitan governmental unit" means
414		-	13.5any of the seven counties in the metropolitan area as defined in section 473.121, subdivision
415		-	13.62, a regional railroad authority established by one or more of those counties under section
416		-	13.7398A.03, a city with a population of over 50,000 located in the seven-county metropolitan
417		-	13.8area, a county in the metropolitan area as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 2; the
418		-	13.9Metropolitan Council, or a metropolitan agency as defined in section 473.121, subdivision
419		-	13.105a; the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission; the Metropolitan Airports
420		-	13.11Commission; or the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority.
421		-	13.12Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, subdivision 26, is amended to read:
422		-	13.13 Subd. 26.Noncampaign disbursement.(a) "Noncampaign disbursement" means a
423		-	13.14purchase or payment of money or anything of value made, or an advance of credit incurred,
424		-	13.15or a donation in kind received, by a principal campaign committee for any of the following
425		-	13.16purposes:
426		-	13.17 (1) payment for accounting and legal services related to operating the candidate's
427		-	13.18campaign committee, serving in office, or security for the candidate or the candidate's
428		-	13.19immediate family, including but not limited to seeking and obtaining a harassment restraining
429		-	13.20order;
430		-	13.21 (2) return of a contribution to the source;
431		-	13.22 (3) repayment of a loan made to the principal campaign committee by that committee;
432		-	13.23 (4) return of a public subsidy;
433		-	13.24 (5) payment for food, beverages, and necessary utensils and supplies, entertainment,
434		-	13.25and facility rental for a fundraising event;
435		-	13.26 (6) services for a constituent by a member of the legislature or a constitutional officer
436		-	13.27in the executive branch as provided in section 10A.173, subdivision 1;
437		-	13.28 (7) payment for food and beverages consumed by a candidate or volunteers while they
438		-	13.29are engaged in campaign activities;
439		-	13.30 (8) payment for food or a beverage consumed while attending a reception or meeting
440		-	13.31directly related to legislative duties;
441		-	13Article 2 Sec. 9.
442		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 14.1 (9) payment of expenses incurred by elected or appointed leaders of a legislative caucus
443		-	14.2in carrying out their leadership responsibilities;
444		-	14.3 (10) payment by a principal campaign committee of the candidate's expenses for serving
445		-	14.4in public office, other than for personal uses;
446		-	14.5 (11) costs of child care for the candidate's children when campaigning;
447		-	14.6 (12) fees paid to attend a campaign school;
448		-	14.7 (13) costs of a postelection party during the election year when a candidate's name will
449		-	14.8no longer appear on a ballot or the general election is concluded, whichever occurs first;
450		-	14.9 (14) interest on loans paid by a principal campaign committee on outstanding loans;
451		-	14.10 (15) filing fees;
452		-	14.11 (16) post-general election holiday or seasonal cards, thank-you notes, or advertisements
453		-	14.12in the news media mailed or published prior to the end of the election cycle;
454		-	14.13 (17) the cost of campaign material purchased to replace defective campaign material, if
455		-	14.14the defective material is destroyed without being used;
456		-	14.15 (18) contributions to a party unit;
457		-	14.16 (19) payments for funeral gifts or memorials;
458		-	14.17 (20) the cost of a magnet less than six inches in diameter containing legislator contact
459		-	14.18information and distributed to constituents;
460		-	14.19 (21) costs associated with a candidate attending a political party state or national
461		-	14.20convention in this state;
462		-	14.21 (22) other purchases or payments specified in board rules or advisory opinions as being
463		-	14.22for any purpose other than to influence the nomination or election of a candidate or to
464		-	14.23promote or defeat a ballot question;
465		-	14.24 (23) costs paid to a third party for processing contributions made by a credit card, debit
466		-	14.25card, or electronic check;
467		-	14.26 (24) costs paid by a candidate's principal campaign committee to support the candidate's
468		-	14.27participation in a recount of ballots affecting the candidate's election;
469		-	14.28 (25) a contribution to a fund established to support a candidate's participation in a recount
470		-	14.29of ballots affecting that candidate's election;
471		-	14Article 2 Sec. 9.
472		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 15.1 (26) costs paid by a candidate's principal campaign committee for a single reception
473		-	15.2given in honor of the candidate's retirement from public office after the filing period for
474		-	15.3affidavits of candidacy for that office has closed;
475		-	15.4 (27) a donation from a terminating principal campaign committee to the state general
476		-	15.5fund;
477		-	15.6 (28) a donation from a terminating principal campaign committee to a county obligated
478		-	15.7to incur special election expenses due to that candidate's resignation from state office;
479		-	15.8 (29) during a period starting January 1 in the year following a general election and ending
480		-	15.9on December 31 of the year of general election, total payments of up to $3,000 for
481		-	15.10detection-related security monitoring expenses for a candidate, including home security
482		-	15.11hardware, maintenance of home security monitoring hardware, identity theft monitoring
483		-	15.12services, and credit monitoring services; and
484		-	15.13 (30) costs paid to repair or replace campaign property that was: (i) lost or stolen, or (ii)
485		-	15.14damaged or defaced to such a degree that the property no longer serves its intended purpose.
486		-	15.15For purposes of this clause, campaign property includes but is not limited to campaign lawn
487		-	15.16signs. The candidate must document the need for these costs in writing or with photographs;
488		-	15.17and
489		-	15.18 (31) transition expenses and inaugural event expenses as defined in section 10A.174.
490		-	15.19 (b) The board must determine whether an activity involves a noncampaign disbursement
491		-	15.20within the meaning of this subdivision.
492		-	15.21 (c) A noncampaign disbursement is considered to be made in the year in which the
493		-	15.22candidate made the purchase of goods or services or incurred an obligation to pay for goods
494		-	15.23or services.
495		-	15.24Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, subdivision 35, is amended to read:
496		-	15.25 Subd. 35.Public official."Public official" means any:
497		-	15.26 (1) member of the legislature;
498		-	15.27 (2) individual employed by the legislature as secretary of the senate, legislative auditor,
499		-	15.28director of the Legislative Budget Office, chief clerk of the house of representatives, revisor
500		-	15.29of statutes, or researcher, legislative analyst, fiscal analyst, or attorney in the Office of
501		-	15.30Senate Counsel, Research and Fiscal Analysis, House Research, or the House Fiscal Analysis
502		-	15.31Department;
503		-	15Article 2 Sec. 10.
504		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 16.1 (3) constitutional officer in the executive branch and the officer's chief administrative
505		-	16.2deputy;
506		-	16.3 (4) solicitor general or deputy, assistant, or special assistant attorney general;
507		-	16.4 (5) commissioner, deputy commissioner, or assistant commissioner of any state
508		-	16.5department or agency as listed in section 15.01 or 15.06, or the state chief information
509		-	16.6officer;
510		-	16.7 (6) member, chief administrative officer, or deputy chief administrative officer of a state
511		-	16.8board or commission that has either the power to adopt, amend, or repeal rules under chapter
512		-	16.914, or the power to adjudicate contested cases or appeals under chapter 14;
513		-	16.10 (7) individual employed in the executive branch who is authorized to adopt, amend, or
514		-	16.11repeal rules under chapter 14 or adjudicate contested cases under chapter 14;
515		-	16.12 (8) executive director of the State Board of Investment;
516		-	16.13 (9) deputy of any official listed in clauses (7) and (8);
517		-	16.14 (10) judge of the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals;
518		-	16.15 (11) administrative law judge or compensation judge in the State Office of Administrative
519		-	16.16Hearings or unemployment law judge in the Department of Employment and Economic
520		-	16.17Development;
521		-	16.18 (12) member, regional administrator, division director, general counsel, or operations
522		-	16.19manager of the Metropolitan Council;
523		-	16.20 (13) member or chief administrator of a metropolitan agency;
524		-	16.21 (14) director of the Division of Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement in the Department
525		-	16.22of Public Safety;
526		-	16.23 (15) member or executive director of the Higher Education Facilities Authority;
527		-	16.24 (16) member of the board of directors or president of Enterprise Minnesota, Inc.;
528		-	16.25 (17) member of the board of directors or executive director of the Minnesota State High
529		-	16.26School League;
530		-	16.27 (18) member of the Minnesota Ballpark Authority established in section 473.755;
531		-	16.28 (19) citizen member of the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources;
532		-	16.29 (20) manager of a watershed district, or member of a watershed management organization
533		-	16.30as defined under section 103B.205, subdivision 13;
534		-	16Article 2 Sec. 10.
535		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 17.1 (21) supervisor of a soil and water conservation district;
536		-	17.2 (22) (20) director of Explore Minnesota Tourism;
537		-	17.3 (23) (21) citizen member of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council established in
538		-	17.4section 97A.056;
539		-	17.5 (24) (22) citizen member of the Clean Water Council established in section 114D.30;
540		-	17.6 (25) (23) member or chief executive of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority
541		-	17.7established in section 473J.07;
542		-	17.8 (26) (24) district court judge, appeals court judge, or supreme court justice;
543		-	17.9 (27) county commissioner;
544		-	17.10 (28) (25) member of the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission;
545		-	17.11 (29) (26) member of the Destination Medical Center Corporation established in section
546		-	17.12469.41; or
547		-	17.13 (30) (27) chancellor or member of the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges
548		-	17.14and Universities.
549		-	17.15Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.04, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
550		-	17.16 Subd. 4.Content.(a) A report under this section must include information the board
551		-	17.17requires from the registration form and the information required by this subdivision for the
552		-	17.18reporting period.
553		-	17.19 (b) A lobbyist must report the specific subjects of interest for an entity represented by
554		-	17.20the lobbyist on each report submitted under this section. A lobbyist must describe a specific
555		-	17.21subject of interest in the report with enough information to show the particular issue of
556		-	17.22importance to the entity represented.
557		-	17.23 (c) A lobbyist must report every state agency that had administrative action that the
558		-	17.24represented entity sought to influence during the reporting period. The lobbyist must report
559		-	17.25the specific subjects of interest for each administrative action and the revisor of statutes
560		-	17.26rule draft number assigned to the administrative rulemaking.
561		-	17.27 (d) A lobbyist must report every political subdivision that considered official action that
562		-	17.28the represented entity sought to influence during the reporting period. The lobbyist must
563		-	17.29report the specific subjects of interest for each action.
564		-	17.30 (e) A lobbyist must report general lobbying categories and up to four specific subjects
565		-	17.31of interest related to each general lobbying category on which the lobbyist attempted to
566		-	17Article 2 Sec. 11.
567		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 18.1influence legislative action during the reporting period. If the lobbyist attempted to influence
568		-	18.2legislative action on more than four specific subjects of interest for a general lobbying
569		-	18.3category, the lobbyist, in consultation with the represented entity, must determine which
570		-	18.4four specific subjects of interest were the entity's highest priorities during the reporting
571		-	18.5period and report only those four subjects.
572		-	18.6 (f) A lobbyist must report the Public Utilities Commission project name for each rate
573		-	18.7setting, power plant and powerline siting, or granting of certification of need before the
574		-	18.8Public Utilities Commission that the represented entity sought to influence during the
575		-	18.9reporting period.
576		-	18.10 (g) A lobbyist must report the amount and nature of each gift, item, or benefit, excluding
577		-	18.11contributions to a candidate, equal in value to $5 or more, given or paid to any official, as
578		-	18.12defined in section 10A.071, subdivision 1, by the lobbyist or an employer or employee of
579		-	18.13the lobbyist. The list must include the name and address of each official to whom the gift,
580		-	18.14item, or benefit was given or paid and the date it was given or paid.
581		-	18.15 (h) A lobbyist must report each original source of money in excess of $500 in any year
582		-	18.16used for the purpose of lobbying to influence legislative action, administrative action, or
583		-	18.17the official action of a political subdivision. The list must include the name, address, and
584		-	18.18employer, or, if self-employed, the occupation and principal place of business, of each payer
585		-	18.19of money in excess of $500.
586		-	18.20 (i) On each report, a lobbyist must disclose the general lobbying categories that were
587		-	18.21lobbied on in the reporting period.
588		-	18.22 (j) A lobbyist must report each expert witness that the lobbyist requested to communicate
589		-	18.23with public or local officials as described in section 10A.01, subdivision 21, paragraph (b),
590		-	18.24clause (8). The lobbyist must report the name of the expert witness; the employer, if any,
591		-	18.25of the expert witness; the government entity that received the communication from the
592		-	18.26expert witness; and the specific subject on which the expert witness communicated. The
593		-	18.27designated lobbyist must also report this information if the expert witness is requested to
594		-	18.28communicate by the principal or association that the lobbyist represents.
595		-	18.29Sec. 12. [10A.066] HANDBOOK FOR LOBBYING.
596		-	18.30 (a) The board must publish on the board's website a handbook for lobbying written in
597		-	18.31plain language. At a minimum, the handbook must clearly explain:
598		-	18.32 (1) lobbyist registration requirements, including:
599		-	18Article 2 Sec. 12.
600		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 19.1 (i) an explanation of when a person is required to register as a lobbyist and what specific
601		-	19.2types of activities count toward reaching the dollar amount thresholds in section 10A.01,
602		-	19.3subdivision 21; and
603		-	19.4 (ii) how registration requirements apply if a person is employed by a government entity;
604		-	19.5 (2) which activities and expenses do not count toward the dollar amount thresholds in
605		-	19.6section 10A.01, subdivision 21, but are required to be reported as lobbying disbursements
606		-	19.7on a principal's report; and
607		-	19.8 (3) any differences between lobbying the legislature, the executive branch, a political
608		-	19.9subdivision, and the Public Utilities Commission.
609		-	19.10 (b) The board must regularly update the handbook to reflect changes to statutes and
610		-	19.11rules. In developing and updating the handbook, the board must consult individuals who
611		-	19.12are registered lobbyists but who are not full-time professional lobbyists, including lobbyists
612		-	19.13for nonprofit organizations, small organizations, and organizations led by individuals who
613		-	19.14are Black, Indigenous, and people of color.
614		-	19.15 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment, except
615		-	19.16that the board is not required to publish the handbook until January 15, 2026.
616		-	19.17Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.07, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
617		-	19.18 Subdivision 1.Disclosure of potential conflicts.(a) A public official or a local official
618		-	19.19elected to or appointed by a metropolitan governmental unit or by a political subdivision
619		-	19.20who in the discharge of official duties would be required to take an action or make a decision
620		-	19.21that would substantially affect the official's financial interests or those of an associated
621		-	19.22business, unless the effect on the official is no greater than on other members of the official's
622		-	19.23business classification, profession, or occupation, must take the following actions:
623		-	19.24 (1) prepare a written statement describing the matter requiring action or decision and
624		-	19.25the nature of the potential conflict of interest;
625		-	19.26 (2) deliver copies of the statement to the official's immediate superior, if any; and
626		-	19.27 (3) if a member of the legislature or of the, a governing body of a metropolitan
627		-	19.28governmental unit, or a political subdivision, deliver a copy of the statement to the presiding
628		-	19.29officer of the body of service.
629		-	19.30 If a potential conflict of interest presents itself and there is insufficient time to comply
630		-	19.31with clauses (1) to (3), the public or local official must orally inform the superior or the
631		-	19.32official body of service or committee of the body of the potential conflict.
632		-	19Article 2 Sec. 13.
633		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 20.1 (b) For purposes of this section, "financial interest" means any ownership or control in
634		-	20.2an asset that has the potential to produce a monetary return.
635		-	20.3 Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.07, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
636		-	20.4 Subd. 2.Required actions.(a) If the official is not a member of the legislature or of the
637		-	20.5governing body of a metropolitan governmental unit or by a political subdivision, the superior
638		-	20.6must assign the matter, if possible, to another employee who does not have a potential
639		-	20.7conflict of interest.
640		-	20.8 (b) If there is no immediate superior, the official must abstain, if possible, by assigning
641		-	20.9the matter to a subordinate for disposition or requesting the appointing authority to designate
642		-	20.10another to determine the matter. The official shall not chair a meeting, participate in any
643		-	20.11vote, or offer any motion or discussion on the matter giving rise to the potential conflict of
644		-	20.12interest.
645		-	20.13 (c) If the official is a member of the legislature, the house of service may, at the member's
646		-	20.14request, excuse the member from taking part in the action or decision in question.
647		-	20.15 (d) If an official is not permitted or is otherwise unable to abstain from action in
648		-	20.16connection with the matter, the official must file a statement describing the potential conflict
649		-	20.17and the action taken. A public official must file the statement with the board and a local
650		-	20.18official must file the statement with the governing body of the official's political subdivision.
651		-	20.19The statement must be filed within a week of the action taken.
652		-	20.20Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.08, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
653		-	20.21 Subdivision 1.Disclosure required.(a) A public official or elected local official who
654		-	20.22represents a client for a fee before an individual, board, commission, or agency that has
655		-	20.23rulemaking authority in a hearing conducted under chapter 14, must disclose the official's
656		-	20.24participation in the action to the board within 14 days after the public official's initial
657		-	20.25appearance at a hearing. If the public official fails to disclose the participation by the date
658		-	20.26that the disclosure was due, the board may impose a late filing fee of $25 per day, not to
659		-	20.27exceed $1,000, starting on the day after the disclosure was due. The board must send notice
660		-	20.28by certified mail to a public official who fails to disclose the participation within ten business
661		-	20.29days after the disclosure was due that the public official may be subject to a civil penalty
662		-	20.30for failure to disclose the participation. A public official who fails to disclose the participation
663		-	20.31within seven days after the certified mail notice was sent by the board is subject to a civil
664		-	20.32penalty imposed by the board of up to $1,000.
665		-	20Article 2 Sec. 15.
666		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 21.1 (b) A public official or elected local official required to disclose representation under
667		-	21.2this section shall provide the following information: name, address, and office held; name
668		-	21.3and address of each client represented at the hearing; the name of the individual, board,
669		-	21.4commission, or agency conducting the hearing and the date and location of the initial
670		-	21.5appearance at the hearing; and a general description of the subject or subjects on which the
671		-	21.6public official represented the client in the hearing.
672		-	21.7 Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
673		-	21.8 Subdivision 1.Time for filing.An individual must file a statement of economic interest:
674		-	21.9 (1) within 60 days of accepting employment as a public official or a local official in a
675		-	21.10metropolitan governmental unit undertaking the duties of office or accepting employment
676		-	21.11as a public official or as a local official in a political subdivision or metropolitan
677		-	21.12governmental unit;
678		-	21.13 (2) within 60 days of accepting employment by a charter school in a position in which
679		-	21.14the person has authority to make or recommend major decisions regarding the expenditure
680		-	21.15or investment of public money;
681		-	21.16 (3) within 60 days of assuming office as a district court judge, appeals court judge,
682		-	21.17supreme court justice, or county commissioneror member of a watershed management
683		-	21.18organization as defined in section 103B.205, subdivision 13;
684		-	21.19 (3) (4) within 14 days after filing the end of the filing period for a candidate who filed
685		-	21.20an affidavit of candidacy or petition to appear on the ballot for an elective state constitutional
686		-	21.21or legislative office or an elective local office in a metropolitan governmental unit other
687		-	21.22than county commissioner;
688		-	21.23 (5) in the case of an individual running for a charter school board, at least 14 days before
689		-	21.24the election;
690		-	21.25 (6) in the case of an initial member of a charter school board, within 14 days of taking
691		-	21.26office;
692		-	21.27 (4) (7) in the case of a public official requiring the advice and consent of the senate,
693		-	21.28within 14 days after undertaking the duties of office; or
694		-	21.29 (5) (8) in the case of members of the Minnesota Racing Commission, the director of the
695		-	21.30Minnesota Racing Commission, chief of security, medical officer, inspector of pari-mutuels,
696		-	21.31and stewards employed or approved by the commission or persons who fulfill those duties
697		-	21.32under contract, within 60 days of accepting or assuming duties.
698		-	21Article 2 Sec. 16.
699		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 22.1 Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.09, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
700		-	22.2 Subd. 5.Form; general requirements.(a) A statement of economic interest required
701		-	22.3by this section must be on a form prescribed by the board. Except as provided in subdivision
702		-	22.45b, the individual filing must provide the following information:
703		-	22.5 (1) the individual's name, address, occupation, and principal place of business;
704		-	22.6 (2) a listing of the name of each associated business and the nature of that association;
705		-	22.7 (3) a listing of all real property within the state, excluding homestead property, in which
706		-	22.8the individual or the individual's spouse holds: (i) a fee simple interest, a mortgage, a contract
707		-	22.9for deed as buyer or seller, or an option to buy, whether direct or indirect, if the interest is
708		-	22.10valued in excess of $2,500; or (ii) an option to buy, if the property has a fair market value
709		-	22.11of more than $50,000;
710		-	22.12 (4) a listing of all real property within the state in which a partnership of which the
711		-	22.13individual or the individual's spouse is a member holds: (i) a fee simple interest, a mortgage,
712		-	22.14a contract for deed as buyer or seller, or an option to buy, whether direct or indirect, if the
713		-	22.15individual's share of the partnership interest is valued in excess of $2,500; or (ii) an option
714		-	22.16to buy, if the property has a fair market value of more than $50,000. A listing under this
715		-	22.17clause or clause (3) must indicate the street address and the municipality or the section,
716		-	22.18township, range and approximate acreage, whichever applies, and the county in which the
717		-	22.19property is located;
718		-	22.20 (5) a listing of any investments, ownership, or interests in property connected with
719		-	22.21pari-mutuel horse racing in the United States and Canada, including a racehorse, in which
720		-	22.22the individual directly or indirectly holds a partial or full interest or an immediate family
721		-	22.23member holds a partial or full interest;
722		-	22.24 (6) a listing of the principal business or professional activity category of each business
723		-	22.25from which the individual or the individual's spouse receives more than $250 in any month
724		-	22.26during the reporting period as an employee, if the individual or the individual's spouse has
725		-	22.27an ownership interest of 25 percent or more in the business;
726		-	22.28 (7) a listing of each principal business or professional activity category from which the
727		-	22.29individual or the individual's spouse received compensation of more than $2,500 in the past
728		-	22.3012 months as an independent contractor;
729		-	22.31 (8) a listing of the full name of each security with a value of more than $10,000 owned
730		-	22.32in part or in full by the individual or the individual's spouse, at any time during the reporting
731		-	22.33period; and
732		-	22Article 2 Sec. 17.
733		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 23.1 (9) for each stock or stock option reported under clause (8), a listing of the date or dates
734		-	23.2and value as provided in paragraph (h) of each purchase or sale of stock or exercise, sale,
735		-	23.3or transaction involving the stock option in that entity during the reporting period, regardless
736		-	23.4of the value of the transaction;
737		-	23.5 (10) a listing of the full name of each virtual currency with a value of more than $10,000
738		-	23.6owned in part or in full by the individual or the individual's spouse at any time during the
739		-	23.7reporting period;
740		-	23.8 (11) for each virtual currency reported under clause (10), a listing of the date or dates
741		-	23.9and value as provided in paragraph (h) of each purchase or sale of that virtual currency
742		-	23.10during the reporting period, regardless of the value of the purchase or sale; and
743		-	23.11 (12) a listing of any contract, professional license, lease, or franchise that:
744		-	23.12 (i) is held by the individual or the individual's spouse or any business in which the
745		-	23.13individual has an ownership interest of 25 percent or more; and
746		-	23.14 (ii) is entered into with, or issued by, the government agency on which the individual
747		-	23.15serves as a public or local official.
748		-	23.16 (b) The business or professional categories for purposes of paragraph (a), clauses (6)
749		-	23.17and (7), must be the general topic headings used by the federal Internal Revenue Service
750		-	23.18for purposes of reporting self-employment income on Schedule C. This paragraph does not
751		-	23.19require an individual to report any specific code number from that schedule. Any additional
752		-	23.20principal business or professional activity category may only be adopted if the category is
753		-	23.21enacted by law.
754		-	23.22 (c) For the purpose of calculating the amount of compensation received from any single
755		-	23.23source in a single month, the amount shall include the total amount received from the source
756		-	23.24during the month, whether or not the amount covers compensation for more than one month.
757		-	23.25 (d) For the purpose of determining the value of an individual's interest in real property,
758		-	23.26the value of the property is the market value shown on the property tax statement.
759		-	23.27 (e) For the purpose of this section, "date of appointment" means the effective date of
760		-	23.28appointment to a position.
761		-	23.29 (f) For the purpose of this section, "accepting employment as a public official" means
762		-	23.30the effective date of the appointment to the position, as stated in the appointing authority's
763		-	23.31notice to the board.
764		-	23Article 2 Sec. 17.
765		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 24.1 (g) The listings required in paragraph (a), clauses (3) to (9) (12), must not identify
766		-	24.2whether the individual or the individual's spouse is associated with or owns the listed item.
767		-	24.3 (h) For the purposes of paragraph (a), clauses (9) and (11), the statement must allow the
768		-	24.4filer to select one of the following ranges for each reported purchase, sale, exercise, or
769		-	24.5transaction:
770		-	24.6 (1) $1 to $10,000;
771		-	24.7 (2) $10,001 to $50,000;
772		-	24.8 (3) $50,001 to $100,000;
773		-	24.9 (4) $100,001 to $250,000;
774		-	24.10 (5) $250,001 to $500,000;
775		-	24.11 (6) $500,001 to $1,000,000;
776		-	24.12 (7) $1,000,001 to $5,000,000;
777		-	24.13 (8) $5,000,001 to $25,000,000;
778		-	24.14 (9) $25,000,001 to $50,000,000; and
779		-	24.15 (10) over $50,000,000.
780		-	24.16Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.09, subdivision 5a, is amended to read:
781		-	24.17 Subd. 5a.Original statement; reporting period.(a) An original statement of economic
782		-	24.18interest required under subdivision 1, clause (1), must cover the calendar month before the
783		-	24.19month in which the individual accepted employment as a public official or a local official
784		-	24.20in a metropolitan governmental unit. (4), must cover the calendar month before the month
785		-	24.21in which the candidate filed the affidavit of candidacy. An original statement of economic
786		-	24.22interest required under subdivision 1, clause (5), must cover the month before the month in
787		-	24.23which the candidates' names are provided to eligible voters in accordance with section
788		-	24.24124E.07, subdivision 5, paragraph (d). In all other cases an original statement of economic
789		-	24.25interest must cover the calendar month before the month in which the individual assumed
790		-	24.26the duties of office or accepted the position that required the filing of the statement.
791		-	24.27 (b) An original statement of economic interest required under subdivision 1, clauses (2),
792		-	24.28(4), and (5), must cover the calendar month before the month in which the individual assumed
793		-	24.29or undertook the duties of office.
794		-	24Article 2 Sec. 18.
795		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 25.1 (c) An original statement of economic interest required under subdivision 1, clause (3),
796		-	25.2must cover the calendar month before the month in which the candidate filed the affidavit
797		-	25.3of candidacy.
798		-	25.4 Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.09, subdivision 6a, is amended to read:
799		-	25.5 Subd. 6a.Place of filing.A public official required to file a statement under this section
800		-	25.6must file it with the board. A county commissioner, soil and water conservation district
801		-	25.7supervisor, manager of a watershed district, or member of a watershed management
802		-	25.8organization as defined in section 103B.205, subdivision 13, must file the statement with
803		-	25.9the board. A local candidate or local official required to file a statement under this section
804		-	25.10must file it with the governing body of the official's political subdivision. The governing
805		-	25.11body must maintain statements filed with it under this subdivision as public data. If an
806		-	25.12official position is defined as both a public official and as a local official of a metropolitan
807		-	25.13governmental unit under this chapter, the official must file the statement with the board.
808		-	25.14Sec. 20. [10A.174] INAUGURAL EVENT AND TRANSITION EXPENSES.
809		-	25.15 Subdivision 1.Definitions.(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
810		-	25.16the meanings given.
811		-	25.17 (b) "Inaugural event expenses" means expenses incurred for any event related to the
812		-	25.18individual's inauguration held between the date of the general election at which an individual
813		-	25.19is elected to a statewide office and January 31 of the year in which the officeholder takes
814		-	25.20office. In the event that an individual fills a vacancy in a constitutional office, "inaugural
815		-	25.21event expenses" means expenses incurred for any event related to the individual's
816		-	25.22inauguration between the time that it was confirmed that the individual would assume the
817		-	25.23constitutional office and the date four weeks after the individual is sworn into office.
818		-	25.24 (c) "Transition expenses" means expenses incurred in preparing for the assumption of
819		-	25.25official duties as governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor, or attorney
820		-	25.26general. Expenses include but are not limited to establishment of a transition office, the
821		-	25.27dissolution of the office, office space and equipment, communications and technology
822		-	25.28support, consulting services, compensation and travel costs, and other reasonable expenses.
823		-	25.29Transition expenses do not include expenses that are incurred after the officeholder takes
824		-	25.30office.
825		-	25.31 Subd. 2.Inaugural event and transition expenses; contributions.A candidate or a
826		-	25.32candidate's principal campaign committee must not solicit or accept any contributions for
827		-	25Article 2 Sec. 20.
828		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 26.1or make any expenditure for inaugural event expenses or transition expenses except through
829		-	26.2the candidate's principal campaign committee or as otherwise prescribed by law.
830		-	26.3 Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.175, is amended by adding a subdivision
831		-	26.4to read:
832		-	26.5 Subd. 5a.Disbursement."Disbursement" means a purchase or payment subject to this
833		-	26.6chapter made by any person.
834		-	26.7 Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.176, is amended to read:
835		-	26.8 10A.176 COORDINATED EXPENDITURES.
836		-	26.9 Subdivision 1.Definition; scope.An expenditure described in this section that expressly
837		-	26.10advocates for the election of the candidate or the defeat of the candidate's opponent is a
838		-	26.11coordinated expenditure and is not independent under section 10A.01, subdivision 18. A
839		-	26.12disbursement is a coordinated expenditure and is not independent under section 10A.01,
840		-	26.13subdivision 18, where it:
841		-	26.14 (1) satisfies at least one of the content standards in subdivision 1a; and
842		-	26.15 (2) satisfies at least one of the conduct standards in subdivisions 2 to 8.
843		-	26.16 Subd. 1a.Content standards.A disbursement for any of the content outlined in this
844		-	26.17subdivision satisfies the content standard of this section if it is:
845		-	26.18 (1) a communication that expressly advocates for the election or defeat of the candidate,
846		-	26.19as defined under section 10A.01, subdivision 16a;
847		-	26.20 (2) a communication that promotes, supports, attacks, or opposes the nomination, election,
848		-	26.21or defeat of the clearly identified candidate; or
849		-	26.22 (3) an electioneering communication, as defined under section 10A.201.
850		-	26.23 Subd. 2.Conduct standard; fundraising.(a) An expenditure is a coordinated
851		-	26.24expenditure A disbursement satisfies the conduct standard of this section if the expenditure
852		-	26.25disbursement is made on or after January 1 of the year the office will appear on the ballot
853		-	26.26by a spender for which the candidate, on or after January 1 of the year the office will appear
854		-	26.27on the ballot, has engaged in fundraising of money that is not general treasury money, as
855		-	26.28defined in section 10A.01, subdivision 17c, of the spender.
856		-	26.29 (b) For purposes of this subdivision, candidate fundraising includes:
857		-	26Article 2 Sec. 22.
858		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 27.1 (1) soliciting or collecting money for or to the spender that is not general treasury money;
859		-	27.2and
860		-	27.3 (2) appearing for the spender as a speaker at an event raising money that is not general
861		-	27.4treasury money.
862		-	27.5 (c) This subdivision does not apply to a candidate's fundraising on behalf of a party unit.
863		-	27.6 Subd. 3.Conduct standard; relationship with spender.An expenditure is a coordinated
864		-	27.7expenditure A disbursement satisfies the conduct standard of this section if the expenditure
865		-	27.8disbursement is made on or after January 1 of the year the office will appear on the ballot
866		-	27.9by a spender that:
867		-	27.10 (1) is not a party unit; and
868		-	27.11 (2) is an association, political committee, political fund, independent expenditure political
869		-	27.12committee, or independent expenditure political fund, in which the candidate was a
870		-	27.13chairperson, deputy chairperson, treasurer, or deputy treasurer on or after January 1 of the
871		-	27.14year the office will appear on the ballot.
872		-	27.15 Subd. 4.Conduct standard; consulting services.(a) An expenditure is a coordinated
873		-	27.16expenditure A disbursement satisfies the conduct standard of this section if the expenditure
874		-	27.17disbursement is made during an election segment for consulting services from a consultant
875		-	27.18who has also provided consulting services to the candidate or the candidate's opponent
876		-	27.19during that same election segment.
877		-	27.20 (b) This subdivision does not apply when the following conditions are met:
878		-	27.21 (1) the consultant assigns separate personnel to the spender and the candidate;
879		-	27.22 (2) the consultant has a written policy that describes the measures that the consultant
880		-	27.23has taken to prohibit the flow of information between the personnel providing services to
881		-	27.24the spender and the personnel providing services to the candidate;
882		-	27.25 (3) the written policy has been distributed to all personnel and clients covered by the
883		-	27.26policy, including the candidate and the spender;
884		-	27.27 (4) the consultant has implemented the measures described in the written policy; and
885		-	27.28 (5) no information has been shared between the spender and the personnel that provided
886		-	27.29services to the spender and the candidate and the personnel providing services to the
887		-	27.30candidate.
888		-	27.31 Subd. 5.Conduct standard; receiving information not publicly available.An
889		-	27.32expenditure is a coordinated expenditure A disbursement satisfies the conduct standard of
890		-	27Article 2 Sec. 22.
891		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 28.1this section if the expenditure disbursement is made after the spender receives from the
892		-	28.2candidate information that is not publicly available regarding the candidate's campaign
893		-	28.3plans, strategy, or needs.
894		-	28.4 Subd. 6.Conduct standard; spender-provided information.An expenditure is a
895		-	28.5coordinated expenditure A disbursement satisfies the conduct standard of this section if the
896		-	28.6expenditure disbursement is made when:
897		-	28.7 (1) the spender provides information to the candidate regarding the expenditure's
898		-	28.8disbursement's contents, intended audience, timing, location or mode, volume, or frequency;
899		-	28.9and
900		-	28.10 (2) the information is provided to the candidate before the expenditure disbursement is
901		-	28.11communicated to the public.
902		-	28.12 Subd. 7.Conduct standard; candidate's participation.An expenditure is a coordinated
903		-	28.13expenditure A disbursement satisfies the conduct standard of this section if the expenditure
904		-	28.14disbursement is made with the candidate's participation in the following:
905		-	28.15 (1) any of the processes required for the creation and development of the expenditure
906		-	28.16disbursement, including budgeting decisions, media design, acquisition of graphics and
907		-	28.17text, production, and distribution of the final product; or
908		-	28.18 (2) any decision regarding the content, timing, location, intended audience, volume of
909		-	28.19distribution, or frequency of the expenditure disbursement.
910		-	28.20 Subd. 8.Conduct standard; instructions or directions from candidate.A disbursement
911		-	28.21satisfies the conduct standard of this section if the disbursement is materially consistent
912		-	28.22with instructions or directions from a candidate regarding the making of disbursements,
913		-	28.23regardless of whether the instructions or directions are publicly available. The factors the
914		-	28.24board must consider in determining whether a disbursement is consistent with instructions
915		-	28.25or directions from a candidate under this clause include but are not limited to:
916		-	28.26 (1) noticeable placement of instructions or directions on a discrete webpage or portion
917		-	28.27of a webpage containing one or more other factors identified in this paragraph;
918		-	28.28 (2) whether the instructions or directions include language indicating that information
919		-	28.29should be communicated to others or indicates information is intended for voters, including
920		-	28.30but not limited to the phrase "voters need to know";
921		-	28.31 (3) whether the instructions or directions include targeted audience information, such
922		-	28.32as specific demographics or the location of intended or suggested recipients;
923		-	28Article 2 Sec. 22.
924		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 29.1 (4) whether the instructions or directions include suggested methods of communication,
925		-	29.2including indications that recipients need to hear, see, see on the go, or receive information
926		-	29.3in other similar manners; and
927		-	29.4 (5) whether there are additional documents linked to the instructions or directions to
928		-	29.5provide verification that the recommended messaging would be effective.
929		-	29.6 Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.177, is amended to read:
930		-	29.7 10A.177 NONCOORDINA TED EXPENDITURES DISBURSEMENTS .
931		-	29.8 (a) Any of the following actions, taken alone, do not establish that an expenditure a
932		-	29.9disbursement made by the spender is coordinated with the candidate:
933		-	29.10 (1) a candidate asks a spender not to make any expenditure to support the candidate or
934		-	29.11oppose the candidate's opponent or any disbursement for an electioneering communication
935		-	29.12that references the candidate or the candidate's opponent;
936		-	29.13 (2) a candidate provides to a spender names of potential donors, as long as the spender
937		-	29.14does not state or suggest to the candidate that funds received from use of the donor list will
938		-	29.15be used for independent expenditures to benefit the candidate;
939		-	29.16 (3) an expenditure a disbursement uses a photograph, video, or audio recording obtained
940		-	29.17from a publicly available source or public event;
941		-	29.18 (4) an expenditure a disbursement uses information obtained from a biography, position
942		-	29.19paper, press release, or similar material about the candidate from a publicly available source
943		-	29.20or public event;
944		-	29.21 (5) the spender contributes to the candidate, makes an in-kind donation to the candidate,
945		-	29.22or endorses the candidate;
946		-	29.23 (6) an expenditure a disbursement includes a hyperlink to the candidate's website or
947		-	29.24social media page;
948		-	29.25 (7) an expenditure a disbursement appears in a news story, commentary, or editorial
949		-	29.26distributed through the facilities of any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine, or other
950		-	29.27periodical publication by any broadcasting station, including a cable or streaming television
951		-	29.28operator, programmer, or producer; website; newspaper; magazine; or other periodical
952		-	29.29publication, including any Internet or electronic publication. If the facility is owned or
953		-	29.30controlled by any political party, political committee, or candidate, the news story must:
954		-	29.31 (i) represent a bona fide news account communicated in a publication of general
955		-	29.32circulation or on a licensed broadcasting facility; and
956		-	29Article 2 Sec. 23.
957		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 30.1 (ii) be part of a general pattern of campaign-related news accounts that give reasonably
958		-	30.2equal coverage to all opposing candidates in the circulation or listening area;
959		-	30.3 (8) the spender discusses the candidate's position on a legislative or policy matter with
960		-	30.4the candidate. This clause includes the sending, completion, and return of a survey conducted
961		-	30.5by the spender to determine whether to endorse the candidate; or
962		-	30.6 (9) the spender invites the candidate to appear before the spender's members, employees,
963		-	30.7or shareholders, including the candidate's participation in the event, unless the event promotes
964		-	30.8the election of the candidate or the defeat of the candidate's opponent, or the candidate
965		-	30.9requests or accepts campaign contributions at the event.
966		-	30.10 (b) Paragraph (a), clause (4), does not apply to publicly available instructions or directions
967		-	30.11from a candidate regarding the making of expenditures under section 10A.176, subdivision
968		-	30.128.
969		-	30.13Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.20, is amended by adding a subdivision to
970		-	30.14read:
971		-	30.15 Subd. 5a.Report on personal contributions.A candidate for constitutional or legislative
972		-	30.16office that makes a contribution or loan to the candidate's principal campaign committee
973		-	30.17that, in aggregate, exceeds the amount permitted by section 10A.27, subdivision 10, must
974		-	30.18report the contribution or loan to the board by the next business day. A candidate must file
975		-	30.19a new report each time that the reporting threshold is exceeded during an election cycle
976		-	30.20segment.
977		-	30.21Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.201, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
978		-	30.22 Subd. 6.Electioneering communication.(a) "Electioneering communication" means
979		-	30.23any broadcast, cable, satellite, telephone, or digital communication that:
980		-	30.24 (1) refers to a clearly identified candidate for state office;
981		-	30.25 (2) is publicly distributed within 60 days before a general election for the office sought
982		-	30.26by the candidate, within 30 days before a after the start of the absentee voting period prior
983		-	30.27to the state or special primary election for the office sought by the candidate when the office
984		-	30.28sought will be on the general or special election ballot through the date of the general or
985		-	30.29special election for that office, or within 30 days before a convention of a political party
986		-	30.30unit that has authority to endorse a candidate for the office sought by the candidate; and
987		-	30.31 (3) is targeted to the relevant electorate.
988		-	30Article 2 Sec. 25.
989		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 31.1 (b) A communication is not an electioneering communication if it:
990		-	31.2 (1) is publicly disseminated through a means of communication other than a broadcast,
991		-	31.3cable, satellite television, or radio station, by telephone, in a digital format online, or by
992		-	31.4other electronic means;
993		-	31.5 (2) appears in a news story, commentary, or editorial distributed through the facilities
994		-	31.6of any broadcast, cable, or satellite television or radio station, unless such facilities are
995		-	31.7owned or controlled by any political party, political committee, or candidate, provided that
996		-	31.8a news story distributed through a broadcast, cable, or satellite television or radio station
997		-	31.9owned or controlled by any political party, political committee, or candidate is not an
998		-	31.10electioneering communication if the news story meets the requirements described in Code
999		-	31.11of Federal Regulations, title 11, section 100.132 (a) and (b);
1000		-	31.12 (3) constitutes an expenditure or independent expenditure, provided that the expenditure
1001		-	31.13or independent expenditure is required to be reported under this chapter;
1002		-	31.14 (4) constitutes a candidate debate or forum, or that solely promotes such a debate or
1003		-	31.15forum and is made by or on behalf of the person sponsoring the debate or forum;
1004		-	31.16 (5) is paid for by a candidate;
1005		-	31.17 (6) is a noncommercial solicitation for the purposes of opinion research, including but
1006		-	31.18not limited to opinion research designed for understanding the impact of exposure to political
1007		-	31.19messages and content, provided that the solicitation is not designed to influence respondents'
1008		-	31.20views by presenting biased or manipulative content under the guise of it being an opinion
1009		-	31.21poll, survey, or other form of scientific data collection; or
1010		-	31.22 (7) is a communication disseminated by telephone, in a digital format online, or by other
1011		-	31.23electronic means that the recipient has affirmatively and voluntarily consented to receive
1012		-	31.24from the sender.
1013		-	31.25Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.202, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
1014		-	31.26 Subd. 4.Disclaimer required.An electioneering communication must include a
1015		-	31.27disclaimer in the same manner as required for campaign material under as required by
1016		-	31.28section 211B.04, subdivision 1, paragraph (c) 2a.
1017		-	31Article 2 Sec. 26.
1018		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 32.1 Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.36, is amended to read:
1019		-	32.2 10A.36 REPRISALS PROHIBITED; PENALTY.
1020		-	32.3 (a) An employer, individual, or association must not engage in economic reprisals or
1021		-	32.4threaten loss of employment or physical coercion against an individual or association because
1022		-	32.5of that individual's or association's:
1023		-	32.6 (1) political contributions or political activity including for becoming a candidate or
1024		-	32.7local candidate for elected public office, unless precluded by other law; or
1025		-	32.8 (2) refusal to communicate with public or local officials to influence a decision about a
1026		-	32.9legislative or administrative action or the official action of a political subdivision.
1027		-	32.10 (b) This subdivision section does not apply to compensation for employment or, loss of
1028		-	32.11employment if, or economic reprisals:
1029		-	32.12 (1) if the political affiliation or viewpoint of the employee is a bona fide occupational
1030		-	32.13qualification of the employment; or
1031		-	32.14 (2) for communications described in paragraph (a), clause (2), if the individual's
1032		-	32.15responsibilities, through employment or contract, include communicating with public or
1033		-	32.16local officials.
1034		-	32.17 (c) An individual or association injured by a violation of this section may bring a civil
1035		-	32.18action in district court for damages, injunctive relief, costs and reasonable attorney fees,
1036		-	32.19and any other relief the court deems just and equitable, including reinstatement of
1037		-	32.20employment.
1038		-	32.21 (d) An employer, individual, or association that violates this section is guilty of a gross
1039		-	32.22misdemeanor. The board may refer a violation of this section to the appropriate county
1040		-	32.23attorney.
1041		-	32.24 (e) For purposes of this section, "employer" means a person or entity that employs one
1042		-	32.25or more employees and includes an individual, corporation, partnership, association, business,
1043		-	32.26trust, nonprofit organization, group of persons, legislature, judicial branch, state, county,
1044		-	32.27town, city, school district, or other governmental subdivision.
1045		-	32.28 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective August 1, 2025, and applies to violations
1046		-	32.29committed on or after that date and to causes of action accruing on or after that date.
1047		-	32Article 2 Sec. 27.
1048		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 33.1 Sec. 28. [10A.52] MAJOR DECISION OF NONELECTED LOCAL OFFICIALS.
1049		-	33.2 Subdivision 1.Major decision regarding the expenditure of public money.(a)
1050		-	33.3Attempting to influence a nonelected local official is lobbying if the nonelected local official
1051		-	33.4may make, recommend, or vote on as a member of the political subdivision's governing
1052		-	33.5body, a major decision regarding an expenditure or investment of public money.
1053		-	33.6 (b) The mere act of submitting an application for a grant or responding to a request for
1054		-	33.7proposals is not lobbying. Communications of a purely administerial or technical nature
1055		-	33.8regarding the submission of a grant application or response to requests for proposals are
1056		-	33.9not lobbying.
1057		-	33.10 Subd. 2.Actions that are a major decision regarding public funds.A major decision
1058		-	33.11regarding the expenditure or investment of public money includes but is not limited to a
1059		-	33.12decision on:
1060		-	33.13 (1) the development and ratification of operating and capital budgets of a political
1061		-	33.14subdivision, including development of the budget request for an office or department within
1062		-	33.15the political subdivision;
1063		-	33.16 (2) whether to apply for or accept state, federal, or private grant funding;
1064		-	33.17 (3) selecting recipients for government grants from the political subdivision; or
1065		-	33.18 (4) tax abatement, tax increment financing, or expenditures on public infrastructure used
1066		-	33.19to support private housing or business developments.
1067		-	33.20 Subd. 3.Actions that are not a major decision.A major decision regarding the
1068		-	33.21expenditure of public money does not include:
1069		-	33.22 (1) the purchase of goods or services with public funds in the operating or capital budget
1070		-	33.23of a political subdivision;
1071		-	33.24 (2) collective bargaining of a labor contract on behalf of a political subdivision; or
1072		-	33.25 (3) participating in discussions with a party or a party's representative regarding litigation
1073		-	33.26between the party and the political subdivision of the local official.
1074		-	33.27Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 124E.03, is amended by adding a subdivision
1075		-	33.28to read:
1076		-	33.29 Subd. 11.Statement of economic interest.Members of charter school boards and
1077		-	33.30persons employed as charter school directors and chief administrators are subject to the
1078		-	33.31requirements of section 10A.09.
1079		-	33Article 2 Sec. 29.
1080		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 34.1 Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211A.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
1081		-	34.2 Subdivision 1.When and where filed by committees or candidates.(a) A committee
1082		-	34.3or a candidate who receives contributions or makes disbursements of more than $750 in a
1083		-	34.4calendar year shall submit an initial report to the filing officer within 14 days after the
1084		-	34.5candidate or committee receives or makes disbursements of more than $750 and must
1085		-	34.6continue to make the reports required by this subdivision until a final report is filed.
1086		-	34.7 (b) In a year in which a candidate receives contributions or makes disbursements of
1087		-	34.8more than $750 or the candidate's name appears on the ballot, the candidate must file a
1088		-	34.9report:
1089		-	34.10 (1) ten days before the primary or special primary if a primary is held in the jurisdiction,
1090		-	34.11regardless of whether the candidate is on the primary ballot. If a primary is not conducted,
1091		-	34.12the report is due ten days before the primary date specified in section 205.065;
1092		-	34.13 (2) ten days before the general election or special election; and
1093		-	34.14 (3) 30 days after a general or special election.
1094		-	34.15The reporting obligations in this paragraph begin with the first report due after the reporting
1095		-	34.16period in which the candidate reaches the spending threshold specified in paragraph (a). A
1096		-	34.17candidate who did not file for office is not required to file reports required by this paragraph
1097		-	34.18that are due after the end of the filing period. A candidate whose name will not be on the
1098		-	34.19general election ballot is not required to file the reports required by clauses (2) and (3).
1099		-	34.20 (c) Until a final report is filed, a candidate must file a report by January 31 of each year.
1100		-	34.21Notwithstanding subdivision 2, clause (4), the report required by this subdivision must only
1101		-	34.22include the information from the previous calendar year.
1102		-	34.23Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211A.02, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
1103		-	34.24 Subd. 2.Information required.The report to be filed by a candidate or committee must
1104		-	34.25include:
1105		-	34.26 (1) the name of the candidate and office sought;
1106		-	34.27 (2) the printed name, address, telephone number, signature, and email address, if available,
1107		-	34.28of the person responsible for filing the report. If the person responsible for filing the report
1108		-	34.29does not have an email address, the person must include an attestation to that effect;
1109		-	34.30 (3) the total cash on hand designated to be used for political purposes;
1110		-	34Article 2 Sec. 31.
1111		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 35.1 (4) the total amount of contributions received and the total amount of disbursements for
1112		-	35.2the period from the last previous report to five days before the current report is due;
1113		-	35.3 (5) if disbursements made to the same vendor exceed $100 in the aggregate during the
1114		-	35.4period covered by the report, the name and address for the vendor and the amount, date,
1115		-	35.5and purpose for each disbursement; and
1116		-	35.6 (6) the name, address, and employer, or occupation if self-employed, of any individual
1117		-	35.7or entity that during the period covered by the report has made one or more contributions
1118		-	35.8that in the aggregate exceed $100, and the amount and date of each contribution. The filing
1119		-	35.9officer must restrict public access to the address of any individual who has made a
1120		-	35.10contribution that exceeds $100 and who has filed with the filing officer a written statement
1121		-	35.11signed by the individual that withholding the individual's address from the financial report
1122		-	35.12is required for the safety of the individual or the individual's family.
1123		-	35.13Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
1124		-	35.14 Subdivision 1.Campaign material.(a) A person who participates in the preparation or
1125		-	35.15dissemination of campaign material other than as provided in section 211B.05, subdivision
1126		-	35.161, that does not prominently include the name and address of the person or committee
1127		-	35.17causing the material to be prepared or disseminated in a disclaimer substantially in the form
1128		-	35.18provided in paragraph (b) or (c) is guilty of a misdemeanor.
1129		-	35.19 (b) Except in cases covered by paragraph (c), the required form of disclaimer is: "Prepared
1130		-	35.20and Paid for by the ....... committee, ....... (address)" for material prepared and paid for by
1131		-	35.21a principal campaign committee, or "Prepared and Paid for by the ....... committee, .......
1132		-	35.22(address)" for material prepared and paid for by a person or committee other than a principal
1133		-	35.23campaign committee. The address must be either the committee's mailing address or the
1134		-	35.24committee's website, if the website includes the committee's mailing address. If the material
1135		-	35.25is produced and disseminated without cost, the words "paid for" may be omitted from
1136		-	35.26"Prepared by" may be used in place of "Paid for by" in the disclaimer. Except as required
1137		-	35.27by paragraph (c), in the case of a candidate's or committee's website or social media page,
1138		-	35.28the requirements of this subdivision are satisfied for the entire website or social media page
1139		-	35.29when the disclaimer appears once on the website or social media home page.
1140		-	35.30 (c) In the case of broadcast audio or video media, including audio or video media posted
1141		-	35.31on a candidate or principal campaign committee's website, the required form of disclaimer
1142		-	35.32is: "Paid for by the ....... committee." If the material is produced and broadcast without cost,
1143		-	35.33the required form of the disclaimer is: "The ....... committee is responsible for the content
1144		-	35.34of this message."
1145		-	35Article 2 Sec. 32.
1146		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 36.1 Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.04, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
1147		-	36.2 Subd. 2.Independent expenditures.(a) The required form of the disclaimer on a written
1148		-	36.3Except in cases covered by paragraph (b), the required form of disclaimer for an independent
1149		-	36.4expenditure is: "This is an independent expenditure prepared and paid for by ....... (name
1150		-	36.5of entity participating in the expenditure), ....... (address). It is not coordinated with or
1151		-	36.6approved by any candidate nor is any candidate responsible for it." The address must be
1152		-	36.7either the entity's mailing address or the entity's website, if the website includes the entity's
1153		-	36.8mailing address. When a written independent expenditure is produced and disseminated
1154		-	36.9without cost, the words "and paid for" may be omitted from the disclaimer.
1155		-	36.10 (b) The required form of the disclaimer on a broadcast an audio or video media
1156		-	36.11independent expenditure is: "This independent expenditure is paid for by ....... (name of
1157		-	36.12entity participating in the expenditure). It is not coordinated with or approved by any
1158		-	36.13candidate nor is any candidate responsible for it." When a broadcast an audio or video media
1159		-	36.14independent expenditure is produced and disseminated without cost, the following disclaimer
1160		-	36.15may be used: "....... (name of entity participating in the expenditure) is responsible for the
1161		-	36.16contents of this independent expenditure. It is not coordinated with or approved by any
1162		-	36.17candidate nor is any candidate responsible for it."
1163		-	36.18Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.04, is amended by adding a subdivision
1164		-	36.19to read:
1165		-	36.20 Subd. 2a.Electioneering communication.(a) Except in cases covered by paragraph
1166		-	36.21(b), the required form of disclaimer for an electioneering communication is: "Paid for by
1167		-	36.22....... (name of entity participating in the communication), ....... (address). It is not coordinated
1168		-	36.23with or approved by any candidate nor is any candidate responsible for it." The address
1169		-	36.24must be either the entity's mailing address or the entity's website, if the website includes
1170		-	36.25the entity's mailing address. When an electioneering communication is produced and
1171		-	36.26disseminated without cost, the words "Prepared by" may be used in place of "Paid for by"
1172		-	36.27in the disclaimer.
1173		-	36.28 (b) The required form of the disclaimer on an audio or video media electioneering
1174		-	36.29communication is: " paid for by ....... (name of entity participating in the communication).
1175		-	36.30It is not coordinated with or approved by any candidate nor is any candidate responsible
1176		-	36.31for it." When an audio or video media electioneering communication is produced and
1177		-	36.32disseminated without cost, the following disclaimer may be used: "....... (name of entity
1178		-	36.33participating in the expenditure) is responsible for the contents of this communication. It is
1179		-	36.34not coordinated with or approved by any candidate nor is any candidate responsible for it."
1180		-	36Article 2 Sec. 34.
1181		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 37.1 Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.04, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
1182		-	37.2 Subd. 3.Material that does not need a disclaimer.(a) This section does not apply to
1183		-	37.3fundraising tickets, business cards, personal letters, or similar items that are clearly being
1184		-	37.4distributed by the candidate.
1185		-	37.5 (b) This section does not apply to an individual or association that is not required to
1186		-	37.6register or report under chapter 10A or 211A.
1187		-	37.7 (c) This section does not apply to the following:
1188		-	37.8 (1) bumper stickers, pins, buttons, pens, or similar small items on which the disclaimer
1189		-	37.9cannot be conveniently printed;
1190		-	37.10 (2) skywriting, wearing apparel, or other means of displaying an advertisement of such
1191		-	37.11a nature that the inclusion of a disclaimer would be impracticable; and
1192		-	37.12 (3) online banner ads and similar electronic communications that for which it would be
1193		-	37.13technologically infeasible. In this case, the communication must state the name of the person
1194		-	37.14who paid for, or in the case of a communication that is produced and disseminated without
1195		-	37.15cost, who is responsible for the communication and link directly to an online page that
1196		-	37.16includes only the disclaimer. The person who paid for or is responsible for the communication
1197		-	37.17must, at the request of the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board or the Office of
1198		-	37.18Administrative Hearings, demonstrate why it was technologically infeasible to include a
1199		-	37.19disclaimer in the form required by subdivision 1, 2, or 2a.
1200		-	37.20 (d) This section does not modify or repeal section 211B.06.
1201		-	37.21Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.04, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
1202		-	37.22 Subd. 5.Font size.For written communications other than an outdoor sign, website, or
1203		-	37.23social media page, (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c), the disclaimer must be
1204		-	37.24printed in 8-point font or larger with sufficient color contrast to be reasonably legible.
1205		-	37.25 (b) For an outdoor sign, the font of the disclaimer must be a height of at least five percent
1206		-	37.26of the vertical height of the sign with sufficient color contrast to be reasonably legible.
1207		-	37.27 (c) For websites and social media, the font of the disclaimer must be displayed large
1208		-	37.28enough and with sufficient color contrast to be reasonably legible.
1209		-	37.29 EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION.Paragraph (b) applies to outdoor signs printed
1210		-	37.30on or after January 1, 2026.
1211		-	37Article 2 Sec. 36.
1212		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 38.1 Sec. 37. [211B.065] MISREPRESENTATION OF CAMPAIGN AUTHORITY.
1213		-	38.2 Subdivision 1.Misrepresentation prohibited.(a) A person must not:
1214		-	38.3 (1) misrepresent the person or any committee or organization as speaking or writing or
1215		-	38.4otherwise acting for or on behalf of any real, potential, spurious, or nonexistent candidate,
1216		-	38.5political party, committee, fund, or organization with the intent to defraud; or
1217		-	38.6 (2) willfully and knowingly participate in or conspire to participate in any plan, scheme,
1218		-	38.7or design to violate clause (1).
1219		-	38.8 (b) A person must not:
1220		-	38.9 (1) misrepresent the person as speaking, writing, or otherwise acting for or on behalf of
1221		-	38.10any real, potential, spurious, or nonexistent candidate, political party, committee, fund, or
1222		-	38.11organization or employee or agent of any such candidate, political party, or political
1223		-	38.12committee or organization when soliciting money or any other thing of value with the intent
1224		-	38.13to defraud; or
1225		-	38.14 (2) willfully and knowingly participate in or conspire to participate in any plan, scheme,
1226		-	38.15or design to violate clause (1).
1227		-	38.16 Subd. 2.Criminal penalties; civil remedies.(a) Except as otherwise provided, a person
1228		-	38.17who violates this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
1229		-	38.18 (b) The attorney general, a county attorney, or a party injured by a violation of subdivision
1230		-	38.191 may bring a civil action pursuant to section 8.31 to recover damages, together with costs
1231		-	38.20of investigation and reasonable attorney fees, and receive other equitable relief as determined
1232		-	38.21by the court. An action brought by an injured party under section 8.31, subdivision 3a,
1233		-	38.22benefits the public. In addition to all other damages, the court may impose a civil penalty
1234		-	38.23of up to $1,000 for each violation.
1235		-	38.24 (c) Civil remedies allowable under this section are cumulative and do not restrict any
1236		-	38.25other right or remedy otherwise available. The complaint process provided in sections
1237		-	38.26211B.31 to 211B.36 does not apply to violations of this section.
1238		-	38.27 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective August 1, 2025, and applies to crimes
1239		-	38.28committed on or after that date and causes of action accruing on or after that date.
1240		-	38.29Sec. 38. [211B.066] DISTRIBUTION OF ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATIONS
1241		-	38.30AND SAMPLE BALLOTS.
1242		-	38.31 Subdivision 1.Definitions.(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
1243		-	38.32the meanings given.
1244		-	38Article 2 Sec. 38.
1245		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 39.1 (b) "Person or entity" means any individual, committee, or association as defined in
1246		-	39.2section 10A.01, subdivision 6.
1247		-	39.3 (c) "Sample ballot" means a document that is formatted and printed in a manner that so
1248		-	39.4closely resembles an official ballot that it could lead a reasonable person to believe the
1249		-	39.5document is an official ballot. A document that contains the names of particular candidates
1250		-	39.6or ballot questions alongside illustrations of a generic ballot or common ballot markings is
1251		-	39.7not a sample ballot as long as the document does not closely resemble an official ballot and
1252		-	39.8would not lead a reasonable person to believe the document is an official ballot.
1253		-	39.9 Subd. 2.Requirements.(a) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, any person
1254		-	39.10or entity that mails an absentee ballot application or sample ballot to anyone in the state
1255		-	39.11must comply with this section. This section does not apply to a unit of government or
1256		-	39.12employee of that unit of government when discharging official election duties.
1257		-	39.13 (b) The person or entity mailing the absentee ballot application or sample ballot must
1258		-	39.14include the following statement: "This mailing is not an official election communication
1259		-	39.15from a unit of government. This [absentee ballot application or sample ballot] has not been
1260		-	39.16included at the request of a government official." If a sample ballot is enclosed, the statement
1261		-	39.17must also include the following: "This is a sample ballot, not an official ballot. You cannot
1262		-	39.18cast the enclosed sample ballot."
1263		-	39.19 (c) The statement required in paragraph (b) must be printed in a typeface and format
1264		-	39.20designed to be clearly visible at the time the mailing is opened. The person or entity sending
1265		-	39.21the sample ballot or absentee ballot application must include the person or entity's name
1266		-	39.22and street address in the return address position on the mailing envelope.
1267		-	39.23 (d) If an absentee ballot application is included, the application fields must be blank and
1268		-	39.24must not include the voter's name, address, or any other required information.
1269		-	39.25Notwithstanding this subdivision, the county auditor or municipal clerk must not reject an
1270		-	39.26absentee ballot application solely because of the inclusion of printed information on the
1271		-	39.27application.
1272		-	39.28 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective January 1, 2026.
1273		-	39.29Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.13, is amended to read:
1274		-	39.30 211B.13 BRIBERY, TREATING, AND SOLICITATION.
1275		-	39.31 Subdivision 1.Bribery, advancing money, and treating prohibited.(a) A person who
1276		-	39.32is guilty of a felony if the person willfully, directly or indirectly, advances, pays, gives,
1277		-	39.33promises, provides a chance to win, or lends any money, food, liquor, clothing, entertainment,
1278		-	39Article 2 Sec. 39.
1279		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 40.1or other thing of monetary value, or who offers, promises, or endeavors to obtain any money,
1280		-	40.2position, appointment, employment, or other valuable consideration, to or for a person, in
1281		-	40.3order to induce:
1282		-	40.4 (1) a voter to vote, to refrain from voting, or to vote in a particular way, at an election,
1283		-	40.5is guilty of a felony;
1284		-	40.6 (2) an individual to register to vote; or
1285		-	40.7 (3) a registered or eligible voter to sign a petition that is directly related to an election
1286		-	40.8during the period beginning on the first day of the absentee voting period for that election
1287		-	40.9and ending on election day.
1288		-	40.10 (b) This section does not prevent a candidate from stating publicly preference for or
1289		-	40.11support of another candidate to be voted for at the same primary or election. Refreshments
1290		-	40.12of Food or, nonalcoholic beverages, or items having a value up to $5 are not prohibited
1291		-	40.13under this section if consumed on the premises at a private gathering or public meeting are
1292		-	40.14not prohibited under this section or if offered on equal terms to individuals without regard
1293		-	40.15to whether the recipient takes a specified action.
1294		-	40.16 Subd. 2.Certain solicitations prohibited.A person may not knowingly solicit, receive,
1295		-	40.17or accept any money, property, or other thing of monetary value, or a promise or, pledge,
1296		-	40.18or opportunity to win any of these that is a disbursement prohibited by this section or section
1297		-	40.19211B.15.
1298		-	40.20 Subd. 3.Civil enforcement.In addition to other remedies, the attorney general or county
1299		-	40.21attorney may enforce this section pursuant to section 8.31.
1300		-	40.22 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective August 1, 2025, and applies to crimes
1301		-	40.23committed on or after that date.
1302		-	40.24Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.32, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
1303		-	40.25 Subdivision 1.Administrative remedy; exhaustion.(a) Except as provided in paragraphs
1304		-	40.26(b) and (c), a complaint alleging a violation of chapter 211A or 211B must be filed with the
1305		-	40.27office. The complaint must be finally disposed of by the office before the alleged violation
1306		-	40.28may be prosecuted by a county attorney.
1307		-	40.29 (b) Complaints arising under those sections and related to those individuals and
1308		-	40.30associations specified in section 10A.022, subdivision 3, must be filed with the Campaign
1309		-	40.31Finance and Public Disclosure Board.
1310		-	40Article 2 Sec. 40.
1311		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 41.1 (c) Violations of sections 211B.065, 211B.075, and 211B.076 may be enforced as
1312		-	41.2provided in those sections.
1313		-	41.3 Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.32, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
1314		-	41.4 Subd. 4.Proof of claim.The burden of proving the allegations in the complaint is on
1315		-	41.5the complainant. The standard of proof of a violation of section 211B.06, relating to false
1316		-	41.6statements in paid political advertising or campaign material, is clear and convincing
1317		-	41.7evidence. The standard of proof of any other a violation of chapter 211A or 211B is a
1318		-	41.8preponderance of the evidence.
1319		-	41.9 Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.35, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
1320		-	41.10 Subd. 2.Disposition of complaint.The panel must determine whether the violation
1321		-	41.11alleged in the complaint occurred and must make at least one of the following dispositions:
1322		-	41.12 (a) The panel may dismiss the complaint.
1323		-	41.13 (b) The panel may issue a reprimand.
1324		-	41.14 (c) The panel may find that a statement made in a paid advertisement or campaign
1325		-	41.15material violated section 211B.06.
1326		-	41.16 (d) The panel may impose a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for any violation of chapter
1327		-	41.17211A or 211B.
1328		-	41.18 (e) (d) The panel may refer the complaint to the appropriate county attorney.
1329		-	41.19Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383B.041, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
1330		-	41.20 Subd. 5.Economic interest disclosure; Special School District No. 1.Every candidate
1331		-	41.21for school board in Special School District No. 1, Minneapolis, must file an original statement
1332		-	41.22of economic interest with the school district within 14 days of the filing of an affidavit or
1333		-	41.23petition to appear on the ballot the end of the candidate filing period. An elected official in
1334		-	41.24Special School District No. 1, Minneapolis, must file the annual statement required in section
1335		-	41.2510A.09, subdivision 6, with the school district for every year that the individual serves in
1336		-	41.26office. An original and annual statement must contain the information listed in section
1337		-	41.2710A.09, subdivision 5. The provisions of section 10A.09, subdivisions 6a, 7, and 9, apply
1338		-	41.28to statements required under this subdivision.
1339		-	41Article 2 Sec. 43.
1340		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 42.1 Sec. 44. CAMPAIGN SPENDING LIMITS STUDY.
1341		-	42.2 The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board must study the voluntary campaign
1342		-	42.3spending limits as provided in this section. By January 15, 2026, the board must report to
1343		-	42.4the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction
1344		-	42.5over the board with its findings and recommendations. At a minimum, the board must study
1345		-	42.6and report on:
1346		-	42.7 (1) the number of candidates that participate in the public subsidy program, broken down
1347		-	42.8by office;
1348		-	42.9 (2) the number of candidates that do not participate in the public subsidy program, broken
1349		-	42.10down by office;
1350		-	42.11 (3) historic trend data for the past ten years for the information in clauses (1) and (2);
1351		-	42.12 (4) for candidates that do not participate in the public subsidy program, how much the
1352		-	42.13candidate and the candidate's opponent spent and how much is spent on independent
1353		-	42.14expenditures in the race;
1354		-	42.15 (5) how other states set voluntary campaign spending limits, including:
1355		-	42.16 (i) if other states distinguish between highly contested races and other races in the amount
1356		-	42.17of funding provided or spending allowed;
1357		-	42.18 (ii) if other states have an automatic inflator on the subsidies and limits; and
1358		-	42.19 (iii) the level of candidate participation over time in the programs; and
1359		-	42.20 (6) any recommendations the board has regarding the current public subsidy program
1360		-	42.21in Minnesota and whether the current spending limits are appropriate.
1361		-	42.22 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
1362		-	42.23Sec. 45. RULEMAKING.
1363		-	42.24 The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board must amend Minnesota Rules, part
1364		-	42.254503.0900, to conform to the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 10A.174, regarding
1365		-	42.26transition expenses. The board may use the good cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes,
1366		-	42.27section 14.388, for purposes of this section.
1367		-	42.28Sec. 46. REPEALER.
1368		-	42.29 (a) Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 211B.04, subdivision 4; 211B.06; and 211B.08,
1369		-	42.30are repealed.
1370		-	42Article 2 Sec. 46.
1371		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 43.1 (b) Minnesota Rules, part 4503.2000, subpart 2, is repealed.
1372		-	43.2 (c) Minnesota Rules, part 4511.1100, is repealed.
1373		-	43.3 EFFECTIVE DATE.Paragraph (b) is effective the day following final enactment.
1374		-	43.4 Sec. 47. EFFECTIVE DATE.
1375		-	43.5 Unless otherwise provided, this article is effective January 1, 2026.
1376		-	43.6 ARTICLE 3
1377		-	43.7 ELECTION POLICY
1378		-	43.8 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.054, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
1379		-	43.9 Subdivision 1.Registration.(a) An individual may register to vote or update a voter
1380		-	43.10registration:
1381		-	43.11 (1) at any time before the 20th day preceding any election as provided in section 201.061,
1382		-	43.12subdivision 1;
1383		-	43.13 (2) on the day of an election as provided in section 201.061, subdivision 3; or
1384		-	43.14 (3) when submitting an absentee ballot, by enclosing a completed registration application
1385		-	43.15as provided in section 203B.04, subdivision 4.
1386		-	43.16 (b) An individual who is under the age of 18, but who is at least 16 years of age and
1387		-	43.17otherwise eligible, may submit a voter registration application as provided in section 201.061,
1388		-	43.18subdivisions 1 and 1b.
1389		-	43.19Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.054, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
1390		-	43.20 Subd. 2.Prohibitions; penalty.No An individual shall must not intentionally:
1391		-	43.21 (1) cause or attempt to cause the individual's name to be registered in any precinct if the
1392		-	43.22individual is not eligible to vote, except as permitted by section 201.061, subdivision 1b;
1393		-	43.23 (2) cause or attempt to cause the individual's name to be registered for the purpose of
1394		-	43.24voting in more than one precinct;
1395		-	43.25 (3) misrepresent the individual's identity when attempting to register to vote or to update
1396		-	43.26a registration; or
1397		-	43.27 (4) aid, abet, counsel, or procure any other individual to violate this subdivision.
1398		-	43.28 A violation of this subdivision is a felony.
1399		-	43Article 3 Sec. 2.
1400		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 44.1 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.056, is amended to read:
1401		-	44.2 201.056 SIGNATURE OF REGISTERED VOTER; MARKS ALLOWED.
1402		-	44.3 An individual who is unable to write the individual's name shall be required to must
1403		-	44.4sign a registration application in the manner provided by section 645.44, subdivision 14. If
1404		-	44.5the individual registers in person and signs by making a mark, the clerk or election judge
1405		-	44.6accepting the registration shall or update must certify the mark by signing the individual's
1406		-	44.7name. If the individual registers or updates a registration by mail and signs by making a
1407		-	44.8mark, the mark shall must be certified by having a voter registered in the individual's precinct
1408		-	44.9sign the individual's name and the voter's own name and give the voter's own address.
1409		-	44.10Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.061, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
1410		-	44.11 Subdivision 1.Prior to election day.(a) At any time except during the 20 days
1411		-	44.12immediately preceding any regularly scheduled election, an eligible voter or any individual
1412		-	44.13who will be an eligible voter at the time of the next election may register or update a
1413		-	44.14registration to vote in the precinct in which the voter maintains residence by completing a
1414		-	44.15voter registration application as described in section 201.071, subdivision 1. A completed
1415		-	44.16application may be submitted:
1416		-	44.17 (1) in person or by mail to the county auditor of that county or to the Secretary of State's
1417		-	44.18Office; or
1418		-	44.19 (2) electronically through a secure website that shall must be maintained by the secretary
1419		-	44.20of state for this purpose, if the applicant has an email address and provides the applicant's
1420		-	44.21verifiable Minnesota driver's license number, Minnesota state identification card number,
1421		-	44.22or the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number.
1422		-	44.23 (b) A registration or update to a registration that is received in person or by mail no later
1423		-	44.24than 5:00 p.m. on the 21st day preceding any election, or a registration or update to a
1424		-	44.25registration received electronically through the secretary of state's secure website no later
1425		-	44.26than 11:59 p.m. on the 21st day preceding any election, shall must be accepted. An
1426		-	44.27improperly addressed or delivered registration application shall must be forwarded within
1427		-	44.28two working days after receipt to the county auditor of the county where the voter maintains
1428		-	44.29residence. A state or local agency or an individual that accepts completed voter registration
1429		-	44.30applications from a voter must submit the completed applications to the secretary of state
1430		-	44.31or the appropriate county auditor within ten calendar days after the applications are dated
1431		-	44.32by the voter.
1432		-	44Article 3 Sec. 4.
1433		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 45.1 (c) An application submitted electronically under paragraph (a), clause (2), may only
1434		-	45.2be transmitted to the county auditor for processing if the secretary of state has verified the
1435		-	45.3application information matches the information in a government database associated with
1436		-	45.4the applicant's driver's license number, state identification card number, or Social Security
1437		-	45.5number. The secretary of state must review all unverifiable voter registration applications
1438		-	45.6submitted electronically for evidence of suspicious activity and must forward any such
1439		-	45.7application to an appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation.
1440		-	45.8 (d) An individual may not electronically submit a voter registration application on behalf
1441		-	45.9of any other individual, except that the secretary of state may provide features on the secure
1442		-	45.10website established under paragraph (a), clause (2), that allow third parties to connect
1443		-	45.11application programming interfaces that facilitate an individual's submission of voter
1444		-	45.12registration information while interacting with the third party.
1445		-	45.13 (e) For purposes of this section, mail registration is defined as a voter registration
1446		-	45.14application delivered to the secretary of state, county auditor, or municipal clerk by the
1447		-	45.15United States Postal Service or a commercial carrier.
1448		-	45.16Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.061, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
1449		-	45.17 Subd. 3.Election day registration.(a) An individual who is eligible to vote may register
1450		-	45.18or update a registration on election day by appearing in person at the polling place for the
1451		-	45.19precinct in which the individual maintains residence, by completing a registration application,
1452		-	45.20making an oath in the form prescribed by the secretary of state and providing proof of
1453		-	45.21residence. An individual may prove residence for purposes of registering or updating a
1454		-	45.22registration by:
1455		-	45.23 (1) presenting a driver's license or Minnesota identification card issued pursuant to
1456		-	45.24section 171.07;
1457		-	45.25 (2) presenting any document approved by the secretary of state as proper identification;
1458		-	45.26 (3) presenting a current student fee statement that contains the student's valid address
1459		-	45.27in the precinct together with a picture identification card; or
1460		-	45.28 (4) having a voter who is registered to vote in the precinct, or an employee who provides
1461		-	45.29proof that they are employed by and working in a residential facility in the precinct and
1462		-	45.30vouching for a resident in the facility, sign an oath in the presence of the election judge
1463		-	45.31vouching that the voter or employee personally knows that the individual is a resident of
1464		-	45.32the precinct. A voter who has been vouched for on election day may not sign a proof of
1465		-	45.33residence oath vouching for any other individual on that election day. A voter who is
1466		-	45Article 3 Sec. 5.
1467		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 46.1registered to vote in the precinct may sign up to eight proof-of-residence oaths on any
1468		-	46.2election day. This limitation does not apply to an employee of a residential facility described
1469		-	46.3in this clause. The secretary of state shall provide a form for election judges to use in
1470		-	46.4recording the number of individuals for whom a voter signs proof-of-residence oaths on
1471		-	46.5election day. The form must include space for the maximum number of individuals for
1472		-	46.6whom a voter may sign proof-of-residence oaths. For each proof-of-residence oath, the form
1473		-	46.7must include a statement that the individual: (i) is registered to vote in the precinct or is an
1474		-	46.8employee of a residential facility in the precinct, (ii) personally knows that the voter is a
1475		-	46.9resident of the precinct, and (iii) is making the statement on oath. The form must include a
1476		-	46.10space for the voter's printed name, signature, telephone number, and address.
1477		-	46.11 The oath required by this subdivision and Minnesota Rules, part 8200.9939, must be
1478		-	46.12attached to the voter registration application.
1479		-	46.13 (b) The operator of a residential facility shall prepare a list of the names of its employees
1480		-	46.14currently working in the residential facility and the address of the residential facility. The
1481		-	46.15operator shall certify the list and provide it to the appropriate county auditor no less than
1482		-	46.1620 days before each election for use in election day registration.
1483		-	46.17 (c) (b) "Residential facility" means transitional housing as defined in section 256K.48,
1484		-	46.18subdivision 1; a supervised living facility licensed by the commissioner of health under
1485		-	46.19section 144.50, subdivision 6; a nursing home as defined in section 144A.01, subdivision
1486		-	46.205; an assisted living facility licensed by the commissioner of health under chapter 144G; a
1487		-	46.21veterans home operated by the board of directors of the Minnesota Veterans Homes under
1488		-	46.22chapter 198; a residence licensed by the commissioner of human services to provide a
1489		-	46.23residential program as defined in section 245A.02, subdivision 14; a residential facility for
1490		-	46.24persons with a developmental disability licensed by the commissioner of human services
1491		-	46.25under section 252.28; setting authorized to provide housing support as defined in section
1492		-	46.26256I.03, subdivision 10a; a shelter for battered women as defined in section 611A.37,
1493		-	46.27subdivision 4; a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter or dwelling designed to
1494		-	46.28provide temporary living accommodations for the homeless; a facility where a provider
1495		-	46.29operates a residential treatment program as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 23; or
1496		-	46.30a facility where a provider operates an adult foster care program as defined in section
1497		-	46.31245A.02, subdivision 6c.
1498		-	46.32 (d) (c) For tribal band members, an individual may prove residence for purposes of
1499		-	46.33registering or updating a registration by:
1500		-	46Article 3 Sec. 5.
1501		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 47.1 (1) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe recognized
1502		-	47.2by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that contains the
1503		-	47.3name, address, signature, and picture of the individual; or
1504		-	47.4 (2) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe recognized
1505		-	47.5by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that contains the
1506		-	47.6name, signature, and picture of the individual and also presenting one of the documents
1507		-	47.7listed in Minnesota Rules, part 8200.5100, subpart 2, item B.
1508		-	47.8 (e) (d) A county, school district, or municipality may require that an election judge
1509		-	47.9responsible for election day registration initial each completed registration application.
1510		-	47.10 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
1511		-	47.11Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.061, subdivision 3a, is amended to read:
1512		-	47.12 Subd. 3a.Additional proofs of residence permitted for students.(a) If an eligible
1513		-	47.13voter's name; student identification number, if available; and address within the precinct
1514		-	47.14appear on a current residential housing list under section 135A.17 certified to the county
1515		-	47.15auditor by the postsecondary educational institution, the voter may prove residence by
1516		-	47.16presenting a current valid photo identification issued by a postsecondary educational
1517		-	47.17institution in Minnesota; identification authorized in subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause
1518		-	47.18(1) or (2); or identification authorized in subdivision 3, paragraph (d) (c), clause (1) or (2).
1519		-	47.19 (b) This additional proof of residence for students must not be allowed unless the
1520		-	47.20postsecondary educational institution submits to the county auditor no later than 60 days
1521		-	47.21prior to the election a written agreement that the postsecondary educational institution will
1522		-	47.22certify for use at the election accurate updated residential housing lists under section 135A.17.
1523		-	47.23A written agreement is effective for the election and all subsequent elections held in that
1524		-	47.24calendar year, including the November general election.
1525		-	47.25 (c) The additional proof of residence for students must be allowed on an equal basis for
1526		-	47.26voters who reside in housing meeting the requirements of section 135A.17, if the residential
1527		-	47.27housing lists certified by the postsecondary educational institution meet the requirements
1528		-	47.28of this subdivision.
1529		-	47.29 (d) An updated residential housing list must be certified to the county auditor no later
1530		-	47.30than 20 35 days prior to each election. The certification must be dated and signed by the
1531		-	47.31chief officer or designee of the postsecondary educational institution and must state that the
1532		-	47.32list is current and accurate and includes only the names of persons residing in the institution's
1533		-	47Article 3 Sec. 6.
1534		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 48.1housing and, for students who do not live in the institution's housing, that it reflects the
1535		-	48.2institution's records as of the date of the certification.
1536		-	48.3 (e) This additional proof of residence for students must be allowed during the 18 days
1537		-	48.4before an election and on election day. The county auditor shall instruct the election judges
1538		-	48.5of the precinct in procedures for use of the list in conjunction with photo identification. The
1539		-	48.6auditor shall supply a list to the election judges with the election supplies for the precinct.
1540		-	48.7 (f) The county auditor shall notify all postsecondary educational institutions in the county
1541		-	48.8of the provisions of this subdivision.
1542		-	48.9 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective January 1, 2026, and applies to elections
1543		-	48.10held on or after February 6, 2026.
1544		-	48.11Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.061, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
1545		-	48.12 Subd. 4.Registration by election judges; procedures.Registration and updates to
1546		-	48.13registrations at the polling place on election day shall must be conducted by the election
1547		-	48.14judges. Before registering an individual to vote or updating an individual's registration at
1548		-	48.15the polling place, the election judge must review any list of voters who registered or updated
1549		-	48.16a registration with an absentee election day registrants ballot provided by the county auditor
1550		-	48.17or municipal clerk to see if the person individual has already voted by absentee ballot. If
1551		-	48.18the person's individual's name appears on the list, the election judge must not allow the
1552		-	48.19individual to register, to update the individual's registration, or to vote in the polling place.
1553		-	48.20The election judge who registers an individual or updates an individual's registration at the
1554		-	48.21polling place on election day shall must not handle that voter's ballots at any time prior to
1555		-	48.22the opening of the ballot box after the voting ends. Registration applications and forms for
1556		-	48.23oaths shall must be available at each polling place. If an individual who registers or updates
1557		-	48.24a registration on election day proves residence by oath of a registered voter, the form
1558		-	48.25containing the oath shall must be attached to the individual's registration application.
1559		-	48.26Registration applications completed on election day shall must be forwarded to the county
1560		-	48.27auditor who shall must add the name of each voter to the registration system or update the
1561		-	48.28voter's registration unless the information forwarded is substantially deficient. A county
1562		-	48.29auditor who finds an election day registration or update substantially deficient shall must
1563		-	48.30give written notice to the individual whose registration is found deficient. An election day
1564		-	48.31registration shall or update must not be found deficient solely because the individual who
1565		-	48.32provided proof of residence was ineligible to do so.
1566		-	48Article 3 Sec. 7.
1567		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 49.1 Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.061, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
1568		-	49.2 Subd. 5.Unregistered voters; penalty.No election judge in any precinct in which
1569		-	49.3registration is required may receive the vote at any election of any individual whose name
1570		-	49.4is not registered in a manner specified in section 201.054, subdivision 1 or not recorded
1571		-	49.5under section 203B.19. A violation of this subdivision is a felony.
1572		-	49.6 Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.061, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
1573		-	49.7 Subd. 7.Record of attempted registrations.The election judge responsible for election
1574		-	49.8day registration shall must attempt to keep a record of the number of individuals who attempt
1575		-	49.9to register or update a registration on election day but who cannot provide proof of residence
1576		-	49.10as required by this section. The record shall must be forwarded to the county auditor with
1577		-	49.11the election returns for that precinct.
1578		-	49.12Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.071, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
1579		-	49.13 Subdivision 1.Form.Both paper and electronic voter registration applications must
1580		-	49.14contain the same information unless otherwise provided by law. A voter registration
1581		-	49.15application must contain spaces for the following required information: voter's first name,
1582		-	49.16middle name, and last name; voter's previous name, if any; voter's current address; voter's
1583		-	49.17previous address, if any; voter's date of birth; voter's municipality and county of residence;
1584		-	49.18voter's telephone number, if provided by the voter; date of registration; current and valid
1585		-	49.19Minnesota driver's license number or Minnesota state identification number, or if the voter
1586		-	49.20has no current and valid Minnesota driver's license or Minnesota state identification, the
1587		-	49.21last four digits of the voter's Social Security number; a box to indicate a voter's preference
1588		-	49.22to join the permanent absentee voter list; and voter's signature. The paper registration
1589		-	49.23application must provide a space for a voter to provide a physical description of the location
1590		-	49.24of their residence, if the voter resides in an area lacking a specific physical address. The
1591		-	49.25description must be sufficient for the county auditor to identify the correct precinct for the
1592		-	49.26voter. The description may include the closest cross street or the nearest address to the
1593		-	49.27described location that is identified on a precinct map, and directions from that cross street
1594		-	49.28or address to the described location, including but not limited to the cardinal direction and
1595		-	49.29approximate distance to the location. The paper registration application may include the
1596		-	49.30voter's email address, if provided by the voter. The electronic voter registration application
1597		-	49.31must include the voter's email address. The registration application may include the voter's
1598		-	49.32interest in serving as an election judge, if indicated by the voter. The application must also
1599		-	49.33contain the following certification of voter eligibility:
1600		-	49Article 3 Sec. 10.
1601		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 50.1 "I certify that I:
1602		-	50.2 (1) am at least 16 years old and understand that I must be at least 18 years old to be
1603		-	50.3eligible to vote;
1604		-	50.4 (2) am a citizen of the United States;
1605		-	50.5 (3) will have maintained residence in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding
1606		-	50.6election day;
1607		-	50.7 (4) maintain residence at the address or location given on the registration form;
1608		-	50.8 (5) am not under court-ordered guardianship in which the court order revokes my right
1609		-	50.9to vote;
1610		-	50.10 (6) have not been found by a court to be legally incompetent to vote;
1611		-	50.11 (7) am not currently incarcerated for a conviction of a felony offense; and
1612		-	50.12 (8) have read and understand the following statement: that giving false information is a
1613		-	50.13felony punishable by not more than five years imprisonment or a fine of not more than
1614		-	50.14$10,000, or both."
1615		-	50.15 The certification must include boxes for the voter to respond to the following questions:
1616		-	50.16 "(1) Are you a citizen of the United States?" and
1617		-	50.17 "(2) Are you at least 16 years old and will you be at least 18 years old on or before the
1618		-	50.18day of the election in which you intend to vote?"
1619		-	50.19 And the instruction:
1620		-	50.20 "If you checked 'no' to either of these questions, do not complete this form."
1621		-	50.21 The form of the voter registration application and the certification of voter eligibility
1622		-	50.22must be as provided in this subdivision and approved by the secretary of state. Voter
1623		-	50.23registration forms authorized by the National Voter Registration Act must also be accepted
1624		-	50.24as valid. The federal postcard application form must also be accepted as valid if it is not
1625		-	50.25deficient and the voter is eligible to register in Minnesota.
1626		-	50.26 An individual may use a voter registration application to apply to register to vote in
1627		-	50.27Minnesota or to change update information on an existing registration.
1628		-	50.28 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective July 1, 2025, except that this section is
1629		-	50.29effective January 1, 2026, for the secretary of state's online voter registration application.
1630		-	50Article 3 Sec. 10.
1631		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 51.1 Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.071, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
1632		-	51.2 Subd. 4.Change of registration.A county auditor who receives a registration application
1633		-	51.3indicating that an individual was previously registered in a different county in Minnesota
1634		-	51.4shall must update the voter's record electronically through the statewide registration system
1635		-	51.5in the manner prescribed by the secretary of state. A county auditor who receives a
1636		-	51.6registration application or notification requiring a change an update of registration records
1637		-	51.7under this subdivision as a result of an a voter updating the voter's registration on election
1638		-	51.8day registration shall must also check the statewide registration system to determine whether
1639		-	51.9the individual voted in more than one precinct in the most recent election.
1640		-	51.10Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.091, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
1641		-	51.11 Subd. 5.Copy of list to registered voter.The county auditors and the secretary of state
1642		-	51.12shall must provide copies of the public information lists in electronic or other media to any
1643		-	51.13voter registered in Minnesota within ten five business days of receiving a complete written
1644		-	51.14or electronic request accompanied by payment of the cost of reproduction. The county
1645		-	51.15auditors and the secretary of state shall must make a copy of the list available for public
1646		-	51.16inspection without cost. An individual who inspects or acquires a copy of a public information
1647		-	51.17list may must not use any information contained in it for purposes unrelated to elections,
1648		-	51.18political activities, or law enforcement.
1649		-	51.19 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
1650		-	51.20Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.091, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
1651		-	51.21 Subd. 8.Registration places.(a) Each county auditor shall must designate a number of
1652		-	51.22public buildings in those political subdivisions of the county where preregistration of voters
1653		-	51.23is allowed as provided in section 201.061, subdivision 1, where eligible voters may register
1654		-	51.24to vote or update the voter's registration as provided in section 201.061, subdivision 1.
1655		-	51.25 (b) An adequate supply of registration applications and instructions must be maintained
1656		-	51.26at each designated location, and a designated individual must be available there to accept
1657		-	51.27registration applications and transmit them to the county auditor.
1658		-	51.28 (c) A person who, because of disability, needs assistance in order to determine eligibility
1659		-	51.29or, to register must, or to update a voter registration may be assisted by a designated
1660		-	51.30individual. Assistance includes but is not limited to reading the registration form and
1661		-	51.31instructions and filling out the registration form as directed by the eligible voter.
1662		-	51Article 3 Sec. 13.
1663		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 52.1 Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.121, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
1664		-	52.2 Subdivision 1.Entry of registration information.(a) At the time a voter registration
1665		-	52.3application is properly completed, submitted, and received in accordance with sections
1666		-	52.4201.061 and 201.071, the county auditor shall must enter or update the information contained
1667		-	52.5on it into the statewide registration system. Voter registration applications completed before
1668		-	52.6election day must be entered into the statewide registration system within ten days after
1669		-	52.7they have been submitted to the county auditor. Voter registration applications completed
1670		-	52.8on election day must be entered into the statewide registration system within 42 days after
1671		-	52.9the election, unless the county auditor notifies the secretary of state before the deadline has
1672		-	52.10expired that the deadline will not be met. Upon receipt of a notification under this paragraph,
1673		-	52.11the secretary of state must extend the deadline for that county auditor by an additional 28
1674		-	52.12days. The secretary of state may waive a county's obligations under this paragraph if, on
1675		-	52.13good cause shown, the county demonstrates its permanent inability to comply.
1676		-	52.14The secretary of state must post data on each county's compliance with this paragraph on
1677		-	52.15the secretary of state's website including, as applicable, the date each county fully complied
1678		-	52.16or the deadline by which a county's compliance must be complete.
1679		-	52.17 (b) Upon receiving a completed voter registration application, the secretary of state may
1680		-	52.18electronically transmit the information on the application to the appropriate county auditor
1681		-	52.19as soon as possible for review by the county auditor before final entry into or update in the
1682		-	52.20statewide registration system. The secretary of state may mail the voter registration
1683		-	52.21application to the county auditor.
1684		-	52.22 (c) Within ten days after the county auditor has entered or updated information from a
1685		-	52.23voter registration application into in the statewide registration system, the secretary of state
1686		-	52.24shall must compare the voter's name, date of birth, and driver's license number, state
1687		-	52.25identification number, or the last four digits of the Social Security number with the same
1688		-	52.26information contained in the Department of Public Safety database.
1689		-	52.27 (d) The secretary of state shall must provide a report to the county auditor on a weekly
1690		-	52.28basis that includes a list of voters whose name, date of birth, or identification number have
1691		-	52.29been compared with the same information in the Department of Public Safety database and
1692		-	52.30cannot be verified as provided in this subdivision. The report must list separately those
1693		-	52.31voters who have submitted a voter registration application by mail and have not voted in a
1694		-	52.32federal election in this state.
1695		-	52.33 (e) The county auditor shall must compile a list of voters for whom the county auditor
1696		-	52.34and the secretary of state are unable to conclude that information on the voter registration
1697		-	52Article 3 Sec. 14.
1698		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 53.1application and the corresponding information in the Department of Public Safety database
1699		-	53.2relate to the same person.
1700		-	53.3 (f) The county auditor shall must send a notice of incomplete registration to any voter
1701		-	53.4whose name appears on the list and change the voter's status to "challenged." A voter who
1702		-	53.5receives a notice of incomplete registration from the county auditor may either provide the
1703		-	53.6information required to clear the challenge at least 21 days before the next election or at
1704		-	53.7the polling place on election day.
1705		-	53.8 Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.121, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
1706		-	53.9 Subd. 3.Postelection sampling.(a) Within ten days after an election, the county auditor
1707		-	53.10shall must send the notice required by subdivision 2 to a random sampling of the individuals
1708		-	53.11who registered or updated voter registration information on election day. The random
1709		-	53.12sampling shall must be determined in accordance with the rules of the secretary of state.
1710		-	53.13As soon as practicable after the election, the county auditor shall must mail the notice
1711		-	53.14required by subdivision 2 to all other individuals who registered or updated voter registration
1712		-	53.15information on election day. If a notice is returned as not deliverable, the county auditor
1713		-	53.16shall must attempt to determine the reason for the return. A county auditor who does not
1714		-	53.17receive or obtain satisfactory proof of an individual's eligibility to vote shall must
1715		-	53.18immediately notify the county attorney of all of the relevant information. By February 15
1716		-	53.19of each year, the county auditor must notify the secretary of state of the following information
1717		-	53.20for each election held in the previous year by each precinct:
1718		-	53.21 (1) the total number of all notices that were returned as nondeliverable;
1719		-	53.22 (2) the total number of nondeliverable notices that the county auditor was able to
1720		-	53.23determine the reason for the return along with the reason for each return; and
1721		-	53.24 (3) the total number of individuals for whom the county auditor does not receive or
1722		-	53.25obtain satisfactory proof of an individual's eligibility to vote.
1723		-	53.26 (b) By March 1 of every year, the secretary of state shall must report to the chair and
1724		-	53.27ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over elections the
1725		-	53.28following information for each election held in the previous year by each precinct and each
1726		-	53.29county:
1727		-	53.30 (1) the total number of all notices that were returned as nondeliverable;
1728		-	53.31 (2) the total number of nondeliverable notices that a county auditor was able to determine
1729		-	53.32the reason for the return along with the reason for each return; and
1730		-	53Article 3 Sec. 15.
1731		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 54.1 (3) the total number of individuals for whom the county auditor does not receive or
1732		-	54.2obtain satisfactory proof of an individual's eligibility to vote.
1733		-	54.3 Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.13, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
1734		-	54.4 Subd. 3.Use of change of address system.(a) At least once each month the secretary
1735		-	54.5of state shall must obtain a list of individuals registered to vote in this state who have filed
1736		-	54.6with the United States Postal Service a change of their permanent address. The secretary
1737		-	54.7of state may also periodically obtain a list of individuals with driver's licenses or state
1738		-	54.8identification cards to identify those who are registered to vote who have applied to the
1739		-	54.9Department of Public Safety for a replacement driver's license or state identification card
1740		-	54.10with a different address, and a list of individuals for whom the Department of Public Safety
1741		-	54.11received notification of a driver's license or state identification card cancellation due to a
1742		-	54.12change of residency out of state. However, the secretary of state shall must not load data
1743		-	54.13derived from these lists into the statewide voter registration system within the 47 days before
1744		-	54.14the state primary or 47 days before a November general election.
1745		-	54.15 (b) If the address is changed to another address in this state, the secretary of state shall
1746		-	54.16must locate the precinct in which the voter maintains residence, if possible. If the secretary
1747		-	54.17of state is able to locate the precinct in which the voter maintains residence, the secretary
1748		-	54.18must transmit the information about the changed address by electronic means to the county
1749		-	54.19auditor of the county in which the new address is located. For addresses for which the
1750		-	54.20secretary of state is unable to determine the precinct, the secretary may forward information
1751		-	54.21to the appropriate county auditors for individual review. If the voter has not voted or
1752		-	54.22submitted a voter registration application since the address change, upon receipt of the
1753		-	54.23information, the county auditor shall must update the voter's address in the statewide voter
1754		-	54.24registration system. The county auditor shall must mail to the voter a notice stating the
1755		-	54.25voter's name, address, precinct, and polling place, unless the voter's record is challenged
1756		-	54.26due to a felony conviction, noncitizenship, name change, incompetence, or a court's
1757		-	54.27revocation of voting rights of individuals under guardianship, in which case the auditor
1758		-	54.28must not mail the notice. The notice must advise the voter that the voter's voting address
1759		-	54.29has been changed updated and that the voter must notify the county auditor within 21 days
1760		-	54.30if the new address is not the voter's address of residence. The notice must state that it must
1761		-	54.31be returned if it is not deliverable to the voter at the named address.
1762		-	54.32 (c) If the change of permanent address is to an address outside this state, the secretary
1763		-	54.33of state shall must notify by electronic means the auditor of the county where the voter
1764		-	54.34formerly maintained residence that the voter has moved to another state. If the voter has
1765		-	54Article 3 Sec. 16.
1766		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 55.1not voted or submitted a voter registration application since the address change, the county
1767		-	55.2auditor shall must promptly mail to the voter at the voter's new address a notice advising
1768		-	55.3the voter that the voter's status in the statewide voter registration system will be changed to
1769		-	55.4"inactive" unless the voter notifies the county auditor within 21 days that the voter is retaining
1770		-	55.5the former address as the voter's address of residence, except that if the voter's record is
1771		-	55.6challenged due to a felony conviction, noncitizenship, name change, incompetence, or a
1772		-	55.7court's revocation of voting rights of individuals under guardianship, the auditor must not
1773		-	55.8mail the notice. If the notice is not received by the deadline, the county auditor shall must
1774		-	55.9change the voter's status to "inactive" in the statewide voter registration system.
1775		-	55.10 (d) If, in order to maintain voter registration records, the secretary of state enters an
1776		-	55.11agreement to share information or data with an organization governed exclusively by a
1777		-	55.12group of states, the secretary must first determine that the data security protocols are sufficient
1778		-	55.13to safeguard the information or data shared. If required by such an agreement, the secretary
1779		-	55.14of state may share the following data from the statewide voter registration system and data
1780		-	55.15released to the secretary of state under section 171.12, subdivision 7a:
1781		-	55.16 (1) name;
1782		-	55.17 (2) date of birth;
1783		-	55.18 (3) address;
1784		-	55.19 (4) driver's license or state identification card number;
1785		-	55.20 (5) the last four digits of an individual's Social Security number; and
1786		-	55.21 (6) the date that an individual's record was last updated.
1787		-	55.22If the secretary of state enters into such an agreement, the secretary and county auditors
1788		-	55.23must process changes updates to voter records based upon that data in accordance with this
1789		-	55.24section. Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, when data is shared with the
1790		-	55.25secretary of state by another state, the secretary of state must maintain the same data
1791		-	55.26classification that the data had while it was in the possession of the state providing the data.
1792		-	55.27Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.14, is amended to read:
1793		-	55.28 201.14 COURT ADMINISTRATOR OF DISTRICT COURT; REPORT CHANGES
1794		-	55.29OF NAMES.
1795		-	55.30 The state court administrator shall must regularly report by electronic means to the
1796		-	55.31secretary of state the name, address, and, if available, driver's license or state identification
1797		-	55.32card number of each individual, 18 years of age or over, whose name was changed since
1798		-	55Article 3 Sec. 17.
1799		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 56.1the last report, by marriage, divorce, or any order or decree of the court. The secretary of
1800		-	56.2state shall must determine if any of the persons individuals in the report are registered to
1801		-	56.3vote under their previous name and shall must prepare a list of those registrants for each
1802		-	56.4county auditor. Upon receipt of the list, the county auditor shall make the change in must
1803		-	56.5update the voter's record with this information and mail to the voter the notice of registration
1804		-	56.6required by section 201.121, subdivision 2. A notice must not be mailed if the voter's record
1805		-	56.7is challenged due to a felony conviction, lack of United States citizenship, legal
1806		-	56.8incompetence, or court-ordered revocation of voting rights of persons under guardianship.
1807		-	56.9 Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.161, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
1808		-	56.10 Subd. 4.Department of Human Services.(a) If permitted by the federal government,
1809		-	56.11the commissioner of human services, in consultation with the secretary of state, must ensure
1810		-	56.12the applications described in subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), also serve as voter
1811		-	56.13registration applications for applicants 18 years of age or older whose United States
1812		-	56.14citizenship has been verified as part of the application. The commissioner must transmit
1813		-	56.15information required to register to vote, as prescribed by the secretary of state, daily by
1814		-	56.16electronic means to the secretary of state for an individual whose United States citizenship
1815		-	56.17has been verified. The commissioner must submit data to the secretary of state identifying
1816		-	56.18the total number of individuals who completed qualifying transactions under this section
1817		-	56.19and the total number of individuals whose records were ultimately transferred for registration
1818		-	56.20or updates to registrations. At a minimum, the commissioner must submit the data to the
1819		-	56.21secretary of state on the same day each month.
1820		-	56.22 (b) No applicant may be registered to vote or have a registration updated under this
1821		-	56.23subdivision until (1) the commissioner of human services has certified that the department's
1822		-	56.24systems have been tested and can accurately provide the required data and accurately exclude
1823		-	56.25from transmission data on individuals who have not provided documentary evidence of
1824		-	56.26United States citizenship, and (2) the secretary of state has certified that the system for
1825		-	56.27automatic registration of those applicants has been tested and is capable of properly
1826		-	56.28determining whether an applicant is eligible to vote. The department's systems must be
1827		-	56.29tested and accurately provide the necessary data no later than September 30 of the year
1828		-	56.30following the year in which federal approval or permission is given, contingent on
1829		-	56.31appropriations being available for this purpose.
1830		-	56Article 3 Sec. 18.
1831		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 57.1 Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.161, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
1832		-	57.2 Subd. 5.Other agencies and units of government.(a) The commissioner of management
1833		-	57.3and budget must, in consultation with the secretary of state, identify any other state agency
1834		-	57.4that is eligible to implement automatic voter registration. The commissioner must consider
1835		-	57.5a state agency eligible if the agency collects, processes, or stores the following information
1836		-	57.6as part of providing assistance or services: name, residential address, date of birth, and
1837		-	57.7citizenship verification. An eligible agency must submit a report to the governor and secretary
1838		-	57.8of state no later than December 1, 2024, describing steps needed to implement automatic
1839		-	57.9voter registration, barriers to implementation and ways to mitigate them, and applicable
1840		-	57.10federal and state privacy protections for the data under consideration. By June 1, 2025, the
1841		-	57.11governor, at the governor's sole discretion, must make final decisions, as to which agencies
1842		-	57.12will implement automatic voter registration by December 31, 2025, and which agencies
1843		-	57.13could implement automatic voter registration if provided with additional resources or if the
1844		-	57.14legislature changed the law to allow data to be used for automatic voter registration. The
1845		-	57.15governor must notify the commissioner of management and budget of the governor's
1846		-	57.16decisions related to automatic voter registration. By October 1, 2025, the commissioner of
1847		-	57.17management and budget must report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the
1848		-	57.18legislative committees with jurisdiction over election policy and finance. The report must
1849		-	57.19include:
1850		-	57.20 (1) the agencies that will implement automatic voter registration by December 31, 2025;
1851		-	57.21 (2) the agencies which could implement automatic voter registration if provided with
1852		-	57.22additional resources and recommendations on the necessary additional resources; and
1853		-	57.23 (3) the agencies that could implement automatic voter registration if the legislature
1854		-	57.24changed the law to allow data to be used for voter registration and recommendations on
1855		-	57.25how the law could be changed to allow the use of the data for this purpose.
1856		-	57.26 (b) An agency may not begin verifying citizenship as part of an agency transaction for
1857		-	57.27the sole purpose of providing automatic voter registration. Once an agency has implemented
1858		-	57.28automatic voter registration, it must continue to provide automatic voter registration unless
1859		-	57.29otherwise expressly required by law. For each individual whose United States citizenship
1860		-	57.30has been verified, the commissioner or agency head must transmit information required to
1861		-	57.31register to vote, as prescribed by the secretary of state, to the secretary of state by electronic
1862		-	57.32means. The governor must determine the frequency of the transmissions for each agency.
1863		-	57.33 (c) No applicant may be registered to vote or have a registration updated under this
1864		-	57.34subdivision until (1) the agency's commissioner or agency head has certified that the
1865		-	57Article 3 Sec. 19.
1866		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 58.1necessary systems have been tested and can accurately provide the required data and
1867		-	58.2accurately exclude from transmission data on individuals whose United States citizenship
1868		-	58.3has not been verified, and (2) the secretary of state has certified that the system for automatic
1869		-	58.4registration of those applicants has been tested and is capable of properly determining
1870		-	58.5whether an applicant is eligible to vote.
1871		-	58.6 Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.161, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
1872		-	58.7 Subd. 8.Effective date of registration.Unless the applicant declines registration, the
1873		-	58.8effective date for the voter registration or update to a voter registration is the date that the
1874		-	58.9county auditor processes the application. This subdivision does not limit the ability of a
1875		-	58.10person to register to vote or update their registration on election day as provided in section
1876		-	58.11201.061, subdivision 3. Any person who submits a qualifying application under subdivision
1877		-	58.121 that is dated during the 20 days before an election must be provided, at the time of
1878		-	58.13application, with a notice advising the applicant of the procedures to register to vote or
1879		-	58.14update a voter registration on election day.
1880		-	58.15Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.162, is amended to read:
1881		-	58.16 201.162 DUTIES OF STATE AGENCIES.
1882		-	58.17 The commissioner or chief administrative officer of each state agency or
1883		-	58.18community-based public agency or nonprofit corporation that contracts with the state agency
1884		-	58.19to carry out obligations of the state agency shall must provide voter registration services
1885		-	58.20for employees and the public, including, as applicable, automatic voter registration or
1886		-	58.21information on voter eligibility and, registration procedures, and updating registrations as
1887		-	58.22required under section 201.161. A person An individual may complete a voter registration
1888		-	58.23application or apply to change update a voter registration name or address if the person
1889		-	58.24individual has the proper qualifications on the date of application. Nonpartisan voter
1890		-	58.25registration assistance, including routinely asking members of the public served by the
1891		-	58.26agency whether they would like to register to vote or update a voter registration and, if
1892		-	58.27necessary, assisting them in preparing the registration forms must be part of the job of
1893		-	58.28appropriate agency employees.
1894		-	58.29Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.225, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
1895		-	58.30 Subd. 2.Technology requirements.An electronic roster must:
1896		-	58.31 (1) be able to be loaded with a data file that includes voter registration data in a file
1897		-	58.32format prescribed by the secretary of state;
1898		-	58Article 3 Sec. 22.
1899		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 59.1 (2) allow for data to be exported in a file format prescribed by the secretary of state;
1900		-	59.2 (3) allow for data to be entered manually or by scanning a Minnesota driver's license or
1901		-	59.3identification card to locate a voter record or populate a voter registration application that
1902		-	59.4would be printed and signed and dated by the voter. The printed registration application
1903		-	59.5can be a printed form, a label printed with voter information to be affixed to a preprinted
1904		-	59.6form, a combination of a form and label, or an electronic record that the voter signs
1905		-	59.7electronically and is printed following its completion at the polling place;
1906		-	59.8 (4) allow an election judge to update data that was populated from a scanned driver's
1907		-	59.9license or identification card;
1908		-	59.10 (5) cue an election judge to ask for and input data that is not populated from a scanned
1909		-	59.11driver's license or identification card that is otherwise required to be collected from the voter
1910		-	59.12or an election judge;
1911		-	59.13 (6) immediately alert the election judge if the voter has provided information that indicates
1912		-	59.14that the voter is not eligible to vote;
1913		-	59.15 (7) immediately alert the election judge if the electronic roster indicates that a voter has
1914		-	59.16already voted in that precinct, the voter's registration status is challenged, or it appears the
1915		-	59.17voter maintains residence in a different precinct;
1916		-	59.18 (8) provide immediate instructions on how to resolve a particular type of challenge when
1917		-	59.19a voter's record is challenged;
1918		-	59.20 (9) provide for a printed voter signature certificate, containing the voter's name, address
1919		-	59.21of residence, date of birth, voter identification number, the oath required by section 204C.10,
1920		-	59.22and a space for the voter's original signature. The printed voter signature certificate can be
1921		-	59.23a printed form, a label printed with the voter's information to be affixed to the oath, or an
1922		-	59.24electronic record that the voter signs electronically and is printed following its completion
1923		-	59.25at the polling place;
1924		-	59.26 (10) contain only preregistered registered voters within the precinct, and not contain
1925		-	59.27preregistered registered voter data on voters registered outside of the precinct, unless being
1926		-	59.28utilized for a combined polling place pursuant to section 204B.14, subdivision 2, absentee
1927		-	59.29or early voting under chapter 203B or for mail balloting on election day pursuant to section
1928		-	59.30204B.45, subdivision 2a;
1929		-	59.31 (11) be only networked within the polling location on election day, except for the purpose
1930		-	59.32of updating absentee ballot records;
1931		-	59Article 3 Sec. 22.
1932		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 60.1 (12) meet minimum security, reliability, and networking standards established by the
1933		-	60.2Office of the Secretary of State in consultation with the Department of Information
1934		-	60.3Technology Services;
1935		-	60.4 (13) be capable of providing a voter's correct polling place; and
1936		-	60.5 (14) perform any other functions necessary for the efficient and secure administration
1937		-	60.6of the participating election, as determined by the secretary of state.
1938		-	60.7Electronic rosters used only for election day registration registering voters and updating
1939		-	60.8voters' registration do not need to comply with clauses (1), (8), and (10). Electronic rosters
1940		-	60.9used only for preregistered voter processing voters who are registered and do not need to
1941		-	60.10update a registration do not need to comply with clauses (4) and (5).
1942		-	60.11 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective on June 1, 2025.
1943		-	60.12Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.225, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
1944		-	60.13 Subd. 5.Election day.(a) Precincts may use electronic rosters for registering voters
1945		-	60.14and updating registrations on election day registration, to process preregistered registered
1946		-	60.15voters, or both. The printed election day registration applications must be reviewed when
1947		-	60.16electronic records are processed in the statewide voter registration system. The election
1948		-	60.17judges shall must determine the number of ballots to be counted by counting the number
1949		-	60.18of original voter signature certificates or the number of voter receipts.
1950		-	60.19 (b) Each precinct using electronic rosters shall must have a paper backup system approved
1951		-	60.20by the secretary of state present at the polling place to use in the event that the election
1952		-	60.21judges are unable to use the electronic roster.
1953		-	60.22Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.275, is amended to read:
1954		-	60.23 201.275 INVESTIGATIONS; PROSECUTIONS.
1955		-	60.24 (a) A law enforcement agency that is notified by affidavit of an alleged violation of this
1956		-	60.25chapter shall must promptly investigate. Upon receiving an affidavit alleging a violation of
1957		-	60.26this chapter, a county attorney shall must promptly forward it to a law enforcement agency
1958		-	60.27with jurisdiction for investigation. If there is probable cause for instituting a prosecution,
1959		-	60.28the county attorney shall must proceed according to the generally applicable standards
1960		-	60.29regarding the prosecutorial functions and duties of a county attorney, provided that the
1961		-	60.30county attorney is not required to proceed with the prosecution if the complainant withdraws
1962		-	60.31the allegation. A county attorney who refuses or intentionally fails to faithfully perform this
1963		-	60Article 3 Sec. 24.
1964		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 61.1or any other duty imposed by this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction
1965		-	61.2shall must forfeit office.
1966		-	61.3 (b) Willful violation of this chapter by any public employee constitutes just cause for
1967		-	61.4suspension without pay or dismissal of the public employee.
1968		-	61.5 (c) Where the matter relates to a voter registration application submitted electronically
1969		-	61.6through the secure website established in section 201.061, subdivision 1, alleged violations
1970		-	61.7of this chapter may be investigated and prosecuted in the county in which the individual
1971		-	61.8registered, updated a voter registration, or attempted to register.
1972		-	61.9 Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
1973		-	61.10 Subdivision 1.Application procedures.(a) Except as otherwise allowed by subdivision
1974		-	61.112 or by section 203B.06, subdivision 3, paragraph (c), clause (4); 203B.11, subdivision 4,;
1975		-	61.12or 203B.29, an application for absentee ballots for any election:
1976		-	61.13 (1) may be submitted in person at any time not later than the day before the election; or
1977		-	61.14 (2) must be received by electronic facsimile device, by email, by mail, or by an individual
1978		-	61.15delivering an application on behalf of another voter at any time not less than one day five
1979		-	61.16days before the day of that election.
1980		-	61.17The county auditor shall prepare absentee ballot application forms in the format provided
1981		-	61.18by the secretary of state and shall furnish them to any person on request. By January 1 of
1982		-	61.19each even-numbered year, the secretary of state shall make the forms to be used available
1983		-	61.20to auditors through electronic means. An application submitted pursuant to this subdivision
1984		-	61.21shall be in writing. An application may be submitted in person, by electronic facsimile
1985		-	61.22device, by electronic mail, or by mail to:
1986		-	61.23 (1) the county auditor of the county where the applicant maintains residence; or
1987		-	61.24 (2) the municipal clerk of the municipality, or school district if applicable, where the
1988		-	61.25applicant maintains residence.
1989		-	61.26 (b) An absentee ballot application may alternatively be submitted electronically through
1990		-	61.27a secure website that shall be maintained by the secretary of state for this purpose. After
1991		-	61.285:00 p.m. seven days prior to a primary, general, or special election, the secretary of state
1992		-	61.29must replace the electronic application with information detailing the available options to
1993		-	61.30vote before and on the upcoming election day. Notwithstanding paragraph (d), the secretary
1994		-	61.31of state must require applicants using the website to submit the applicant's email address
1995		-	61.32and the applicant's:
1996		-	61Article 3 Sec. 25.
1997		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 62.1 (1) verifiable Minnesota driver's license number, or Minnesota state identification card
1998		-	62.2number, or; and
1999		-	62.3 (2) the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number.
2000		-	62.4If an applicant does not possess both types of documents, the applicant must include the
2001		-	62.5number for one type of document and must affirmatively certify that the applicant does not
2002		-	62.6possess the other type of documentation. This paragraph does not apply to a town election
2003		-	62.7held in March.
2004		-	62.8 (c) An application submitted electronically under this paragraph (b) may only be
2005		-	62.9transmitted to the county auditor for processing if the secretary of state has verified the
2006		-	62.10application information matches the information in a government database associated with
2007		-	62.11the applicant's driver's license number, state identification card number, or Social Security
2008		-	62.12number. The secretary of state must review all unverifiable applications for evidence of
2009		-	62.13suspicious activity and must forward any such application to an appropriate law enforcement
2010		-	62.14agency for investigation.
2011		-	62.15 (d) An application shall be approved if it is timely received, signed and dated by the
2012		-	62.16applicant, contains the applicant's name and residence and mailing addresses, date of birth,
2013		-	62.17and at least one of the following:
2014		-	62.18 (1) the applicant's Minnesota driver's license number;
2015		-	62.19 (2) Minnesota state identification card number;
2016		-	62.20 (3) the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number; or
2017		-	62.21 (4) a statement that the applicant does not have any of these numbers.
2018		-	62.22The county auditor or the municipal clerk or school district clerk, if applicable, must retain
2019		-	62.23all applications. For an application received after the deadline in paragraph (a), the official
2020		-	62.24in charge of the ballot board must, within one day of receipt of the application, attempt to
2021		-	62.25contact the applicant by telephone or email to notify the applicant of opportunities to vote
2022		-	62.26in the election. The official must document the attempts made to contact the applicant.
2023		-	62.27 (e) To be approved, the application must contain an oath that the information contained
2024		-	62.28on the form is accurate, that the applicant is applying on the applicant's own behalf, and
2025		-	62.29that the applicant is signing the form under penalty of perjury.
2026		-	62.30 (f) An applicant's full date of birth, Minnesota driver's license or state identification
2027		-	62.31number, and the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number must not be made
2028		-	62.32available for public inspection. An application may be submitted to the county auditor or
2029		-	62Article 3 Sec. 25.
2030		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 63.1municipal clerk by an electronic facsimile device. An application mailed or returned in
2031		-	63.2person to the county auditor or municipal clerk on behalf of a voter by a person other than
2032		-	63.3the voter must be deposited in the mail or returned in person to the county auditor or
2033		-	63.4municipal clerk within ten seven days after it has been dated by the voter and the application
2034		-	63.5must be received no later than six days before the election the deadline in paragraph (a).
2035		-	63.6 (g) An application under this subdivision may must contain an application under
2036		-	63.7subdivision 5 a space to apply to automatically receive an absentee ballot under subdivision
2037		-	63.85.
2038		-	63.9 (h) For purposes of this section, "mail" means an absentee ballot application delivered
2039		-	63.10to the secretary of state, county auditor, or municipal clerk by the United States Postal
2040		-	63.11Service or a commercial carrier.
2041		-	63.12 EFFECTIVE DATE.Paragraph (g) is effective on January 1, 2026, as it applies to the
2042		-	63.13secretary of state's online absentee ballot website. Paragraph (g) is effective July 1, 2025,
2043		-	63.14as it applies to all other absentee ballot applications. The remainder of this section is effective
2044		-	63.15July 1, 2025.
2045		-	63.16Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.04, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
2046		-	63.17 Subd. 4.Registration at time of application; updating registration.An eligible voter
2047		-	63.18who is not registered to vote or needs to update the voter's registration but who is otherwise
2048		-	63.19eligible to vote by absentee ballot may register or update a registration by including a
2049		-	63.20completed voter registration application with the absentee ballot. The individual shall must
2050		-	63.21present proof of residence as required by section 201.061, subdivision 3, to the individual
2051		-	63.22who witnesses the marking of the absentee ballots. A military voter, as defined in section
2052		-	63.23203B.01, may register in this manner if voting pursuant to sections 203B.04 to 203B.15, or
2053		-	63.24may register pursuant to sections 203B.16 to 203B.27.
2054		-	63.25Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
2055		-	63.26 Subdivision 1.Generally.The full-time clerk of any city or town shall administer the
2056		-	63.27provisions of sections 203B.04 to 203B.15 and 203B.30 if:
2057		-	63.28 (1) the county auditor of that county has designated the clerk to administer them; or
2058		-	63.29 (2) the clerk has given the county auditor of that county notice of intention to administer
2059		-	63.30them.
2060		-	63.31 The designation or notice must specify whether the clerk will be responsible for the
2061		-	63.32administration of a ballot board as provided in section 203B.121 and whether the
2062		-	63Article 3 Sec. 27.
2063		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 64.1municipality's office will be designated an absentee voting location pursuant to section
2064		-	64.2203B.081, subdivision 1, or only for early voting pursuant to section 203B.081, subdivision
2065		-	64.31a, or the alternative procedure pursuant to section 203B.081, subdivision 3.
2066		-	64.4 A clerk of a city that is located in more than one county may only administer the
2067		-	64.5provisions of sections 203B.04 to 203B.15 and 203B.30 if the clerk has been designated
2068		-	64.6by each of the county auditors or has provided notice to each of the county auditors that the
2069		-	64.7city will administer absentee voting. A clerk may only administer the provisions of sections
2070		-	64.8203B.04 to 203B.15 and 203B.30 if the clerk has technical capacity to access the statewide
2071		-	64.9voter registration system in the secure manner prescribed by the secretary of state. The
2072		-	64.10secretary of state must identify hardware, software, security, or other technical prerequisites
2073		-	64.11necessary to ensure the security, access controls, and performance of the statewide voter
2074		-	64.12registration system. A clerk must receive training approved by the secretary of state on the
2075		-	64.13use of the statewide voter registration system before administering this section. A clerk may
2076		-	64.14not use the statewide voter registration system until the clerk has received the required
2077		-	64.15training. The county auditor must notify the secretary of state of any municipal clerk who
2078		-	64.16will be administering the provisions of this section and the duties that the clerk will
2079		-	64.17administer.
2080		-	64.18Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.06, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
2081		-	64.19 Subd. 4.Registration check.Upon receipt of an application for ballots, the county
2082		-	64.20auditor, municipal clerk, or election judge acting pursuant to section 203B.11, who receives
2083		-	64.21the application shall must determine whether the applicant is a registered voter. If the
2084		-	64.22applicant is not registered to vote or needs to update the voter's registration, the county
2085		-	64.23auditor, municipal clerk, or election judge shall must include a voter registration application
2086		-	64.24among the election materials provided to the applicant.
2087		-	64.25Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.07, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
2088		-	64.26 Subdivision 1.Delivery of envelopes, directions.The county auditor or the municipal
2089		-	64.27clerk shall must prepare, print, and transmit a return envelope, a signature envelope, a ballot
2090		-	64.28envelope, and a copy of the directions for casting an absentee ballot to each applicant whose
2091		-	64.29application for absentee ballots is accepted pursuant to section 203B.04. The county auditor
2092		-	64.30or municipal clerk shall must provide first class postage for the return envelope. The
2093		-	64.31directions for casting an absentee ballot shall must be printed in at least 14-point bold type
2094		-	64.32with heavy leading and may be printed on the ballot envelope. When a person requests the
2095		-	64.33directions in Braille or on audio file, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall must provide
2096		-	64Article 3 Sec. 29.
2097		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 65.1them in the form requested. The secretary of state shall must prepare Braille and audio file
2098		-	65.2copies and make them available.
2099		-	65.3 When a voter registration application is sent to the applicant as provided in section
2100		-	65.4203B.06, subdivision 4, the directions or registration application shall must include
2101		-	65.5instructions for registering to vote or updating a voter's registration.
2102		-	65.6 Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.07, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
2103		-	65.7 Subd. 3.Eligibility certificate.A certificate of eligibility to vote by absentee ballot
2104		-	65.8shall must be printed on the back of the signature envelope. The certificate shall must contain
2105		-	65.9space for the voter's Minnesota driver's license number, state identification number, or the
2106		-	65.10last four digits of the voter's Social Security number, or to indicate that the voter does not
2107		-	65.11have one of these numbers. The space must be designed to ensure that the voter provides
2108		-	65.12the same type of identification as provided on the voter's absentee ballot application for
2109		-	65.13purposes of comparison. The certificate must also contain a statement to be signed and
2110		-	65.14sworn by the voter indicating that the voter meets all of the requirements established by law
2111		-	65.15for voting by absentee ballot and space for a statement signed by a person who is at least
2112		-	65.1618 years of age on or before the day of the election and a citizen of the United States or by
2113		-	65.17a notary public or other individual authorized to administer oaths stating that:
2114		-	65.18 (1) the ballots were displayed to that individual unmarked;
2115		-	65.19 (2) the voter marked the ballots in that individual's presence without showing how they
2116		-	65.20were marked, or, if the voter was physically unable to mark them, that the voter directed
2117		-	65.21another individual to mark them; and
2118		-	65.22 (3) if the voter was not previously registered or needed to update the voter's registration,
2119		-	65.23the voter has provided proof of residence as required by section 201.061, subdivision 3.
2120		-	65.24 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
2121		-	65.25Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.08, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
2122		-	65.26 Subdivision 1.Marking and return by voter.(a) An eligible voter who receives absentee
2123		-	65.27ballots as provided in this chapter shall mark them in the manner specified in the directions
2124		-	65.28for casting the absentee ballots. The return signature envelope containing marked ballots
2125		-	65.29may be mailed as provided in the directions for casting the absentee ballots, may be left
2126		-	65.30with the county auditor or municipal clerk who transmitted the absentee ballots to the voter,
2127		-	65.31or may be left in a drop box as provided in section 203B.082. If delivered in person, the
2128		-	65Article 3 Sec. 31.
2129		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 66.1return signature envelope must be submitted to the county auditor or municipal clerk by
2130		-	66.28:00 p.m. on election day.
2131		-	66.3 (b) The voter may designate an agent to deliver in person the sealed absentee ballot
2132		-	66.4return signature envelope to the county auditor or municipal clerk or to deposit the return
2133		-	66.5signature envelope in the mail. An agent may deliver or mail the return signature envelopes
2134		-	66.6of not more than three voters in any election. Any person designated as an agent who tampers
2135		-	66.7with either the return signature envelope or the voted ballots or does not immediately mail
2136		-	66.8or deliver the return signature envelope to the county auditor or municipal clerk is guilty
2137		-	66.9of a misdemeanor.
2138		-	66.10Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.08, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
2139		-	66.11 Subd. 3.Procedures on receipt of ballots.When absentee ballots are returned to a
2140		-	66.12county auditor or municipal clerk, that official shall stamp or initial and date the return
2141		-	66.13signature envelope and place it in a locked ballot container or other secured and locked
2142		-	66.14space with other return signature envelopes received by that office. Within five days after
2143		-	66.15receipt, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall deliver to the ballot board all ballots
2144		-	66.16signature envelopes received, except that during the 14 days immediately preceding an
2145		-	66.17election, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall deliver all ballots signature envelopes
2146		-	66.18received to the ballot board within three days. Ballots Signature envelopes received on
2147		-	66.19election day after 8:00 p.m. shall be marked as received late by the county auditor or
2148		-	66.20municipal clerk, and must not be delivered to the ballot board.
2149		-	66.21Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.081, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
2150		-	66.22 Subd. 4.Temporary locations.(a) A county auditor or municipal clerk authorized under
2151		-	66.23section 203B.05 to administer voting before election day may designate additional polling
2152		-	66.24places with days and hours that differ from those required by section 203B.085. A designation
2153		-	66.25authorized by this subdivision must be made at least 47 days before the election. As soon
2154		-	66.26as practicable and no later than five business days after designating an additional polling
2155		-	66.27place under this subdivision, the county auditor or municipal clerk must post on the county's
2156		-	66.28or municipality's website the address of the polling place and the dates and times the polling
2157		-	66.29place will be available for voting. The county auditor or municipal clerk must provide notice
2158		-	66.30to the secretary of state at the time that the designations are made. As soon as practicable
2159		-	66.31and no later than five business days after receiving the notice, the secretary of state must
2160		-	66.32post on the secretary of state's website the address of the polling place and the dates and
2161		-	66.33times the polling place will be available for voting.
2162		-	66Article 3 Sec. 33.
2163		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 67.1 (b) At the request of a federally recognized Indian Tribe with a reservation or
2164		-	67.2off-reservation Tribal lands in the county, the county auditor must establish an additional
2165		-	67.3polling place for at least one day on the Indian reservation or off-reservation Tribal lands
2166		-	67.4on a site agreed upon by the Tribe and the county auditor that is accessible to the county
2167		-	67.5auditor by a public road.
2168		-	67.6 (c) At the request of a postsecondary institution or the student government organization
2169		-	67.7of a postsecondary institution in the county or municipality, the county auditor or a municipal
2170		-	67.8clerk authorized to administer absentee voting under section 203B.05 must establish an
2171		-	67.9additional temporary polling place for the state general election or the odd-year city general
2172		-	67.10election for at least one day at a location agreed upon by the institution and the county
2173		-	67.11auditor or municipal clerk that:
2174		-	67.12 (1) is accessible to the public;
2175		-	67.13 (2) satisfies the requirements of state and federal law; and
2176		-	67.14 (3) is on the institution's campus or is within one-half mile of the institution's campus
2177		-	67.15and is reasonably accessible to the institution's students.
2178		-	67.16A request must be made no later than May 31 before an election and the request is valid
2179		-	67.17only for that election. This paragraph only applies to a postsecondary institution that provides
2180		-	67.18on-campus student housing to 100 or more students. Nothing in this paragraph prevents the
2181		-	67.19county auditor or municipal clerk from engaging in a dialogue with the entity that made the
2182		-	67.20request regarding potential alternative locations for a temporary polling place that does not
2183		-	67.21meet the requirements of clause (3). An entity that made a request for a temporary polling
2184		-	67.22place may withdraw its request by notifying the county auditor or municipal clerk.
2185		-	67.23 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective September 1, 2025.
2186		-	67.24Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.11, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
2187		-	67.25 Subdivision 1.Generally.(a) Each full-time municipal clerk or school district clerk
2188		-	67.26who has authority under section 203B.05 to administer absentee voting laws must designate
2189		-	67.27election judges to deliver absentee ballots in accordance with this section. The county auditor
2190		-	67.28must also designate election judges to perform the duties in this section. A ballot may be
2191		-	67.29delivered only to an eligible voter who is a temporary or permanent resident or patient in
2192		-	67.30one of the following facilities located in the municipality in which the voter maintains
2193		-	67.31residence: a health care facility, hospital, or veterans home operated by the board of directors
2194		-	67.32of the Minnesota veterans homes under chapter 198. The ballots must be delivered by two
2195		-	67.33election judges, each of whom is affiliated with a different major political party. When the
2196		-	67Article 3 Sec. 34.
2197		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 68.1election judges deliver or return ballots as provided in this section, they must travel together
2198		-	68.2in the same vehicle. Both election judges must be present when an applicant completes the
2199		-	68.3certificate of eligibility and marks the absentee ballots, and may assist an applicant as
2200		-	68.4provided in section 204C.15. The election judges must deposit the return envelopes containing
2201		-	68.5the marked absentee ballots in a sealed container and return them to the clerk on the same
2202		-	68.6day that they are delivered and marked.
2203		-	68.7 (b) If a health care professional at the facility or hospital determines it is necessary to
2204		-	68.8ensure the health and safety of election judges, the voter, or others at the facility or hospital,
2205		-	68.9two employees of the facility or hospital may receive a ballot from the election judges and
2206		-	68.10deliver the ballot to an individual voter in place of election judges, notwithstanding other
2207		-	68.11requirements of this section. The employees must not in any manner request, persuade,
2208		-	68.12induce, or attempt to persuade or induce the voter to vote for any particular political party
2209		-	68.13or candidate. Both employees must be present when an applicant completes the certificate
2210		-	68.14of eligibility and marks the absentee ballots, and may assist an applicant as provided in
2211		-	68.15section 204C.15. The employees must return the ballot to the election judges immediately
2212		-	68.16after the voter has finished voting.
2213		-	68.17 (b) (c) At the discretion of a full-time municipal clerk, school district clerk, or county
2214		-	68.18auditor, absentee ballots may be delivered in the same manner as prescribed in paragraph
2215		-	68.19(a) to a shelter for battered women as defined in section 611A.37, subdivision 4, or to an
2216		-	68.20assisted living facility licensed under chapter 144G.
2217		-	68.21 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective September 1, 2025.
2218		-	68.22Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.121, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
2219		-	68.23 Subd. 2.Duties of ballot board; absentee ballots.(a) The members of the ballot board
2220		-	68.24shall take possession of all signature envelopes delivered to them in accordance with section
2221		-	68.25203B.08. Upon receipt from the county auditor, municipal clerk, or school district clerk,
2222		-	68.26two or more members of the ballot board shall examine each signature envelope and shall
2223		-	68.27mark it accepted or rejected in the manner provided in this subdivision. Election judges
2224		-	68.28performing the duties in this section must be of different major political parties, unless they
2225		-	68.29are exempt from that requirement under section 204B.21, subdivision 2a; section 205.07,
2226		-	68.30subdivision 4; section 205.075, subdivision 4,; or section 205A.10, subdivision 2.
2227		-	68.31 (b) The members of the ballot board shall mark the signature envelope "Accepted" and
2228		-	68.32initial or sign the signature envelope below the word "Accepted" if a majority of the members
2229		-	68.33of the ballot board examining the envelope are satisfied that:
2230		-	68Article 3 Sec. 35.
2231		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 69.1 (1) the voter's name and address on the signature envelope are the same as the information
2232		-	69.2provided on the absentee ballot application or voter record;
2233		-	69.3 (2) the voter signed the certification on the envelope;
2234		-	69.4 (3) the voter's Minnesota driver's license, state identification number, or the last four
2235		-	69.5digits of the voter's Social Security number are the same as a number on the voter's absentee
2236		-	69.6ballot application or voter record. If the number does not match, the election judges must
2237		-	69.7compare the signature provided by the applicant to determine whether the ballots were
2238		-	69.8returned by the same person to whom they were transmitted;
2239		-	69.9 (4) the voter is registered and eligible to vote in the precinct or has included a properly
2240		-	69.10completed voter registration application in the signature envelope;
2241		-	69.11 (5) the certificate has been completed as prescribed in the directions for casting an
2242		-	69.12absentee ballot; and
2243		-	69.13 (6) the voter has not already voted at that election, either in person or, if it is after the
2244		-	69.14close of business on the 19th day before the election, as provided by section 203B.081.
2245		-	69.15 The signature envelope from accepted ballots must be preserved and returned to the
2246		-	69.16county auditor.
2247		-	69.17 (c)(1) If a majority of the members of the ballot board examining a signature envelope
2248		-	69.18find that an absentee voter has failed to meet one of the requirements provided in paragraph
2249		-	69.19(b), they shall mark the signature envelope "Rejected," initial or sign it below the word
2250		-	69.20"Rejected," list the reason for the rejection on the envelope, and return it to the county
2251		-	69.21auditor. There is no other reason for rejecting an absentee ballot beyond those permitted by
2252		-	69.22this section. Failure to place the ballot within the ballot envelope before placing it in the
2253		-	69.23outer white envelope is not a reason to reject an absentee ballot.
2254		-	69.24 (2) If an envelope has been rejected at least five days before the election, the envelope
2255		-	69.25must remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board shall provide the voter with
2256		-	69.26a replacement absentee ballot and signature envelope in place of the rejected ballot.
2257		-	69.27 (3) If an envelope is rejected within five days of the election, the envelope must remain
2258		-	69.28sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board must attempt to contact the voter to
2259		-	69.29notify the voter that the voter's ballot has been rejected by the method or methods of
2260		-	69.30communication provided by the voter on the voter's application for an absentee ballot or
2261		-	69.31voter registration. The official must document the attempts made to contact the voter.
2262		-	69.32 (d) The official in charge of the absentee ballot board must mail the voter a written notice
2263		-	69.33of absentee ballot rejection between six and ten weeks following the election. If the official
2264		-	69Article 3 Sec. 35.
2265		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 70.1determines that the voter has otherwise cast a ballot in the election, no notice is required.
2266		-	70.2If an absentee ballot arrives after the deadline for submission provided by this chapter, the
2267		-	70.3notice must be provided between six to ten weeks after receipt of the ballot. A notice of
2268		-	70.4absentee ballot rejection must contain the following information:
2269		-	70.5 (1) the date on which the absentee ballot was rejected or, if the ballot was received after
2270		-	70.6the required deadline for submission, the date on which the ballot was received;
2271		-	70.7 (2) the reason for rejection; and
2272		-	70.8 (3) the name of the appropriate election official to whom the voter may direct further
2273		-	70.9questions, along with appropriate contact information.
2274		-	70.10 (e) An absentee ballot signature envelope marked "Rejected" may not be opened or
2275		-	70.11subject to further review except in an election contest filed pursuant to chapter 209.
2276		-	70.12Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.121, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
2277		-	70.13 Subd. 4.Opening of envelopes.(a) After the close of business on the 19th day before
2278		-	70.14the election, the ballots from secrecy ballot envelopes within the signature envelopes marked
2279		-	70.15"Accepted" may be opened, duplicated as needed in the manner provided in section 206.86,
2280		-	70.16subdivision 5, initialed by the members of the ballot board, and deposited in the appropriate
2281		-	70.17ballot box. If more than one voted ballot is enclosed in the ballot envelope, the ballots must
2282		-	70.18be returned in the manner provided by section 204C.25 for return of spoiled ballots, and
2283		-	70.19may not be counted.
2284		-	70.20 (b) Accepted signature envelopes must be segregated by precinct and processed in
2285		-	70.21accordance with this subdivision on a precinct-by-precinct basis. Precincts within a combined
2286		-	70.22polling place established in section 205A.11, subdivision 2, may be processed together. At
2287		-	70.23each step, members of the ballot board must notify the official responsible for the ballot
2288		-	70.24board if there is a discrepancy in any count required by paragraphs (c) to (e) and note it in
2289		-	70.25the ballot board incident log.
2290		-	70.26 (c) Before opening accepted signature envelopes, two members of the ballot board must
2291		-	70.27count and record the number of envelopes and ensure that the count matches either the
2292		-	70.28number of accepted signature envelopes provided by the official responsible for the ballot
2293		-	70.29board or the number of signature envelopes accepted by the ballot board that day.
2294		-	70.30 (d) Two members of the ballot board must remove the ballots from the ballot envelopes.
2295		-	70.31The governing body responsible for the ballot board must retain all ballot envelopes through
2296		-	70.32the contest period of that election.
2297		-	70Article 3 Sec. 36.
2298		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 71.1 (e) After ballots have been removed from the ballot envelopes, two members of the
2299		-	71.2ballot board must count and record the number of ballots to ensure the count matches the
2300		-	71.3number of accepted signature envelopes, accounting for any empty envelopes or spoiled
2301		-	71.4ballots, which must be noted on the ballot board incident log.
2302		-	71.5 Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.121, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
2303		-	71.6 Subd. 5.Storage and counting of absentee ballots.(a) On a day on which absentee
2304		-	71.7ballots are inserted into a ballot box, two members of the ballot board must:
2305		-	71.8 (1) remove the ballots from the ballot box at the end of the day;
2306		-	71.9 (2) without inspecting the ballots, ensure that the number of ballots removed from the
2307		-	71.10ballot box is equal to the number of voters whose absentee ballots were accepted from the
2308		-	71.11tally in subdivision 4 that were to be inserted into the ballot box that day; and
2309		-	71.12 (3) seal and secure all voted and unvoted ballots present in that location at the end of
2310		-	71.13the day.
2311		-	71.14 (b) After the polls have closed on election day, two members of the ballot board must
2312		-	71.15count the ballots, tabulating the vote in a manner that indicates each vote of the voter and
2313		-	71.16the total votes cast for each candidate or question. In state primary and state general elections,
2314		-	71.17the results must indicate the total votes cast for each candidate or question in each precinct
2315		-	71.18and report the vote totals tabulated for each precinct. The count must be recorded on a
2316		-	71.19summary statement in substantially the same format as provided in section 204C.26. The
2317		-	71.20ballot board shall must submit at least one completed summary statement to the county
2318		-	71.21auditor or municipal clerk. The county auditor or municipal clerk may require the ballot
2319		-	71.22board to submit a sufficient number of completed summary statements to comply with the
2320		-	71.23provisions of section 204C.27, or the county auditor or municipal clerk may certify reports
2321		-	71.24containing the details of the ballot board summary statement to the recipients of the summary
2322		-	71.25statements designated in section 204C.27.
2323		-	71.26 In state primary and state general elections, These vote totals shall must be added to the
2324		-	71.27vote totals on the summary statements of the returns for the appropriate precinct. In other
2325		-	71.28elections, these vote totals may be added to the vote totals on the summary statement of
2326		-	71.29returns for the appropriate precinct or may be reported as a separate total.
2327		-	71.30 The count shall must be public. No vote totals from ballots may be made public before
2328		-	71.31the close of voting on election day.
2329		-	71.32 (c) In addition to the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b), if the task has not been
2330		-	71.33completed previously, the members of the ballot board must verify as soon as possible, but
2331		-	71Article 3 Sec. 37.
2332		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 72.1no later than 24 hours after the end of the hours for voting, that voters whose absentee ballots
2333		-	72.2arrived after the rosters were marked or supplemental reports were generated and whose
2334		-	72.3ballots were accepted did not vote in person on election day. An absentee ballot submitted
2335		-	72.4by a voter who has voted in person on election day must be rejected. All other accepted
2336		-	72.5absentee ballots must be opened in accordance with the procedures outlined in subdivision
2337		-	72.64, except for the absentee ballots cast using the alternative procedure in section 203B.081,
2338		-	72.7subdivision 3, duplicated if necessary, and counted by members of the ballot board. The
2339		-	72.8vote totals from these ballots must be incorporated into the totals with the other absentee
2340		-	72.9ballots and handled according to paragraph (b).
2341		-	72.10Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.17, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
2342		-	72.11 Subd. 3.Website security.(a) The secretary of state shall maintain a log of each Internet
2343		-	72.12Protocol address used to submit an absentee ballot application electronically under this
2344		-	72.13section, and must monitor the log, volume of website use, and other appropriate indicators
2345		-	72.14for suspicious activity. Evidence of suspicious activity that cannot be resolved by the
2346		-	72.15secretary of state must be forwarded to an appropriate law enforcement agency for
2347		-	72.16investigation.
2348		-	72.17 (b) The electronic absentee ballot application system must be secure. The website shall
2349		-	72.18maintain the confidentiality of all users and preserve the integrity of the data submitted.
2350		-	72.19The secretary of state shall employ security measures to ensure the accuracy and integrity
2351		-	72.20of absentee ballot applications submitted electronically pursuant to this section. All data
2352		-	72.21sent and received through the website must be encrypted.
2353		-	72.22 (c) The secretary of state must provide ongoing testing and monitoring to ensure continued
2354		-	72.23security. The secretary of state must work with the chief information officer as defined in
2355		-	72.24section 16E.01, subdivision 1, or another security expert to annually assess the security of
2356		-	72.25the system. The security assessment must include a certification signed by the secretary of
2357		-	72.26state that states that adequate security measures are in place. The certification must also be
2358		-	72.27signed by the chief information officer or another security expert affirming that the
2359		-	72.28assessment is accurate. The secretary of state must submit the security assessment to the
2360		-	72.29legislative auditor and to the chairs and ranking minority members of the committees in the
2361		-	72.30senate and house of representatives with primary jurisdiction over elections by January 1
2362		-	72.31of each year, except that the first annual security assessment must be submitted by September
2363		-	72.3230, 2014, and no report is required for January 1, 2015.
2364		-	72Article 3 Sec. 38.
2365		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 73.1 (d) In developing the electronic absentee ballot application system, the secretary of state
2366		-	73.2must consult with the chief information officer or the chief's designee to ensure the site is
2367		-	73.3secure.
2368		-	73.4 Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.23, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
2369		-	73.5 Subd. 2.Duties.(a) The absentee ballot board must examine all returned absentee ballot
2370		-	73.6envelopes for ballots issued under sections 203B.16 to 203B.27 and accept or reject the
2371		-	73.7absentee ballots in the manner provided in section 203B.24. If the certificate of voter
2372		-	73.8eligibility is not printed on the signature envelope, the certificate must be attached to the
2373		-	73.9ballot envelope.
2374		-	73.10 (b) The absentee ballot board must immediately examine the signature envelopes or
2375		-	73.11certificates of voter eligibility that are attached to the ballot envelopes and mark them
2376		-	73.12"accepted" or "rejected" during the 45 days before the election. If an envelope has been
2377		-	73.13rejected at least five days before the election, the ballots in the envelope must be considered
2378		-	73.14spoiled ballots and the official in charge of the absentee ballot board must provide the voter
2379		-	73.15with a replacement absentee ballot and envelopes in place of the spoiled ballot.
2380		-	73.16 (c) If a county has delegated the responsibility for administering absentee balloting to
2381		-	73.17a municipality under section 203B.05, accepted absentee ballots must be delivered to the
2382		-	73.18appropriate municipality's absentee ballot board, except as otherwise provided in this
2383		-	73.19paragraph. If a municipality and county agree that the county's ballot board retains
2384		-	73.20responsibility for ballots issued pursuant to sections 203B.16 to 203B.27, absentee ballots
2385		-	73.21issued pursuant to these sections that are accepted must be opened, counted, and retained
2386		-	73.22by the county's absentee ballot board. The absentee ballot board with the authority to open
2387		-	73.23and count the ballots must do so in accordance with section 203B.121, subdivisions 4 and
2388		-	73.245.
2389		-	73.25 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
2390		-	73.26Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.29, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
2391		-	73.27 Subdivision 1.Emergency response providers.Any eligible Minnesota voter who is
2392		-	73.28a trained or certified emergency response provider or utility worker who is deployed in
2393		-	73.29response to any state of emergency declared by the President of the United States or any
2394		-	73.30governor of any state within the United States during the time period authorized by law for
2395		-	73.31absentee voting or on election day may request that ballots, instructions, and a certificate
2396		-	73.32of voter eligibility be transmitted to the voter electronically. Upon receipt of a properly
2397		-	73.33completed application requesting electronic transmission, the county auditor must
2398		-	73Article 3 Sec. 40.
2399		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 74.1electronically transmit the requested materials to the voter. The absentee ballot application
2400		-	74.2deadlines in section 203B.04, subdivision 1, do not apply to this subdivision. The county
2401		-	74.3auditor is not required to provide return postage to voters to whom ballots are transmitted
2402		-	74.4electronically.
2403		-	74.5 Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.29, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
2404		-	74.6 Subd. 2.Reasonable accommodation for voter with disability.Any eligible Minnesota
2405		-	74.7voter with a print disability, including any voter with disabilities that interfere with the
2406		-	74.8effective reading, writing, or use of printed materials, may request that ballots, instructions,
2407		-	74.9and a certificate of voter eligibility be transmitted to the voter electronically in an accessible
2408		-	74.10format that meets Election Assistance Commission minimum accessibility requirements.
2409		-	74.11Upon receipt of a properly completed application requesting electronic transmission, the
2410		-	74.12county auditor shall electronically transmit the requested materials to the voter. The absentee
2411		-	74.13ballot application deadlines in section 203B.04, subdivision 1, do not apply to this
2412		-	74.14subdivision. The county auditor must also mail the voter materials required under section
2413		-	74.15203B.07.
2414		-	74.16Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.30, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
2415		-	74.17 Subd. 2.Voting procedure.(a) When a voter appears in an early voting polling place,
2416		-	74.18the voter must state the voter's name, address, and, if requested, the voter's date of birth to
2417		-	74.19the early voting official. The early voting official must confirm that the voter's registration
2418		-	74.20is current in the statewide voter registration system and that the voter has not already cast
2419		-	74.21a ballot in the election. If the voter's status is challenged, the voter may resolve the challenge
2420		-	74.22as provided in section 204C.12. An individual who is not registered to vote or must register
2421		-	74.23and a voter whose name or address has changed must register update the voter's registration
2422		-	74.24in the manner provided in section 201.061, subdivision 3. A voter who has already cast a
2423		-	74.25ballot in the election must not be provided with a ballot.
2424		-	74.26 (b) Each voter must sign the certification provided in section 204C.10. The signature of
2425		-	74.27an individual on the voter's certificate and the issuance of a ballot to the individual is evidence
2426		-	74.28of the intent of the individual to vote at that election. After the voter signs the certification,
2427		-	74.29two early voting officials must initial the ballot and issue it to the voter. The voter must
2428		-	74.30immediately retire to a voting station or other designated location in the polling place to
2429		-	74.31mark the ballot. The voter must not take a ballot from the polling place. If the voter spoils
2430		-	74.32the ballot, the voter may return it to the early voting official in exchange for a new ballot.
2431		-	74.33After completing the ballot, the voter must deposit the ballot into the ballot counter and
2432		-	74Article 3 Sec. 42.
2433		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 75.1ballot box. The early voting official must immediately record that the voter has voted in the
2434		-	75.2manner provided in section 203B.121, subdivision 3.
2435		-	75.3 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective upon the revisor of statutes' receipt of
2436		-	75.4the early voting certification and applies to elections held on or after the 85th day after the
2437		-	75.5revisor of statutes receives the certification.
2438		-	75.6 Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.30, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
2439		-	75.7 Subd. 3.Processing of ballots.Each day when early voting occurs, the early voting
2440		-	75.8officials must:
2441		-	75.9 (1) remove and secure ballots cast during the early voting period following the procedures
2442		-	75.10in section 203B.121, subdivision 5, paragraph (a)., noting the date, voting location, and
2443		-	75.11number of ballots cast;
2444		-	75.12 (2) without inspecting the ballots, ensure that the number of ballots removed from the
2445		-	75.13ballot box is equal to the number of voter certificates that were signed by voters in subdivision
2446		-	75.142, paragraph (b); and
2447		-	75.15 (3) seal and secure all voted and unvoted ballots present in that location at the end of
2448		-	75.16the day.
2449		-	75.17 The absentee ballot board must count the ballots after the polls have closed on election
2450		-	75.18day following the procedures in section 203B.121, subdivision 5, paragraph (b).
2451		-	75.19 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective upon the revisor of statutes' receipt of
2452		-	75.20the early voting certification and applies to elections held on or after the 85th day after the
2453		-	75.21revisor of statutes receives the certification.
2454		-	75.22Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.06, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
2455		-	75.23 Subdivision 1.Form of affidavit.(a) An affidavit of candidacy shall state the name of
2456		-	75.24the office sought and, except as provided in subdivision 4, shall state that the candidate:
2457		-	75.25 (1) is an eligible voter;
2458		-	75.26 (2) has no other affidavit on file as a candidate for any office at the same primary or
2459		-	75.27next ensuing general election, except as authorized by subdivision 9; and
2460		-	75.28 (3) is, or will be on assuming the office, 21 years of age or more, and will have maintained
2461		-	75.29residence in the district from which the candidate seeks election for 30 days before the
2462		-	75.30general election.
2463		-	75Article 3 Sec. 44.
2464		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 76.1 (b) An affidavit of candidacy must include a statement that the candidate's name as
2465		-	76.2written on the affidavit for ballot designation is the candidate's true name or the name by
2466		-	76.3which the candidate is commonly and generally known in the community. and:
2467		-	76.4 (1) the phonetic spelling or an explanation for the pronunciation of the full name
2468		-	76.5designated for the ballot; or
2469		-	76.6 (2) a certification that the candidate is directing the official responsible for programming
2470		-	76.7materials for the election to use the applicable technology's default pronunciation of the
2471		-	76.8candidate's name.
2472		-	76.9 (c) An affidavit of candidacy for partisan office shall also state the name of the candidate's
2473		-	76.10political party or political principle, stated in three words or less.
2474		-	76.11 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective January 1, 2026.
2475		-	76.12Sec. 45. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.06, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:
2476		-	76.13 Subd. 1b.Address, electronic mail address, and telephone number.(a) An affidavit
2477		-	76.14of candidacy must state a telephone number where the candidate can be contacted. An
2478		-	76.15affidavit must also state the candidate's or campaign's nongovernment issued electronic
2479		-	76.16mail address or an attestation that the candidate and the candidate's campaign do not possess
2480		-	76.17an electronic mail address. Except for affidavits of candidacy for (1) judicial office, (2) the
2481		-	76.18office of county attorney, or (3) county sheriff, an affidavit must also state the candidate's
2482		-	76.19current address of residence as determined under section 200.031, or at the candidate's
2483		-	76.20request in accordance with paragraph (c), the candidate's campaign contact address. When
2484		-	76.21filing the affidavit, the candidate must present the filing officer with the candidate's valid
2485		-	76.22driver's license or state identification card that contains the candidate's current address of
2486		-	76.23residence, or documentation of proof of residence authorized for election day registration
2487		-	76.24in section 201.061, subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (2); clause (3), item (ii); or paragraph
2488		-	76.25(d). If an original bill is shown, the due date on the bill must be within 30 days before or
2489		-	76.26after the beginning of the filing period or, for bills without a due date, dated within 30 days
2490		-	76.27before the beginning of the filing period. If the address on the affidavit and the documentation
2491		-	76.28do not match, the filing officer must not accept the affidavit. The form for the affidavit of
2492		-	76.29candidacy must allow the candidate to request, if eligible, that the candidate's address of
2493		-	76.30residence be classified as private data, and to provide the certification required under
2494		-	76.31paragraph (c) for classification of that address.
2495		-	76.32 (b) If an affidavit for an office where a residency requirement must be satisfied by the
2496		-	76.33close of the filing period is filed as provided by paragraph (c), the filing officer must, within
2497		-	76Article 3 Sec. 45.
2498		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 77.1one business day of receiving the filing, determine whether the address provided in the
2499		-	77.2affidavit of candidacy is within the area represented by the office the candidate is seeking.
2500		-	77.3For all other candidates who filed for an office whose residency requirement must be satisfied
2501		-	77.4by the close of the filing period, a registered voter in this state may request in writing that
2502		-	77.5the filing officer receiving the affidavit of candidacy review the address as provided in this
2503		-	77.6paragraph, at any time up to one day after the last day for filing for office. If requested, the
2504		-	77.7filing officer must determine whether the address provided in the affidavit of candidacy is
2505		-	77.8within the area represented by the office the candidate is seeking. If the filing officer
2506		-	77.9determines that the address is not within the area represented by the office, the filing officer
2507		-	77.10must immediately notify the candidate and the candidate's name must be removed from the
2508		-	77.11ballot for that office. A determination made by a filing officer under this paragraph is subject
2509		-	77.12to judicial review under section 204B.44.
2510		-	77.13 (c) If the candidate requests that the candidate's address of residence be classified as
2511		-	77.14private data, the candidate must list the candidate's address of residence on a separate form
2512		-	77.15to be attached to the affidavit. The candidate must also certify on the affidavit that either:
2513		-	77.16(1) a police report has been submitted, an order for protection has been issued, or the
2514		-	77.17candidate has a reasonable fear in regard to the safety of the candidate or the candidate's
2515		-	77.18family; or (2) the candidate's address is otherwise private pursuant to Minnesota law. The
2516		-	77.19address of residence provided by a candidate who makes a request for classification on the
2517		-	77.20candidate's affidavit of candidacy and provides the certification required by this paragraph
2518		-	77.21is classified as private data, as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12, but may be reviewed
2519		-	77.22by the filing officer as provided in this subdivision.
2520		-	77.23 (d) The requirements of this subdivision do not apply to affidavits of candidacy for a
2521		-	77.24candidate for: (1) judicial office; (2) the office of county attorney; or (3) county sheriff.
2522		-	77.25 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
2523		-	77.26Sec. 46. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.07, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
2524		-	77.27 Subd. 2.Petitions for presidential electors and alternates.(a) This subdivision section
2525		-	77.28does not apply to candidates for presidential elector or alternate nominated by major political
2526		-	77.29parties. Major party candidates for presidential elector or alternate are certified under section
2527		-	77.30208.03. Other presidential electors or alternates are nominated by petition pursuant to this
2528		-	77.31section.
2529		-	77.32 (b) On petitions nominating presidential electors or alternates, the names of the candidates
2530		-	77.33for president and vice-president shall be added to the political party or political principle
2531		-	77.34stated on the petition. One petition may be filed to nominate a slate of presidential electors
2532		-	77Article 3 Sec. 46.
2533		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 78.1equal in number to the number of electors to which the state is entitled and an alternate for
2534		-	78.2each elector nominee.
2535		-	78.3 (c) In addition to the petition, each nominated candidate must submit a signed, notarized
2536		-	78.4affidavit of candidacy for president or vice president that includes the following information:
2537		-	78.5 (1) the candidate's name in the form as it should appear on the ballot;
2538		-	78.6 (2) the candidate's campaign address, website, phone number, and email address;
2539		-	78.7 (3) the name of the political party or political principle stated on the petition;
2540		-	78.8 (4) the office sought by the candidate; and
2541		-	78.9 (5) a declaration that the candidate is aware of and will follow all applicable election
2542		-	78.10laws and campaign finance laws.
2543		-	78.11Sec. 47. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.09, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
2544		-	78.12 Subd. 1a.Absent candidates.(a) A candidate for special district, county, state, or federal
2545		-	78.13office who will be absent from the state during the filing period may submit a properly
2546		-	78.14executed affidavit of candidacy, the appropriate filing fee, and any necessary petitions in
2547		-	78.15person to the filing officer. The candidate shall state in writing the reason for being unable
2548		-	78.16to submit the affidavit during the filing period. The affidavit, filing fee, if any, and petitions
2549		-	78.17must be submitted to the filing officer during the seven days immediately preceding the
2550		-	78.18candidate's absence from the state. Nominating petitions may be signed during the 14 days
2551		-	78.19immediately preceding the date when the affidavit of candidacy is filed.
2552		-	78.20 (b) A candidate for special district, county, state, or federal office who will be absent
2553		-	78.21from the state during the entire filing period or who must leave the state for the remainder
2554		-	78.22of the filing period and who certifies to the secretary of state that the circumstances constitute
2555		-	78.23an emergency and were unforeseen, may submit a properly executed affidavit of candidacy
2556		-	78.24by facsimile device or by transmitting electronically a scanned image of the affidavit and
2557		-	78.25proof of residence required in section 204B.06, subdivision 1b, to the secretary of state
2558		-	78.26during the filing period. The candidate shall state in writing the specific reason for being
2559		-	78.27unable to submit the affidavit by mail or by hand during the filing period or in person prior
2560		-	78.28to the start of the filing period. The affidavit of candidacy, filing fee, if any, and any necessary
2561		-	78.29petitions must be received by the secretary of state by 5:00 p.m. on the last day for filing.
2562		-	78.30If the candidate is filing for a special district or county office, the secretary of state shall
2563		-	78.31forward the affidavit of candidacy, filing fee, if any, and any necessary petitions to the
2564		-	78.32appropriate filing officer. Copies of a proof of residence submitted under this subdivision
2565		-	78.33are private data on individuals, as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12.
2566		-	78Article 3 Sec. 47.
2567		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 79.1 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
2568		-	79.2 Sec. 48. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.09, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
2569		-	79.3 Subd. 2.Other elections.(a) Affidavits of candidacy and nominating petitions for city,
2570		-	79.4town or other elective offices shall be filed during the time and with the official specified
2571		-	79.5in chapter 205 or other applicable law or charter, except as provided for a special district
2572		-	79.6candidate under subdivision 1a. Affidavits of candidacy and applications filed on behalf of
2573		-	79.7eligible voters for school board office shall be filed during the time and with the official
2574		-	79.8specified in chapter 205A or other applicable law. Affidavits of candidacy, including proof
2575		-	79.9of residence required in section 204B.06, subdivision 1b, and nominating petitions filed
2576		-	79.10under this subdivision must be submitted by mail or by hand, notwithstanding chapter 325L,
2577		-	79.11or any other law to the contrary, and must be received by the appropriate official within the
2578		-	79.12specified time for the filing of affidavits and petitions for the office. Copies of a proof of
2579		-	79.13residence submitted by mail are private data on individuals, as defined in section 13.02,
2580		-	79.14subdivision 12.
2581		-	79.15 (b) The official receiving the filing shall notify the official responsible for preparing the
2582		-	79.16ballot of the names of the candidates placed on the ballot, any changes to candidates, or
2583		-	79.17other information necessary to prepare the ballot. The notification must be made within one
2584		-	79.18business day of receiving the filing or change or immediately following the close of the
2585		-	79.19filing period, whichever is sooner, unless the clerk and official agree to an alternative
2586		-	79.20notification timeline.
2587		-	79.21 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
2588		-	79.22Sec. 49. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.09, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
2589		-	79.23 Subd. 3.Write-in candidates.(a) A candidate for county, state, or federal office who
2590		-	79.24wants write-in votes for the candidate to be counted must file a written request with the
2591		-	79.25filing office for the office sought not more than 84 days before the primary and no later
2592		-	79.26than the seventh 19th day before the general election. The filing officer shall provide copies
2593		-	79.27of the form to make the request. The filing officer shall not accept a written request later
2594		-	79.28than 5:00 p.m. on the last day for filing a written request.
2595		-	79.29 (b) The governing body of a statutory or home rule charter city may adopt a resolution
2596		-	79.30governing the counting of write-in votes for local elective office. The resolution may:
2597		-	79Article 3 Sec. 49.
2598		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 80.1 (1) require the candidate to file a written request with the chief election official no later
2599		-	80.2than the seventh 19th day before the city election if the candidate wants to have the
2600		-	80.3candidate's write-in votes individually recorded; or
2601		-	80.4 (2) require that write-in votes for an individual candidate only be individually recorded
2602		-	80.5if the total number of write-in votes for that office is equal to or greater than the fewest
2603		-	80.6number of non-write-in votes for a ballot candidate.
2604		-	80.7If the governing body of the statutory or home rule charter city adopts a resolution authorized
2605		-	80.8by this paragraph, the resolution must be adopted and the city clerk must notify the county
2606		-	80.9auditor before the first day of filing for office. A resolution adopted under this paragraph
2607		-	80.10remains in effect until a subsequent resolution on the same subject is adopted by the
2608		-	80.11governing body of the statutory or home rule charter city.
2609		-	80.12 (c) The governing body of a township, school district, hospital district, park district, soil
2610		-	80.13and water district, or other ancillary elected district may adopt a resolution governing the
2611		-	80.14counting of write-in votes for local elective office. The resolution may require that write-in
2612		-	80.15votes for an individual candidate only be individually recorded if the total number of write-in
2613		-	80.16votes for that office is equal to or greater than the fewest number of non-write-in votes for
2614		-	80.17a ballot candidate. If a governing body adopts a resolution authorized by this paragraph,
2615		-	80.18the resolution must be adopted and the clerk must notify the county auditor before the first
2616		-	80.19day of filing for office. A resolution adopted under this paragraph remains in effect until a
2617		-	80.20subsequent resolution on the same subject is adopted by the governing body.
2618		-	80.21 (d) A candidate for president of the United States who files a request under this
2619		-	80.22subdivision must include the name of a candidate for vice president of the United States.
2620		-	80.23The request must also include the name of at least one candidate for presidential elector.
2621		-	80.24The total number of names of candidates for presidential elector on the request may not
2622		-	80.25exceed the total number of electoral votes to be cast by Minnesota in the presidential election.
2623		-	80.26 (e) A candidate for governor who files a request under this subdivision must file jointly
2624		-	80.27with another individual seeking nomination as a candidate for lieutenant governor. A
2625		-	80.28candidate for lieutenant governor who files a request under this subdivision must file jointly
2626		-	80.29with another individual seeking nomination as a candidate for governor.
2627		-	80.30 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective on January 1, 2026.
2628		-	80.31Sec. 50. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.14, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
2629		-	80.32 Subd. 2.Separate precincts; combined polling place.(a) The following shall constitute
2630		-	80.33at least one election precinct:
2631		-	80Article 3 Sec. 50.
2632		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 81.1 (1) each city ward; and
2633		-	81.2 (2) each town and each statutory city.
2634		-	81.3 (b) A single, accessible, combined polling place may be established no later than
2635		-	81.4November 1 if a presidential nomination primary is scheduled to occur in the following
2636		-	81.5year or May 1 of any other year:
2637		-	81.6 (1) for any city of the third or fourth class, any town, or any city having territory in more
2638		-	81.7than one county, in which all the voters of the city or town shall cast their ballots;
2639		-	81.8 (2) for contiguous precincts in the same municipality;
2640		-	81.9 (3) for up to four contiguous municipalities located entirely outside the metropolitan
2641		-	81.10area, as defined by section 200.02, subdivision 24, that are contained in the same county;
2642		-	81.11or
2643		-	81.12 (4) for noncontiguous precincts located in one or more counties.
2644		-	81.13 Subject to the requirements of paragraph (c), a single, accessible, combined polling place
2645		-	81.14may be established after May 1 of any year in the event of an emergency.
2646		-	81.15 A copy of the ordinance or resolution establishing a combined polling place must be
2647		-	81.16filed with the county auditor within 30 days after approval by the governing body, and the
2648		-	81.17county auditor must provide notice within ten days to the secretary of state, in a manner
2649		-	81.18and including information prescribed by the secretary of state. A polling place combined
2650		-	81.19under clause (3) must be approved by the governing body of each participating municipality.
2651		-	81.20A polling place combined under clause (4) must be approved by the governing body of each
2652		-	81.21participating municipality and the secretary of state and may be located outside any of the
2653		-	81.22noncontiguous precincts. A municipality withdrawing from participation in a combined
2654		-	81.23polling place must do so by filing a resolution of withdrawal with the county auditor no
2655		-	81.24later than October 1 if a presidential nomination primary is scheduled to occur in the
2656		-	81.25following year or April 1 of any other year, and the county auditor must provide notice
2657		-	81.26within ten days to the secretary of state, in a manner and including information prescribed
2658		-	81.27by the secretary of state.
2659		-	81.28 The secretary of state shall provide a separate polling place roster for each precinct
2660		-	81.29served by the combined polling place, except that. In a precinct that uses electronic rosters,
2661		-	81.30the secretary of state shall provide separate data files for each precinct and the election
2662		-	81.31official responsible for the electronic rosters may combine the files as necessary to be loaded
2663		-	81.32onto one or more electronic rosters, provided that the requirements under section 201.225,
2664		-	81.33subdivision 2, are met. A single set of election judges may be appointed to serve at a
2665		-	81Article 3 Sec. 50.
2666		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 82.1combined polling place. The number of election judges required must be based on the total
2667		-	82.2number of persons voting at the last similar election in all precincts to be voting at the
2668		-	82.3combined polling place. Separate ballot boxes must be provided for the ballots from each
2669		-	82.4precinct. The results of the election must be reported separately for each precinct served by
2670		-	82.5the combined polling place, except in a polling place established under clause (2) where
2671		-	82.6one of the precincts has fewer than ten registered voters, in which case the results of that
2672		-	82.7precinct must be reported in the manner specified by the secretary of state.
2673		-	82.8 (c) If a local elections official determines that an emergency situation preventing the
2674		-	82.9safe, secure, and full operation of a polling place on election day has occurred or is imminent,
2675		-	82.10the local elections official may combine two or more polling places for that election pursuant
2676		-	82.11to this subdivision. To the extent possible, the polling places must be combined and the
2677		-	82.12election conducted according to the requirements of paragraph (b), except that:
2678		-	82.13 (1) polling places may be combined after May 1 and until the polls close on election
2679		-	82.14day;
2680		-	82.15 (2) any city or town, regardless of size or location, may establish a combined polling
2681		-	82.16place under this paragraph;
2682		-	82.17 (3) the governing body is not required to adopt an ordinance or resolution to establish
2683		-	82.18the combined polling place;
2684		-	82.19 (4) a polling place combined under paragraph (b), clause (3) or (4), must be approved
2685		-	82.20by the local election official of each participating municipality;
2686		-	82.21 (5) the local elections official must immediately notify the county auditor and the
2687		-	82.22secretary of state of the combination, including the reason for the emergency combination
2688		-	82.23and the location of the combined polling place. As soon as possible, the local elections
2689		-	82.24official must also post a notice stating the reason for the combination and the location of
2690		-	82.25the combined polling place. The notice must also be posted on the governing board's website,
2691		-	82.26if one exists. The local elections official must also notify the election judges and request
2692		-	82.27that local media outlets publicly announce the reason for the combination and the location
2693		-	82.28of the combined polling place; and
2694		-	82.29 (6) on election day, the local elections official must post a notice in large print in a
2695		-	82.30conspicuous place at the polling place where the emergency occurred, if practical, stating
2696		-	82.31the location of the combined polling place. The local election official must also post the
2697		-	82.32notice, if practical, in a location visible by voters who vote from their motor vehicles as
2698		-	82.33provided in section 204C.15, subdivision 2. If polling place hours are extended pursuant to
2699		-	82.34section 204C.05, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), the posted notices required by this paragraph
2700		-	82Article 3 Sec. 50.
2701		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 83.1must include a statement that the polling place hours at the combined polling place will be
2702		-	83.2extended until the specified time.
2703		-	83.3 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2025.
2704		-	83.4 Sec. 51. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.14, subdivision 4a, is amended to read:
2705		-	83.5 Subd. 4a.Municipal boundary adjustment procedure.A change in the boundary of
2706		-	83.6an election precinct that has occurred as a result of a municipal boundary adjustment made
2707		-	83.7under chapter 414 that is effective more than 21 46 days before a regularly scheduled election
2708		-	83.8takes effect at the scheduled election.
2709		-	83.9 A change in the boundary of an election precinct that has occurred as a result of a
2710		-	83.10municipal boundary adjustment made under chapter 414 that is effective less than 21 46 or
2711		-	83.11fewer days before a regularly scheduled election takes effect the day after the scheduled
2712		-	83.12election.
2713		-	83.13Sec. 52. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.16, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
2714		-	83.14 Subd. 1a.Notice to voters.(a) If the location of a polling place has been changed, the
2715		-	83.15governing body establishing the polling place shall send to every affected household with
2716		-	83.16at least one registered voter in the precinct a nonforwardable mailed notice stating the
2717		-	83.17location of the new polling place at least 25 days before the next election. The secretary of
2718		-	83.18state shall prepare a sample of this notice. A notice that is returned as undeliverable must
2719		-	83.19be forwarded immediately to the county auditor. This subdivision does not apply to a polling
2720		-	83.20place location that is changed on election day under section 204B.175.
2721		-	83.21 (b) If the location of a polling place has been changed, the local official for the governing
2722		-	83.22body establishing the polling place must post a notice in large print and in a conspicuous
2723		-	83.23place at the closed polling place, if practical, stating the location of the new polling place.
2724		-	83.24The local election official must also post the notice, if practical, in a location visible by
2725		-	83.25voters who vote from their motor vehicles as provided in section 204C.15, subdivision 2.
2726		-	83.26The notice must be in all languages required under section 204B.295 for that precinct. The
2727		-	83.27notice must be posted for each special, primary, and general election until a November
2728		-	83.28presidential election or redistricting has occurred. The secretary of state shall prepare a
2729		-	83.29sample of this notice.
2730		-	83.30Sec. 53. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.175, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
2731		-	83.31 Subd. 3.Notice.(a) Upon making the determination to relocate a polling place, the local
2732		-	83.32election official must immediately notify the county auditor and the secretary of state. The
2733		-	83Article 3 Sec. 53.
2734		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 84.1notice must include the reason for the relocation and the reason for the location of the new
2735		-	84.2polling place. As soon as possible, the local election official must also post a notice stating
2736		-	84.3the reason for the relocation and the location of the new polling place. The notice must also
2737		-	84.4be posted on the website of the public body, if there is one. The local election official must
2738		-	84.5also notify the election judges and request that local media outlets publicly announce the
2739		-	84.6reason for the relocation and the location of the polling place. If the relocation occurs more
2740		-	84.7than 14 days prior to the election, the local election official must mail a notice to the impacted
2741		-	84.8voters of the reason for the relocation and the location of the polling place.
2742		-	84.9 (b) On election day, the local election official must post a notice in large print in a
2743		-	84.10conspicuous place at the polling place where the emergency occurred, if practical, stating
2744		-	84.11the location of the new polling place. The local election official must also post the notice,
2745		-	84.12if practical, in a location visible by voters who vote from their motor vehicles as provided
2746		-	84.13in section 204C.15, subdivision 2. If polling place hours are extended pursuant to section
2747		-	84.14204C.05, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), the posted notices required by this paragraph must
2748		-	84.15include a statement that the polling place hours at the new polling place will be extended
2749		-	84.16until the specified time. Notices required by this paragraph must be in all languages required
2750		-	84.17under section 204B.295 for that precinct.
2751		-	84.18Sec. 54. [204B.182] CHAIN OF CUSTODY PLANS.
2752		-	84.19 (a) The county auditor must develop a county elections chain of custody plan to be used
2753		-	84.20in all state, county, municipal, school district, and special district elections held in that
2754		-	84.21county. If any of the political subdivisions cross county lines, the affected counties must
2755		-	84.22make efforts to ensure that the elections chain of custody procedures affecting the local
2756		-	84.23jurisdiction are uniform throughout the jurisdiction. County auditors must file the elections
2757		-	84.24chain of custody plans with the secretary of state.
2758		-	84.25 (b) The chain of custody plan must account for both the physical and cyber security of
2759		-	84.26elections-related materials. The plan must include sample chain of custody documentation.
2760		-	84.27 (c) The secretary of state may provide additional guidance to counties on elections chain
2761		-	84.28of custody best practices and planning.
2762		-	84.29 (d) A municipal clerk, school district clerk, or special district clerk must utilize either
2763		-	84.30the county chain of custody plan or create a local chain of custody plan for use in local
2764		-	84.31elections not held in conjunction with federal, state, or county elections that meets or exceeds
2765		-	84.32the requirements of the county elections chain of custody plan. Any plan adopted under this
2766		-	84.33paragraph must be adopted and filed with the secretary of state and the county auditor at
2767		-	84.34least 84 days before the first election in which it will be used.
2768		-	84Article 3 Sec. 54.
2769		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 85.1 (e) Each political subdivision clerk who develops a local elections chain of custody plan
2770		-	85.2pursuant to paragraph (d) and each county auditor must review their respective elections
2771		-	85.3chain of custody plan prior to each state primary election. Any revisions to the elections
2772		-	85.4chain of custody plan must be completed and filed with the secretary of state by June 1 prior
2773		-	85.5to the state primary election.
2774		-	85.6 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment and
2775		-	85.7county auditors must file an elections chain of custody plan with the secretary of state by
2776		-	85.8June 1, 2026.
2777		-	85.9 Sec. 55. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.21, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
2778		-	85.10 Subdivision 1.Appointment lists; duties of political parties and secretary of state.(a)
2779		-	85.11On May March 1 in a year in which there is an election for a partisan political office, each
2780		-	85.12major political party shall must prepare a list of eligible voters who have indicated within
2781		-	85.13the last 24 months they are willing to act as election judges in each election precinct. The
2782		-	85.14list provided by the party must indicate:
2783		-	85.15 (1) which eligible voters are willing to travel to a precinct outside of their home
2784		-	85.16jurisdiction to act as an election judge, and the jurisdictions to which each eligible voter is
2785		-	85.17willing to travel for that purpose;
2786		-	85.18 (2) which eligible voters are willing to serve on a ballot board; and
2787		-	85.19 (3) each eligible voter's residential address, telephone number, and email address, along
2788		-	85.20with the date the eligible voter indicated their willingness to act as an election judge.
2789		-	85.21 (b) The political parties shall must furnish the lists electronically to the secretary of state,
2790		-	85.22in a format specified by the secretary of state. The secretary of state must combine the data
2791		-	85.23received from each political party under this subdivision and must process the data to locate
2792		-	85.24the precinct in which the address provided for each potential election judge is located. If
2793		-	85.25the data submitted by a political party is insufficient for the secretary of state to locate the
2794		-	85.26proper precinct or does not include the eligible voter's telephone number, email address,
2795		-	85.27and date the eligible voter indicated their willingness to act as an election judge, the
2796		-	85.28associated name must not appear in any list forwarded to an appointing authority under this
2797		-	85.29subdivision. The secretary of state shall must notify political parties of any proposed election
2798		-	85.30judges with addresses that could not be located in a precinct.
2799		-	85.31 (c) By May March 15, the secretary of state shall must furnish electronically to the
2800		-	85.32county auditor a list of the appropriate names for each election precinct and ballot board in
2801		-	85.33the jurisdiction of the appointing authority, and a list of the names of individuals residing
2802		-	85Article 3 Sec. 55.
2803		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 86.1outside of the jurisdiction who indicated a willingness to travel to that jurisdiction to act as
2804		-	86.2an election judge, noting the political party affiliation of each individual on the list. The
2805		-	86.3county auditor must promptly forward the appropriate names to the appropriate municipal
2806		-	86.4clerk within seven days of receipt.
2807		-	86.5 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective January 1, 2026.
2808		-	86.6 Sec. 56. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.21, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
2809		-	86.7 Subd. 2.Appointing authority; powers and duties.(a) Election judges for precincts
2810		-	86.8in a municipality shall and for a municipality's ballot board must be appointed by the
2811		-	86.9governing body of the municipality. Election judges for a county ballot board, for precincts
2812		-	86.10in unorganized territory, and for performing other election-related duties assigned by the
2813		-	86.11county auditor shall must be appointed by the county board. Election judges for a precinct
2814		-	86.12composed of two or more municipalities must be appointed by the governing body of the
2815		-	86.13municipality or municipalities responsible for appointing election judges as provided in the
2816		-	86.14agreement to combine for election purposes. Except as otherwise provided in this section,
2817		-	86.15appointments shall be made from the list of voters who maintain residence in each precinct,
2818		-	86.16furnished pursuant to subdivision 1, subject to the eligibility requirements and other
2819		-	86.17qualifications established or authorized under section 204B.19. At least two election judges
2820		-	86.18in each precinct must be affiliated with different major political parties. If no lists have been
2821		-	86.19furnished or if additional election judges are required after all listed names in that
2822		-	86.20municipality have been exhausted, the appointing authority may appoint other individuals
2823		-	86.21who meet the qualifications to serve as an election judge, including persons on the list
2824		-	86.22furnished pursuant to subdivision 1 who indicated a willingness to travel to the municipality,
2825		-	86.23and persons who are not affiliated with a major political party. Election judges must meet
2826		-	86.24all eligibility requirements and other qualifications established or authorized under section
2827		-	86.25204B.19.
2828		-	86.26 (b) At least two election judges in each precinct and serving on the ballot board must
2829		-	86.27be affiliated with different major political parties.
2830		-	86.28 (c) Within 30 days of receipt of the list furnished pursuant to this section, the appointing
2831		-	86.29authority must contact each voter who maintains residence in the jurisdiction about their
2832		-	86.30interest in serving as an election judge in the next 24 months. The communication must:
2833		-	86.31 (1) identify the opportunities available for the person to serve as an election judge;
2834		-	86Article 3 Sec. 56.
2835		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 87.1 (2) include the qualifications necessary to serve as an election judge, information about
2836		-	87.2the required training, and the dates and times at which the person must be available to
2837		-	87.3perform those duties; and
2838		-	87.4 (3) explain how the person may apply for appointment as an election judge.
2839		-	87.5Any person on the list furnished pursuant to subdivision 1 who does not respond to the
2840		-	87.6appointing authority within 14 days or does not apply to become an election judge and
2841		-	87.7complete election judge training before the next state general election is deemed to have
2842		-	87.8waived their interest in appointment to any election judge position.
2843		-	87.9 (d) Prior to each election, when appointing election judges, an appointing authority must
2844		-	87.10first exhaust the list of individuals who responded to the communication in paragraph (c)
2845		-	87.11who maintain residence in each precinct or, for appointment to a ballot board, who maintain
2846		-	87.12residence in a jurisdiction covered by the ballot board. An appointing authority may exhaust
2847		-	87.13the list furnished pursuant to subdivision 1 by contacting each person once who appears on
2848		-	87.14the list. This communication must include the specific dates, times, and locations at which
2849		-	87.15the person must be available to perform the various duties. Any individual from the list who
2850		-	87.16does not respond within seven days to express an availability to serve is deemed to have
2851		-	87.17waived interest in serving for that election. For legislative special elections, this period is
2852		-	87.18shortened to three days.
2853		-	87.19 (e) If no lists have been furnished, or when lists have been furnished, after the processes
2854		-	87.20in paragraphs (c) and (d) are complete, an appointing authority may appoint other individuals
2855		-	87.21who meet the qualifications to serve as an election judge.
2856		-	87.22 (f) An individual who is appointed from a source other than the list furnished pursuant
2857		-	87.23to subdivision 1 must provide to the appointing authority the individual's major political
2858		-	87.24party affiliation or a statement that the individual does not affiliate with any major political
2859		-	87.25party. An individual who refuses to provide the individual's major political party affiliation
2860		-	87.26or a statement that the individual does not affiliate with a major political party must not be
2861		-	87.27appointed as an election judge.
2862		-	87.28 (g) The appointments shall must be made at least 25 days before the election at which
2863		-	87.29the election judges will serve, except that the appointing authority may pass a resolution
2864		-	87.30authorizing the appointment of additional election judges within the 25 days before the
2865		-	87.31election if the appointing authority determines that additional election judges will be required.
2866		-	87.32 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective January 1, 2026.
2867		-	87Article 3 Sec. 56.
2868		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 88.1 Sec. 57. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.21, is amended by adding a subdivision
2869		-	88.2to read:
2870		-	88.3 Subd. 2a.Election judges; party balance.The provisions of sections 204B.19,
2871		-	88.4subdivision 5; 204B.21, subdivision 2, paragraphs (b) to (f); 204C.15; 204C.19; 206.83;
2872		-	88.5and 206.86, subdivision 2, relating to party balance in the appointment of judges and to
2873		-	88.6duties to be performed by judges of different major political parties do not apply to a county
2874		-	88.7election not held in conjunction with a state or federal election.
2875		-	88.8 Sec. 58. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.24, is amended to read:
2876		-	88.9 204B.24 ELECTION JUDGES; OATH.
2877		-	88.10 Each election judge shall sign the following oath before assuming the duties of the office:
2878		-	88.11 "I .......... solemnly swear (or affirm) that:
2879		-	88.12 (1) I will perform the duties of election judge according to law and the best of my ability
2880		-	88.13and will diligently endeavor to prevent fraud, deceit and abuse in conducting this election.
2881		-	88.14 (2) I will perform my duties in a fair and impartial manner and not attempt to create an
2882		-	88.15advantage for my party or for any candidate.
2883		-	88.16 (3) In accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 211B.075, I will not share information
2884		-	88.17about voting that I know to be materially false and will not intentionally hinder, interfere
2885		-	88.18with, or prevent a person from voting, registering to vote, or aiding another person in casting
2886		-	88.19a ballot or registering to vote, except as specifically required by law."
2887		-	88.20 The oath shall be attached to the summary statement of the election returns of that
2888		-	88.21precinct. If there is no individual present who is authorized to administer oaths, the election
2889		-	88.22judges may administer the oath to each other.
2890		-	88.23 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2025.
2891		-	88.24Sec. 59. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.25, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
2892		-	88.25 Subd. 3.Trained election judges; number required.Each election precinct in which
2893		-	88.26less than 100 individuals voted at the last state general election shall have at least two
2894		-	88.27election judges who are members of different major political parties who have received
2895		-	88.28training as required in this section. In every other election precinct, No individual may serve
2896		-	88.29as an election judge who has not received training as required by subdivision 1.
2897		-	88.30 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
2898		-	88Article 3 Sec. 59.
2899		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 89.1 Sec. 60. [204B.275] ELECTION REPORTING SYSTEM.
2900		-	89.2 Subdivision 1.Definition."Election reporting system" means the computerized central
2901		-	89.3statewide database for offices, candidates, ballot questions, and unofficial results developed
2902		-	89.4and maintained by the secretary of state. The system facilitates the collection, aggregation,
2903		-	89.5reporting, and secure sharing of unofficial election results to the public.
2904		-	89.6 Subd. 2.Authority.The secretary of state must maintain an election reporting system
2905		-	89.7as provided in this section.
2906		-	89.8 Subd. 3.Entry of names.(a) For federal and state elections, the county auditor must
2907		-	89.9enter in the election reporting system the names of all candidates who have filed for office
2908		-	89.10with the county auditor no later than one day after the filing is received. Within one day of
2909		-	89.11receiving notification and no later than one day after the withdrawal period closes, the
2910		-	89.12county auditor must enter in the election reporting system the names of candidates for city,
2911		-	89.13town, school district, or other elective office for which the county auditor has been notified.
2912		-	89.14For any candidate who files by nominating petition or a petition in place of filing fee, the
2913		-	89.15county auditor must enter in the election reporting system the name of the candidate within
2914		-	89.16one day after the petition has been reviewed and determined to meet all legal requirements.
2915		-	89.17 (b) The secretary of state must enter in the election reporting system the names of all
2916		-	89.18candidates who have filed for office with the secretary of state no later than one day after
2917		-	89.19the filing is received. For any candidate who files by nominating petition or a petition in
2918		-	89.20place of filing fee, the secretary of state must enter in the election reporting system the name
2919		-	89.21of the candidate within one day after the petition has been reviewed and determined to meet
2920		-	89.22all legal requirements.
2921		-	89.23 Subd. 4.Results reporting testing.At least seven days prior to any federal or state
2922		-	89.24primary, general, or special election, the county auditor must test the results reporting
2923		-	89.25functions in the election reporting system maintained by the secretary of state. The test must
2924		-	89.26include the entry of vote totals for all candidates or ballot question responses within each
2925		-	89.27contest or ballot question, and the county auditor must verify that the predetermined test
2926		-	89.28results are displayed. The county auditor must report to the secretary of state that the test
2927		-	89.29has been conducted, and no errors are apparent. If errors occur during the test, the county
2928		-	89.30auditor must work with the secretary of state to resolve all issues and retest until resolved.
2929		-	89.31 Subd. 5.Reporting results.For federal and state elections, as soon as practicable after
2930		-	89.32delivery of the returns, the county auditor must report all unofficial election results in the
2931		-	89.33elections reporting system.
2932		-	89Article 3 Sec. 60.
2933		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 90.1 Subd. 6.Unofficial results.Results reported to the election reporting system are unofficial
2934		-	90.2results. Election results are not official until after the canvassing board certifies the result
2935		-	90.3of the election.
2936		-	90.4 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective on June 1, 2025.
2937		-	90.5 Sec. 61. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.28, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
2938		-	90.6 Subd. 2.Election supplies; duties of county auditors and clerks.(a) Except as
2939		-	90.7otherwise provided in this section and for absentee ballots in section 204B.35, subdivision
2940		-	90.84, the county auditor shall complete the preparation of the election materials for which the
2941		-	90.9auditor is responsible at least four days before every state primary and state general election.
2942		-	90.10At any time after all election materials are available from the county auditor but not later
2943		-	90.11than four days the day before the election each municipal clerk shall secure from the county
2944		-	90.12auditor:
2945		-	90.13 (1) the forms that are required for the conduct of the election;
2946		-	90.14 (2) any printed voter instruction materials furnished by the secretary of state;
2947		-	90.15 (3) any other instructions for election officers; and
2948		-	90.16 (4) a sufficient quantity of the official ballots, registration files, envelopes for ballot
2949		-	90.17returns, and other supplies and materials required for each precinct in order to comply with
2950		-	90.18the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law. The county auditor may furnish the election
2951		-	90.19supplies to the municipal clerks in the same manner as the supplies are furnished to precincts
2952		-	90.20in unorganized territory pursuant to section 204B.29, subdivision 1.
2953		-	90.21 (b) The county auditor must prepare and make available election materials for early
2954		-	90.22voting to municipal clerks designated to administer early voting under section 203B.05 on
2955		-	90.23or before the 19th day before the election.
2956		-	90.24 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
2957		-	90.25Sec. 62. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.44, is amended to read:
2958		-	90.26 204B.44 ERRORS AND OMISSIONS; REMEDY.
2959		-	90.27 (a) Any individual may file a petition in the manner provided in this section for the
2960		-	90.28correction of any of the following errors, omissions, or wrongful acts which have occurred
2961		-	90.29or are about to occur:
2962		-	90Article 3 Sec. 62.
2963		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 91.1 (1) an error or omission in the placement or printing of the name or description of any
2964		-	91.2candidate or any question on any official ballot, including the placement of a candidate on
2965		-	91.3the official ballot who is not eligible to hold the office for which the candidate has filed;
2966		-	91.4 (2) any other error in preparing or printing any official ballot;
2967		-	91.5 (3) failure of the chair or secretary of the proper committee of a major political party to
2968		-	91.6execute or file a certificate of nomination;
2969		-	91.7 (4) any wrongful act, omission, or error of any election judge, municipal clerk, county
2970		-	91.8auditor, canvassing board or any of its members, the secretary of state, or any other individual
2971		-	91.9charged with any duty concerning an election.
2972		-	91.10 (b) The petition shall describe the error, omission, or wrongful act and the correction
2973		-	91.11sought by the petitioner. The petition shall be filed with any judge of the supreme court in
2974		-	91.12the case of an election for state or federal office or any judge of the district court in that
2975		-	91.13county in the case of an election for county, municipal, or school district office. The petitioner
2976		-	91.14shall serve a copy of the petition on the officer, board or individual charged with the error,
2977		-	91.15omission, or wrongful act, on all candidates for the office in the case of an election for state,
2978		-	91.16federal, county, municipal, or school district office, and on any other party as required by
2979		-	91.17the court. Upon receipt of the petition the court shall immediately set a time for a hearing
2980		-	91.18on the matter and order the officer, board or individual charged with the error, omission or
2981		-	91.19wrongful act to correct the error or wrongful act or perform the duty or show cause for not
2982		-	91.20doing so. In the case of a review of a candidate's eligibility to hold office, the court may
2983		-	91.21order the candidate to appear and present sufficient evidence of the candidate's eligibility.
2984		-	91.22The court shall issue its findings and a final order for appropriate relief as soon as possible
2985		-	91.23after the hearing. Failure to obey the order is contempt of court.
2986		-	91.24 (c) Any service required by this section on a candidate may be accomplished by electronic
2987		-	91.25mail sent to the address the candidate provided on their affidavit of candidacy pursuant to
2988		-	91.26section 204B.06, subdivision 1b, or by any other means permitted by law.
2989		-	91.27 (d) If all candidates for an office and the officer, board, or individual charged with the
2990		-	91.28error, omission, or wrongful act unanimously agree in writing:
2991		-	91.29 (1) that an error, omission, or wrongful act occurred; and
2992		-	91.30 (2) on the appropriate correction for the error, omission, or wrongful act,
2993		-	91.31then the officer, board, or individual charged with the error, omission, or wrongful act must
2994		-	91.32correct the error in the manner agreed to without an order from the court. Such agreement
2995		-	91.33must address, at a minimum, how the correction will take place and, if the correction involves
2996		-	91Article 3 Sec. 62.
2997		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 92.1a change to a ballot, how voters who have received or returned an incomplete ballot will
2998		-	92.2be notified of the change and what, if any, steps voters who have returned an incorrect ballot
2999		-	92.3can take to receive a corrected replacement ballot.
3000		-	92.4The officer, board, or individual must notify the secretary of state in writing of the error
3001		-	92.5and proposed correction within one business day of receiving notification of the candidate's
3002		-	92.6written agreement and must not distribute any ballots reflecting the proposed correction for
3003		-	92.7two business days unless the secretary of state waives this notice period. Nothing in this
3004		-	92.8paragraph shall be construed to preclude any person from filing a petition under this section
3005		-	92.9alleging that the written agreement constitutes an error, omission, or wrongful act that
3006		-	92.10requires correction by the court.
3007		-	92.11 (e) Any candidate for an office who does not enter into an agreement under paragraph
3008		-	92.12(d) and who does not prevail at any subsequent proceeding involving a petition filed under
3009		-	92.13this section must pay the costs and disbursements of the prevailing party or parties unless
3010		-	92.14the court determines that the candidate's position was substantially justified or such costs
3011		-	92.15and disbursements would impose undue hardship or otherwise be inequitable.
3012		-	92.16 (f) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, an official may correct any
3013		-	92.17official ballot without order from the court if the ballot is not in compliance with sections
3014		-	92.18204B.35 to 204B.37 or any rules promulgated under sections 204B.35 to 204B.37.
3015		-	92.19 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2025.
3016		-	92.20Sec. 63. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.45, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
3017		-	92.21 Subd. 2.Procedure; voting prior to election day.Notice of the election and the special
3018		-	92.22mail procedure must be given at least ten weeks prior to the election. Not more than 46 days
3019		-	92.23nor later than 14 28 days before a regularly scheduled any election and not more than 30
3020		-	92.24days nor later than 14 days before any other election, the auditor shall mail ballots by
3021		-	92.25nonforwardable mail to all voters registered in the city, town, or unorganized territory. No
3022		-	92.26later than 14 days before the election, the auditor must make a subsequent mailing of ballots
3023		-	92.27to those voters who register to vote after the initial mailing but before the 20th day before
3024		-	92.28the election. Eligible voters not registered at the time the ballots are mailed may apply for
3025		-	92.29ballots as provided in chapter 203B. Ballot return envelopes, with return postage provided,
3026		-	92.30must be preaddressed to the auditor or clerk and the voter may return the ballot by mail or
3027		-	92.31in person to the office of the auditor or clerk. The auditor or clerk must appoint a ballot
3028		-	92.32board to examine the mail and absentee ballot return envelopes and mark them "accepted"
3029		-	92.33or "rejected" within three days of receipt if there are 14 or fewer days before election day,
3030		-	92.34or within five days of receipt if there are more than 14 days before election day. The board
3031		-	92Article 3 Sec. 63.
3032		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 93.1may consist of deputy county auditors or deputy municipal clerks who have received training
3033		-	93.2in the processing and counting of mail ballots, who need not be affiliated with a major
3034		-	93.3political party. Election judges performing the duties in this section must be of different
3035		-	93.4major political parties, unless they are exempt from that requirement under section 204B.21,
3036		-	93.5subdivision 2a; 205.07, subdivision 4; 205.075, subdivision 4,; or section 205A.10. If an
3037		-	93.6envelope has been rejected at least five days before the election, the ballots in the envelope
3038		-	93.7must remain sealed and the auditor or clerk shall provide the voter with a replacement ballot
3039		-	93.8and return envelope in place of the spoiled ballot. If the ballot is rejected within five days
3040		-	93.9of the election, the envelope must remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board
3041		-	93.10must attempt to contact the voter by telephone or email to notify the voter that the voter's
3042		-	93.11ballot has been rejected. The official must document the attempts made to contact the voter.
3043		-	93.12 If the ballot is accepted, the county auditor or municipal clerk must mark the roster to
3044		-	93.13indicate that the voter has already cast a ballot in that election. After the close of business
3045		-	93.14on the 19th day before the election, the ballots from return envelopes marked "Accepted"
3046		-	93.15may be opened, duplicated as needed in the manner provided by section 206.86, subdivision
3047		-	93.165, initialed by the members of the ballot board, and deposited in the ballot box.
3048		-	93.17 In all other respects, the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law governing deposit
3049		-	93.18and counting of ballots apply.
3050		-	93.19 The mail and absentee ballots for a precinct must be counted together and reported as
3051		-	93.20one vote total. No vote totals from mail or absentee ballots may be made public before the
3052		-	93.21close of voting on election day.
3053		-	93.22 The costs of the mailing shall be paid by the election jurisdiction in which the voter
3054		-	93.23maintains residence. Any ballot received by 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election must be
3055		-	93.24counted.
3056		-	93.25 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective November 15, 2025, for elections held
3057		-	93.26on or after January 1, 2026.
3058		-	93.27Sec. 64. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.05, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
3059		-	93.28 Subd. 2.Voters in line at closing.(a) At or before the hour when voting is scheduled
3060		-	93.29to begin, the election judges shall must agree upon the standard of time they will use to
3061		-	93.30determine when voting will begin and end. Voting shall must not be allowed after the time
3062		-	93.31when it is scheduled to end, unless individuals are waiting in the polling place or waiting
3063		-	93.32in line at the door to register, to update the voter's registration, or to vote. The voting shall
3064		-	93.33must continue until those individuals have been allowed to vote. No An individual who
3065		-	93Article 3 Sec. 64.
3066		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 94.1comes to the polling place or to a line outside the polling place after the time when voting
3067		-	94.2is scheduled to end shall must not be allowed to vote.
3068		-	94.3 (b) The local election official may extend polling place hours to accommodate voters
3069		-	94.4that would have been in line at the regular polling place if the polling place had not been
3070		-	94.5combined or moved on election day pursuant to section 204B.14, subdivision 2, or 204B.175.
3071		-	94.6Polling place hours may be extended at the new polling place for one hour. The local election
3072		-	94.7official must immediately provide notice to the county auditor, secretary of state, and election
3073		-	94.8judges of the extension in polling place hours. The local election official must also request
3074		-	94.9that the local media outlets publicly announce the extended polling place hours. Voters in
3075		-	94.10the polling place or waiting in line at the door to register, to update the voter's registration,
3076		-	94.11or to vote at the end of the extended polling place hours shall must be allowed to vote
3077		-	94.12pursuant to paragraph (a).
3078		-	94.13Sec. 65. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.06, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
3079		-	94.14 Subdivision 1.Persons allowed near polling place.An individual shall must be allowed
3080		-	94.15to go to and from the polling place for the purpose of voting without unlawful interference.
3081		-	94.16No one Except an election official or an individual who is waiting to register, to update the
3082		-	94.17voter's registration, or to vote or an individual who is conducting exit polling shall, an
3083		-	94.18individual must not stand within 100 feet of the building in which a polling place is located.
3084		-	94.19Sec. 66. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.06, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
3085		-	94.20 Subd. 2.Individuals allowed in polling place; identification.(a) Representatives of
3086		-	94.21the secretary of state's office, the county auditor's office, and the municipal or school district
3087		-	94.22clerk's office may be present at the polling place to observe election procedures. Except for
3088		-	94.23these representatives, election judges, sergeants-at-arms, and challengers, an individual may
3089		-	94.24remain inside the polling place during voting hours only while voting or, updating the voter's
3090		-	94.25registration, registering to vote, providing proof of residence for an individual who is
3091		-	94.26registering to vote or updating a registration, or assisting a disabled voter with a disability
3092		-	94.27or a voter who is unable to read English. During voting hours no one except individuals
3093		-	94.28receiving, marking, or depositing ballots shall approach within six feet of a voting booth,
3094		-	94.29ballot counter, or electronic voting equipment, unless lawfully authorized to do so by an
3095		-	94.30election judge or the individual is an election judge monitoring the operation of the ballot
3096		-	94.31counter or electronic voting equipment.
3097		-	94Article 3 Sec. 66.
3098		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 95.1 (b) Teachers and elementary or secondary school students participating in an educational
3099		-	95.2activity authorized by section 204B.27, subdivision 7, may be present at the polling place
3100		-	95.3during voting hours.
3101		-	95.4 (c) Each official on duty in the polling place must wear an identification badge that
3102		-	95.5shows their role in the election process. The badge must not show their party affiliation.
3103		-	95.6 Sec. 67. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.06, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
3104		-	95.7 Subd. 6.Peace officers.Except when summoned by an election judge to restore the
3105		-	95.8peace or when voting, updating a registration, or registering to vote, no peace officer shall
3106		-	95.9enter or remain in a polling place or stand within 50 feet of the entrance of a polling place.
3107		-	95.10Sec. 68. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.08, subdivision 1d, is amended to read:
3108		-	95.11 Subd. 1d.Voter's Bill of Rights.The county auditor shall prepare and provide to each
3109		-	95.12polling place sufficient copies of a poster setting forth the Voter's Bill of Rights as set forth
3110		-	95.13in this section. Before the hours of voting are scheduled to begin, the election judges shall
3111		-	95.14post it in a conspicuous location or locations in the polling place. The Voter's Bill of Rights
3112		-	95.15is as follows:
3113		-	95.16 "VOTER'S BILL OF RIGHTS
3114		-	95.17 For all persons residing in this state who meet federal voting eligibility requirements:
3115		-	95.18 (1) You have the right to be absent from work for the purpose of voting in a state, federal,
3116		-	95.19or regularly scheduled election without reduction to your pay, personal leave, or vacation
3117		-	95.20time on election day for the time necessary to appear at your polling place, cast a ballot,
3118		-	95.21and return to work.
3119		-	95.22 (2) If you are in line at your polling place any time before 8:00 p.m., you have the right
3120		-	95.23to vote.
3121		-	95.24 (3) If you can provide the required proof of residence, you have the right to register to
3122		-	95.25vote or to update your registration and to vote on election day.
3123		-	95.26 (4) If you are unable to sign your name, you have the right to orally confirm your identity
3124		-	95.27with an election judge and to direct another person to sign your name for you.
3125		-	95.28 (5) You have the right to request special assistance when voting.
3126		-	95.29 (6) If you need assistance, you may be accompanied into the voting booth by a person
3127		-	95.30of your choice, except by an agent of your employer or union or a candidate.
3128		-	95Article 3 Sec. 68.
3129		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 96.1 (7) You have the right to bring your minor children into the polling place and into the
3130		-	96.2voting booth with you.
3131		-	96.3 (8) You have the right to vote if you are not currently incarcerated for conviction of a
3132		-	96.4felony offense.
3133		-	96.5 (9) If you are under a guardianship, you have the right to vote, unless the court order
3134		-	96.6revokes your right to vote.
3135		-	96.7 (10) You have the right to vote without anyone in the polling place trying to influence
3136		-	96.8your vote.
3137		-	96.9 (11) If you make a mistake or spoil your ballot before it is submitted, you have the right
3138		-	96.10to receive a replacement ballot and vote.
3139		-	96.11 (12) You have the right to file a written complaint at your polling place if you are
3140		-	96.12dissatisfied with the way an election is being run.
3141		-	96.13 (13) You have the right to take a sample ballot into the voting booth with you.
3142		-	96.14 (14) You have the right to take a copy of this Voter's Bill of Rights into the voting booth
3143		-	96.15with you."
3144		-	96.16 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment, except
3145		-	96.17that the change in clause (3) is effective January 1, 2026.
3146		-	96.18Sec. 69. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
3147		-	96.19 Subdivision 1.Counting and initialing.(a) Before the voting begins, at least two election
3148		-	96.20judges must certify the number of ballots delivered to the precinct. Election judges may
3149		-	96.21conduct this count, presuming that the total count provided for prepackaged ballots is correct.
3150		-	96.22As each package is opened, two judges must count the ballots in the package to ensure that
3151		-	96.23the total count provided for the package is correct. Any discrepancy must be noted on the
3152		-	96.24incident log.
3153		-	96.25 (b) Before the voting begins, or as soon as possible after it begins, at least two election
3154		-	96.26judges shall each initial the backs of all the ballots. The election judges shall not otherwise
3155		-	96.27mark the ballots.
3156		-	96.28 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
3157		-	96Article 3 Sec. 69.
3158		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 97.1 Sec. 70. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.10, is amended to read:
3159		-	97.2 204C.10 POLLING PLACE ROSTER; VOTER SIGNATURE CERTIFICATE;
3160		-	97.3VOTER RECEIPT.
3161		-	97.4 (a) An individual seeking to vote shall sign a polling place roster or voter signature
3162		-	97.5certificate which states that the individual:
3163		-	97.6 (1) is at least 18 years old;
3164		-	97.7 (2) is a citizen of the United States;
3165		-	97.8 (3) has maintained residence in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding the election;
3166		-	97.9 (4) maintains residence at the address or location shown;
3167		-	97.10 (5) is not under a guardianship in which the court order revokes the individual's right to
3168		-	97.11vote;
3169		-	97.12 (6) has not been found by a court of law to be legally incompetent to vote;
3170		-	97.13 (7) has the right to vote because, if the individual was convicted of a felony, the individual
3171		-	97.14is not currently incarcerated for that conviction;
3172		-	97.15 (8) is registered; and
3173		-	97.16 (9) has not already voted in the election.
3174		-	97.17 The roster must also state: "I understand that deliberately providing false information
3175		-	97.18is a felony punishable by not more than five years imprisonment and a fine of not more than
3176		-	97.19$10,000, or both."
3177		-	97.20 (b) At the presidential nomination primary, the polling place roster must also state: "I
3178		-	97.21am in general agreement with the principles of the party for whose candidate I intend to
3179		-	97.22vote." This statement must appear separately from the statements required in paragraph (a).
3180		-	97.23The felony penalty provided for in paragraph (a) does not apply to this paragraph.
3181		-	97.24 (c) A judge may, before the applicant signs the roster or voter signature certificate,
3182		-	97.25confirm the applicant's name, address, and date of birth.
3183		-	97.26 (d) After the applicant signs the roster or voter signature certificate, the judge shall give
3184		-	97.27the applicant a voter's receipt. The voter shall deliver the voter's receipt to the judge in
3185		-	97.28charge of ballots as proof of the voter's right to vote, and thereupon the judge shall hand to
3186		-	97.29the voter the ballot. The voters' receipts must be maintained during the time for notice of
3187		-	97.30filing an election contest.
3188		-	97Article 3 Sec. 70.
3189		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 98.1 (e) Whenever a challenged status appears on the polling place roster, an election judge
3190		-	98.2must ensure that the challenge is concealed or hidden from the view of any voter other than
3191		-	98.3the voter whose status is challenged.
3192		-	98.4 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective September 1, 2025.
3193		-	98.5 Sec. 71. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.15, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
3194		-	98.6 Subd. 2.Outside the polling place.An individual who is unable to enter a polling place
3195		-	98.7where paper ballots or an electronic voting system are used may register or update the voter's
3196		-	98.8registration and vote without leaving a motor vehicle. Upon request of the voter, two election
3197		-	98.9judges who are members of different major political parties shall must assist the voter to
3198		-	98.10register or to update a registration, as applicable, and to complete a voter's certificate and
3199		-	98.11shall must provide the necessary ballots. The voter may request additional assistance in
3200		-	98.12marking ballots as provided in subdivision 1.
3201		-	98.13Sec. 72. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.15, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
3202		-	98.14 Subd. 3.Voting lines.In all polling places, upon request of the voter, two election judges
3203		-	98.15shall must assist a disabled voter with a disability to enter the polling place and go through
3204		-	98.16the registration and voting lines lines to register to vote or update the voter's registration,
3205		-	98.17as applicable, and to vote. The voter may also request the assistance of election judges or
3206		-	98.18any other individual in marking ballots, as provided in subdivision 1.
3207		-	98.19Sec. 73. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.24, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
3208		-	98.20 Subdivision 1.Information requirements.Precinct summary statements shall must be
3209		-	98.21submitted by the election judges in every precinct. For all elections, the election judges
3210		-	98.22shall must complete three or more copies of the summary statements, and each copy shall
3211		-	98.23must contain the following information for each kind of ballot:
3212		-	98.24 (1) the number of ballots delivered to the precinct as adjusted by the actual count made
3213		-	98.25by the election judges, the number of unofficial ballots made, and the number of absentee
3214		-	98.26ballots delivered to the precinct;
3215		-	98.27 (2) the number of votes each candidate received or the number of yes and no votes on
3216		-	98.28each question, the number of undervotes, the number of overvotes, and the number of
3217		-	98.29defective ballots with respect to each office or question;
3218		-	98Article 3 Sec. 73.
3219		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 99.1 (3) the number of spoiled ballots, the number of duplicate ballots made, the number of
3220		-	99.2absentee ballots rejected, and the number of unused ballots, presuming that the total count
3221		-	99.3provided on each package of unopened prepackaged ballots is correct;
3222		-	99.4 (4) the number of voted ballots indicating only a voter's choices as provided by section
3223		-	99.5206.80, paragraph (b), clause (2), item (ii), in precincts that use an assistive voting device
3224		-	99.6that produces this type of ballot;
3225		-	99.7 (5) the number of individuals who voted at the election in the precinct which must equal
3226		-	99.8the total number of ballots cast in the precinct, as required by sections 204C.20 and 206.86,
3227		-	99.9subdivision 1;
3228		-	99.10 (6) the number of voters registering or updating registrations on election day in that
3229		-	99.11precinct;
3230		-	99.12 (7) the signatures of the election judges who counted the ballots certifying that all of the
3231		-	99.13ballots cast were properly piled, checked, and counted; and that the numbers entered by the
3232		-	99.14election judges on the summary statements correctly show the number of votes cast for each
3233		-	99.15candidate and for and against each question;
3234		-	99.16 (8) the number of election judges that worked in that precinct on election day; and
3235		-	99.17 (9) the number of voting booths used in that precinct on election day.
3236		-	99.18 At least two copies of the summary statement must be prepared for elections not held
3237		-	99.19on the same day as the state elections.
3238		-	99.20Sec. 74. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.32, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
3239		-	99.21 Subdivision 1.County canvass.The county canvassing board shall must meet at the
3240		-	99.22county auditor's office on either the second or third day following the state primary. After
3241		-	99.23taking the oath of office, the canvassing board shall must publicly canvass the election
3242		-	99.24returns delivered to the county auditor. The board shall must complete the canvass by the
3243		-	99.25third day following the state primary and shall must promptly prepare and file with the
3244		-	99.26county auditor a report that states:
3245		-	99.27 (a) the number of individuals voting at the election in the county, and in each precinct;
3246		-	99.28 (b) for each precinct, the number of individuals registering to vote or updating
3247		-	99.29registrations on election day and the number of individuals who were registered before
3248		-	99.30election day in each precinct and did not need to update the voter's registration;
3249		-	99.31 (c) for each major political party, the names of the candidates running for each partisan
3250		-	99.32office and the number of votes received by each candidate in the county and in each precinct;
3251		-	99Article 3 Sec. 74.
3252		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 100.1 (d) the names of the candidates of each major political party who are nominated; and
3253		-	100.2 (e) the number of votes received by each of the candidates for nonpartisan office in each
3254		-	100.3precinct in the county and the names of the candidates nominated for nonpartisan office.
3255		-	100.4 Upon completion of the canvass, the county auditor shall must mail or deliver a notice
3256		-	100.5of nomination to each nominee for county office voted for only in that county. The county
3257		-	100.6auditor shall must transmit one of the certified copies of the county canvassing board report
3258		-	100.7for state and federal offices to the secretary of state by express mail or similar service
3259		-	100.8immediately upon conclusion of the county canvass. The secretary of state shall must mail
3260		-	100.9a notice of nomination to each nominee for state or federal office.
3261		-	100.10Sec. 75. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.33, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
3262		-	100.11 Subdivision 1.County canvass.The county canvassing board shall must meet at the
3263		-	100.12county auditor's office between the third and eighth days following the state general election.
3264		-	100.13After taking the oath of office, the board shall must promptly and publicly canvass the
3265		-	100.14general election returns delivered to the county auditor. Upon completion of the canvass,
3266		-	100.15the board shall must promptly prepare and file with the county auditor a report which states:
3267		-	100.16 (a) the number of individuals voting at the election in the county and in each precinct;
3268		-	100.17 (b) for each precinct, the number of individuals registering to vote or updating
3269		-	100.18registrations on election day and the number of individuals who were registered before
3270		-	100.19election day in each precinct and did not need to update the voter's registration;
3271		-	100.20 (c) the names of the candidates for each office and the number of votes received by each
3272		-	100.21candidate in the county and in each precinct;
3273		-	100.22 (d) the number of votes counted for and against a proposed change of county lines or
3274		-	100.23county seat; and
3275		-	100.24 (e) the number of votes counted for and against a constitutional amendment or other
3276		-	100.25question in the county and in each precinct.
3277		-	100.26 The result of write-in votes cast on the general election ballots must be compiled by the
3278		-	100.27county auditor before the county canvass, except that write-in votes for a candidate for
3279		-	100.28federal, state, or county office must not be counted unless the candidate has timely filed a
3280		-	100.29request under section 204B.09, subdivision 3. The county auditor shall must arrange for
3281		-	100.30each municipality to provide an adequate number of election judges to perform this duty or
3282		-	100.31the county auditor may appoint additional election judges for this purpose. The county
3283		-	100.32auditor may open the envelopes or containers in which the voted ballots have been sealed
3284		-	100Article 3 Sec. 75.
3285		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 101.1in order to count and record the write-in votes and must reseal the voted ballots at the
3286		-	101.2conclusion of this process. The county auditor must prepare a separate report of votes
3287		-	101.3received by precinct for write-in candidates for federal, state, and county offices who have
3288		-	101.4requested under section 204B.09 that votes for those candidates be tallied.
3289		-	101.5 Upon completion of the canvass, the county canvassing board shall must declare the
3290		-	101.6candidate duly elected who received the highest number of votes for each county and state
3291		-	101.7office voted for only within the county. The county auditor shall must transmit a certified
3292		-	101.8copy of the county canvassing board report for state and federal offices to the secretary of
3293		-	101.9state by messenger, express mail, or similar service immediately upon conclusion of the
3294		-	101.10county canvass.
3295		-	101.11Sec. 76. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205.07, is amended by adding a subdivision to
3296		-	101.12read:
3297		-	101.13 Subd. 4.Election judges; party balance.The provisions of sections 204B.19, subdivision
3298		-	101.145; 204B.21, subdivision 2, paragraphs (b) to (f); 204C.15; 204C.19; 206.83; and 206.86,
3299		-	101.15subdivision 2, relating to party balance in the appointment of judges and to duties to be
3300		-	101.16performed by judges of different major political parties do not apply to a city election not
3301		-	101.17held in conjunction with a state or federal election.
3302		-	101.18Sec. 77. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205.075, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
3303		-	101.19 Subd. 4.Election judges; party balance.The provisions of sections 204B.19, subdivision
3304		-	101.205; 204B.21, subdivision 2, paragraphs (b) to (f); 204C.15; 204C.19; 206.83; and 206.86,
3305		-	101.21subdivision 2, relating to party balance in the appointment of judges and to duties to be
3306		-	101.22performed by judges of different major political parties do not apply to a town election not
3307		-	101.23held in conjunction with a statewide state or federal election.
3308		-	101.24Sec. 78. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
3309		-	101.25 Subdivision 1.Affidavit of candidacy.(a) An individual who is eligible and desires to
3310		-	101.26become a candidate for an office to be voted for at the municipal general election shall file
3311		-	101.27an affidavit of candidacy with the municipal clerk. Candidates for a special election to fill
3312		-	101.28a vacancy held as provided in section 412.02, subdivision 2a, must file an affidavit of
3313		-	101.29candidacy for the specific office to fill the unexpired portion of the term. Subject to the
3314		-	101.30approval of the county auditor, the town clerk may authorize candidates for township offices
3315		-	101.31to file affidavits of candidacy with the county auditor. The affidavit shall be in the same
3316		-	101.32form as that in section 204B.06. The municipal clerk shall also accept an application signed
3317		-	101Article 3 Sec. 78.
3318		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 102.1by not less than five voters and filed on behalf of an eligible voter in the municipality whom
3319		-	102.2they desire to be a candidate, if service of a copy of the application has been made on the
3320		-	102.3candidate and proof of service is endorsed on the application being filed. Upon receipt of
3321		-	102.4the proper filing fee, the clerk shall place the name of the candidate on the official ballot
3322		-	102.5without partisan designation.
3323		-	102.6 (b) The municipal clerk shall notify the official responsible for preparing the ballot of
3324		-	102.7the names of the candidates placed on the ballot, any changes to candidates, and other
3325		-	102.8information necessary to prepare the ballot. The notification must be made within one
3326		-	102.9business day of receiving the filing or change or immediately following the close of the
3327		-	102.10filing period, whichever is sooner, unless the clerk and official agree to an alternative
3328		-	102.11notification timeline.
3329		-	102.12 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
3330		-	102.13Sec. 79. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205.13, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
3331		-	102.14 Subd. 1a.Filing period.In a city nominating candidates at a primary, an affidavit of
3332		-	102.15candidacy for a city office voted on in November must be filed no more than 84 days nor
3333		-	102.16less than 70 days before the city primary. In municipalities that do not hold a primary, an
3334		-	102.17affidavit of candidacy must be filed no more than 70 days and not less than 56 days before
3335		-	102.18the municipal general election held in March in any year, or a special election not held in
3336		-	102.19conjunction with another election, and no more than 98 112 days nor less than 84 98 days
3337		-	102.20before the municipal general election held in November of any year. The municipal clerk's
3338		-	102.21office must be open for filing from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the last day of the filing period.
3339		-	102.22 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective January 1, 2026.
3340		-	102.23Sec. 80. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205.185, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
3341		-	102.24 Subd. 3.Canvass of returns, certificate of election, ballots, disposition.(a) Between
3342		-	102.25the third and tenth 14th days after an election, the governing body of a city conducting any
3343		-	102.26election including a special municipal election, or the governing body of a town conducting
3344		-	102.27the general election in November shall act as the canvassing board, canvass the returns, and
3345		-	102.28declare the candidate duly elected who received the highest number of votes for each
3346		-	102.29municipal office and the results of the election any ballot questions. The governing body
3347		-	102.30of a town conducting the general election in March shall act as the canvassing board, canvass
3348		-	102.31the returns, and shall declare the candidate duly elected who received the highest number
3349		-	102.32of votes for each town office and the results of the election any ballot question within two
3350		-	102.33days after an election.
3351		-	102Article 3 Sec. 80.
3352		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 103.1 (b) After the time for contesting elections has passed, the municipal clerk shall issue a
3353		-	103.2certificate of election to each successful candidate. In case of a contest, the certificate shall
3354		-	103.3not be issued until the outcome of the contest has been determined by the proper court.
3355		-	103.4 (c) In case of a tie vote, the canvassing board having jurisdiction over the municipality
3356		-	103.5shall determine the result by lot. The clerk of the canvassing board shall certify the results
3357		-	103.6of the election to the county auditor, and the clerk shall be the final custodian of the ballots
3358		-	103.7and the returns of the election.
3359		-	103.8Sec. 81. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205A.06, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
3360		-	103.9 Subdivision 1.Affidavit of candidacy.(a) An individual who is eligible and desires to
3361		-	103.10become a candidate for an office to be voted on at the election must file an affidavit of
3362		-	103.11candidacy with the school district clerk. The affidavit must be in the form prescribed by
3363		-	103.12section 204B.06. The school district clerk shall also accept an application signed by at least
3364		-	103.13five voters and filed on behalf of an eligible voter in the school district whom they desire
3365		-	103.14to be a candidate, if service of a copy of the application has been made on the candidate
3366		-	103.15and proof of service is endorsed on the application being filed. No individual shall be
3367		-	103.16nominated by nominating petition for a school district elective office. Upon receipt of the
3368		-	103.17proper filing fee, the clerk shall place the name of the candidate on the official ballot without
3369		-	103.18partisan designation.
3370		-	103.19 (b) The school district clerk shall notify the official responsible for preparing the ballot
3371		-	103.20of the names of the candidates placed on the ballot, any changes to candidates, and other
3372		-	103.21information necessary to prepare the ballot. The notification must be made within one
3373		-	103.22business day of receiving the filing or change or immediately following the close of the
3374		-	103.23filing period, whichever is sooner, unless the clerk and official agree to an alternative
3375		-	103.24notification timeline.
3376		-	103.25 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
3377		-	103.26Sec. 82. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205A.06, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
3378		-	103.27 Subd. 1a.Filing period.In school districts that have adopted a resolution to choose
3379		-	103.28nominees for school board by a primary election, affidavits of candidacy must be filed with
3380		-	103.29the school district clerk no earlier than the 84th day and no later than the 70th day before
3381		-	103.30the second Tuesday in August in the year when the school district general election is held.
3382		-	103.31In all other school districts, affidavits of candidacy must be filed no earlier than the 98th
3383		-	103.32112th day and no later than the 84th 98th day before the school district general election.
3384		-	103Article 3 Sec. 82.
3385		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 104.1 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective January 1, 2026.
3386		-	104.2Sec. 83. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205A.10, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
3387		-	104.3 Subd. 2.Election, conduct.A school district election must be by secret ballot and must
3388		-	104.4be held and the returns made in the manner provided for the state general election, as far as
3389		-	104.5practicable. The vote totals from a ballot board established pursuant to section 203B.121
3390		-	104.6may be tabulated and reported by the school district as a whole rather than by precinct. For
3391		-	104.7school district elections not held in conjunction with a statewide election, the school board
3392		-	104.8shall appoint election judges as provided in section 204B.21, subdivision 2. The provisions
3393		-	104.9of sections 204B.19, subdivision 5; 204B.21, subdivision 2, paragraphs (b) to (f); 204C.15;
3394		-	104.10204C.19; 206.83; and 206.86, subdivision 2, relating to party balance in appointment of
3395		-	104.11judges and to duties to be performed by judges of different major political parties do not
3396		-	104.12apply to school district elections not held in conjunction with a statewide state or federal
3397		-	104.13election.
3398		-	104.14Sec. 84. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205A.10, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
3399		-	104.15 Subd. 3.Canvass of returns, certificate of election, ballots, disposition.Between the
3400		-	104.16third and tenth 14th days after a school district election other than a recount of a special
3401		-	104.17election conducted under section 126C.17, subdivision 9, or 475.59, the school board shall
3402		-	104.18canvass the returns and declare the candidate duly elected who received the highest number
3403		-	104.19of votes for each school district office and the results of the election any ballot question.
3404		-	104.20The recounted results of a referendum conducted under section 126C.17, subdivision 9, or
3405		-	104.21475.59, must be certified by the canvassing board. After the time for contesting elections
3406		-	104.22has passed, the school district clerk shall issue a certificate of election to each successful
3407		-	104.23candidate. If there is a contest, the certificate of election to that office must not be issued
3408		-	104.24until the outcome of the contest has been determined by the proper court. If there is a tie
3409		-	104.25vote, the school board shall determine the result by lot. The clerk shall deliver the certificate
3410		-	104.26of election to the successful candidate by personal service or certified mail. The successful
3411		-	104.27candidate shall file an acceptance and oath of office in writing with the clerk within 30 days
3412		-	104.28of the date of mailing or personal service. A person who fails to qualify prior to the time
3413		-	104.29specified shall be deemed to have refused to serve, but that filing may be made at any time
3414		-	104.30before action to fill the vacancy has been taken. The school district clerk shall certify the
3415		-	104.31results of the election to the county auditor, and the clerk shall be the final custodian of the
3416		-	104.32ballots and the returns of the election.
3417		-	104Article 3 Sec. 84.
3418		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 105.1 A school district canvassing board shall perform the duties of the school board according
3419		-	105.2to the requirements of this subdivision for a recount of a special election conducted under
3420		-	105.3section 126C.17, subdivision 9, or 475.59.
3421		-	105.4Sec. 85. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205A.11, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
3422		-	105.5 Subd. 2.Combined polling place.(a) When no other election is being held in a school
3423		-	105.6district, the school board may designate combined polling places at which the voters in
3424		-	105.7those precincts may vote in the school district election.
3425		-	105.8 (b) By December 31 of each year, the school board must designate, by resolution, any
3426		-	105.9changes to combined polling places. The combined polling places designated in the resolution
3427		-	105.10are the polling places, unless a change is made in accordance with this paragraph or:
3428		-	105.11 (1) pursuant to section 204B.175; or
3429		-	105.12 (2) because a polling place has become unavailable.
3430		-	105.13 (c) If the school board designates combined polling places pursuant to this subdivision,
3431		-	105.14polling places must be designated throughout the district, taking into account both
3432		-	105.15geographical distribution and population distribution. A combined polling place must be at
3433		-	105.16a location designated for use as a polling place by a county or municipality, except as
3434		-	105.17provided in this paragraph. If the municipality conducts elections by mail balloting pursuant
3435		-	105.18to section 204B.45, the school board may designate a polling place not used by the
3436		-	105.19municipality if the polling place satisfies the requirements in section 204B.16, subdivisions
3437		-	105.204 to 7.
3438		-	105.21 (d) In school districts that have organized into separate board member election districts
3439		-	105.22under section 205A.12, a combined polling place for a school general election must be
3440		-	105.23arranged so that it does not include more than one board member election district.
3441		-	105.24Sec. 86. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 206.83, is amended to read:
3442		-	105.25 206.83 TESTING OF VOTING SYSTEMS.
3443		-	105.26 At least three days before voting equipment is used, the official in charge of elections
3444		-	105.27shall have the voting system tested to ascertain that the system will correctly mark ballots
3445		-	105.28using all methods supported by the system, including through assistive technology, and
3446		-	105.29count the votes cast for all candidates and on all questions. Public notice of the time and
3447		-	105.30place of the test must be given at least two five days in advance by publication once in
3448		-	105.31official newspapers. The test must be observed by at least two election judges, who are not
3449		-	105.32of the same major political party, and must be open to representatives of the political parties,
3450		-	105Article 3 Sec. 86.
3451		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 106.1candidates, the press, and the public. The test must be conducted by (1) processing a
3452		-	106.2preaudited group of ballots punched or marked to record a predetermined number of valid
3453		-	106.3votes for each candidate and on each question in the contest, and must include for each
3454		-	106.4office one or more ballot cards which have votes in excess of the number allowed by law
3455		-	106.5in order to test the ability of the voting system tabulator and electronic ballot marker to
3456		-	106.6reject those votes; and (2) processing an additional test deck of ballots marked using the
3457		-	106.7electronic ballot marker for the precinct, including ballots marked using the electronic ballot
3458		-	106.8display, audio ballot reader, and any assistive voting technology used with the electronic
3459		-	106.9ballot marker. If any error is detected, the cause must be ascertained and corrected and an
3460		-	106.10errorless count must be made before the voting system may be used in the election. After
3461		-	106.11the completion of the test, the programs used and ballot cards must be sealed, retained, and
3462		-	106.12disposed of as provided for paper ballots.
3463		-	106.13 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective September 1, 2025.
3464		-	106.14Sec. 87. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 368.47, is amended to read:
3465		-	106.15 368.47 TOWNS MAY BE DISSOLVED.
3466		-	106.16 (1) When the voters residing within a town have failed to elect any town officials for
3467		-	106.17more than ten years continuously;
3468		-	106.18 (2) when a town has failed for a period of ten years to exercise any of the powers and
3469		-	106.19functions of a town;
3470		-	106.20 (3) when the estimated market value of a town drops to less than $165,000;
3471		-	106.21 (4) when the tax delinquency of a town, exclusive of taxes that are delinquent or unpaid
3472		-	106.22because they are contested in proceedings for the enforcement of taxes, amounts to 12
3473		-	106.23percent of its market value; or
3474		-	106.24 (5) when the state or federal government has acquired title to 50 percent of the real estate
3475		-	106.25of a town,
3476		-	106.26which facts, or any of them, may be found and determined by the resolution of the county
3477		-	106.27board of the county in which the town is located, according to the official records in the
3478		-	106.28office of the county auditor, the county board by resolution may declare the town, naming
3479		-	106.29it, dissolved and no longer entitled to exercise any of the powers or functions of a town.
3480		-	106.30 In Cass, Itasca, and St. Louis Counties, before the dissolution is effective the voters of
3481		-	106.31the town shall express their approval or disapproval. The town clerk shall, upon a petition
3482		-	106.32signed by a majority of the registered voters of the town, filed with the clerk at least 60 84
3483		-	106Article 3 Sec. 87.
3484		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 107.1days before a regular or special town election, give notice at the same time and in the same
3485		-	107.2manner of the election that the question of dissolution of the town will be submitted for
3486		-	107.3determination at the election. At the election the question shall be voted upon by a separate
3487		-	107.4ballot. The form of the question under this chapter shall be substantially in the following
3488		-	107.5form: "Shall the town of ... be dissolved?" The ballot shall be deposited in a separate ballot
3489		-	107.6box and The result of the voting canvassed, certified, and returned in the same manner and
3490		-	107.7at the same time as other facts and returns of the election. If a majority of the votes cast at
3491		-	107.8the election are for dissolution, the town shall be dissolved. If a majority of the votes cast
3492		-	107.9at the election are against dissolution, the town shall not be dissolved.
3493		-	107.10 When a town is dissolved under sections 368.47 to 368.49 the county shall acquire title
3494		-	107.11to any telephone company or other business conducted by the town. The business shall be
3495		-	107.12operated by the board of county commissioners until it can be sold. The subscribers or
3496		-	107.13patrons of the business shall have the first opportunity of purchase. If the town has any
3497		-	107.14outstanding indebtedness chargeable to the business, the county auditor shall levy a tax
3498		-	107.15against the property situated in the dissolved town to pay the indebtedness as it becomes
3499		-	107.16due.
3500		-	107.17Sec. 88. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 375.20, is amended to read:
3501		-	107.18 375.20 BALLOT QUESTIONS.
3502		-	107.19 If the county board may do an act, incur a debt, appropriate money for a purpose, or
3503		-	107.20exercise any other power or authority, only if authorized by a vote of the people, the question
3504		-	107.21may be submitted at a special or general election, by a resolution specifying the matter or
3505		-	107.22question to be voted upon. If the question is to authorize the appropriation of money, creation
3506		-	107.23of a debt, or levy of a tax, it shall state the amount. Notice of the election shall be given as
3507		-	107.24in the case of special elections. If the question submitted is adopted, the board shall pass an
3508		-	107.25appropriate resolution to carry it into effect. In the election the form of the ballot shall be:
3509		-	107.26"Shall (here state the substance of the resolution to be submitted)?, Yes ...... No......,". The
3510		-	107.27county board may call a special county election upon a question to be held within 74 84
3511		-	107.28days after a resolution to that effect is adopted by the county board. Upon the adoption of
3512		-	107.29the resolution the county auditor shall post and publish notices of the election, as required
3513		-	107.30by section 204D.22, subdivisions 2 and 3. The election shall be conducted and the returns
3514		-	107.31canvassed in the manner prescribed by sections 204D.20 to 204D.27, so far as practicable.
3515		-	107Article 3 Sec. 88.
3516		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 108.1Sec. 89. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 414.09, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
3517		-	108.2 Subd. 3.Elections of municipal officers.(a) An order approving an incorporation or
3518		-	108.3consolidation pursuant to this chapter, or an order requiring an election under section 414.031,
3519		-	108.4subdivision 4a, shall set a date for an election of new municipal officers not less than 45
3520		-	108.5days nor more than 60 days after the issuance of such order in accordance with the uniform
3521		-	108.6election dates defined in section 205.10, subdivision 3a.
3522		-	108.7 (b) The chief administrative law judge shall appoint an acting clerk for election purposes,
3523		-	108.8at least three election judges who shall be residents of the new municipality, and shall
3524		-	108.9designate polling places within the new municipality.
3525		-	108.10 (c) The acting clerk shall prepare the official election ballot pursuant to section 205.17.
3526		-	108.11 (d) Any person eligible to hold municipal office may file an affidavit of candidacy not
3527		-	108.12more than four weeks nor less than two weeks before the date designated in the order for
3528		-	108.13the election pursuant to section 205.13.
3529		-	108.14 (e) The election shall be conducted in conformity with the charter and the laws for
3530		-	108.15conducting municipal elections insofar as applicable.
3531		-	108.16 (f) Any person eligible to vote at a township or municipal election within the area of the
3532		-	108.17new municipality, is eligible to vote at such election.
3533		-	108.18 (g) Any excess in the expense of conducting the election over receipts from filing fees
3534		-	108.19shall be a charge against the new municipality; any excess of receipts shall be deposited in
3535		-	108.20the treasury of the new municipality.
3536		-	108.21 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2025.
3537		-	108.22Sec. 90. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 447.32, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
3538		-	108.23 Subd. 4.Candidates; ballots; certifying election.(a) A person who wants to be a
3539		-	108.24candidate for the hospital board shall file an affidavit of candidacy for the election either
3540		-	108.25as member at large or as a member representing the city or town where the candidate
3541		-	108.26maintains residence. The affidavit of candidacy must be filed with the city or town clerk
3542		-	108.27not more than 98 112 days nor less than 84 98 days before the first Tuesday after the first
3543		-	108.28Monday in November of the year in which the general election is held. The city or town
3544		-	108.29clerk must forward the affidavits of candidacy to the clerk of the hospital district or, for the
3545		-	108.30first election, the clerk of the most populous city or town immediately after the last day of
3546		-	108.31the filing period. A candidate may withdraw from the election by filing an affidavit of
3547		-	108Article 3 Sec. 90.
3548		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 109.1withdrawal with the clerk of the district no later than 5:00 p.m. two days after the last day
3549		-	109.2to file affidavits of candidacy.
3550		-	109.3 (b) Voting must be by secret ballot. The clerk shall prepare, at the expense of the district,
3551		-	109.4necessary ballots for the election of officers. Ballots must be prepared as provided in the
3552		-	109.5rules of the secretary of state. The ballots must be marked and initialed by at least two judges
3553		-	109.6as official ballots and used exclusively at the election. Any proposition to be voted on may
3554		-	109.7be printed on the ballot provided for the election of officers. The hospital board may also
3555		-	109.8authorize the use of voting systems subject to chapter 206. Enough election judges may be
3556		-	109.9appointed to receive the votes at each polling place. The election judges shall act as clerks
3557		-	109.10of election, count the ballots cast, and submit them to the board for canvass.
3558		-	109.11 (c) Between the third and 14th days after an election, the board must act as the canvassing
3559		-	109.12board, canvass the returns, and declare the candidate duly elected who received the highest
3560		-	109.13number of votes for each hospital district office and the results of any ballot questions.
3561		-	109.14 (d) After canvassing the election, the board shall issue a certificate of election to the
3562		-	109.15candidate who received the largest number of votes cast for each office. The clerk shall
3563		-	109.16deliver the certificate to the person entitled to it in person or by certified mail. Each person
3564		-	109.17certified shall file an acceptance and oath of office in writing with the clerk within 30 days
3565		-	109.18after the date of delivery or mailing of the certificate. The board may fill any office as
3566		-	109.19provided in subdivision 1 if the person elected fails to qualify within 30 days, but qualification
3567		-	109.20is effective if made before the board acts to fill the vacancy.
3568		-	109.21 EFFECTIVE DATE.Paragraph (a) is effective January 1, 2026.
3569		-	109.22Sec. 91. TRANSITION TO NEW VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS;
3570		-	109.23ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATIONS.
3571		-	109.24 (a) Notwithstanding the requirements of section 10, a completed voter registration
3572		-	109.25application submitted by a voter is not deficient for purposes of registering that voter if the
3573		-	109.26application form was printed or provided to the voter prior to July 1, 2025. On or after July
3574		-	109.271, 2025, an election official must not print or copy a blank voter registration application
3575		-	109.28that does not include the modifications required by section 10. An election official may
3576		-	109.29distribute copies of registration applications that were printed prior to the effective date.
3577		-	109.30 (b) Notwithstanding the requirements of section 25, a completed absentee ballot
3578		-	109.31application submitted by a voter is not deficient for purposes of applying for an absentee
3579		-	109.32ballot if the application was printed or provided to the voter prior to July 1, 2025. On or
3580		-	109Article 3 Sec. 91.
3581		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK 110.1after July 1, 2025, an election official must not print, copy, or distribute a blank absentee
3582		-	110.2ballot application that does not include the modifications required by section 25.
3583		-	110.3Sec. 92. REPEALER.
3584		-	110.4 Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 206.57, subdivision 5b; and 209.06, are repealed.
3585		-	110.5Sec. 93. EFFECTIVE DATE.
3586		-	110.6 Unless otherwise provided, this article is effective July 1, 2025.
3587		-	110Article 3 Sec. 93.
3588		-	S3096-1 1st EngrossmentSF3096 REVISOR JFK Page.Ln 2.15ELECTIONS APPROPRIATIONS........................................................ARTICLE 1
3589		-	Page.Ln 7.12CAMPAIGN FINANCE POLICY.........................................................ARTICLE 2
3590		-	Page.Ln 43.6ELECTION POLICY.............................................................................ARTICLE 3
3591		-	1
3592		-	APPENDIX
3593		-	Article locations for S3096-1 206.57 EXAMINATION OF NEW VOTING SYSTEMS.
3594		-	Subd. 5b.Township voting equipment study.(a) Beginning in 2009 and at least once every
3595		-	other year until 2016, the secretary of state shall consult with interested parties, including, but not
3596		-	limited to, members of the legislature, town officers, county election officials, the National Federation
3597		-	of the Blind, the Minnesota State Council on Disability, and the Disability Law Center regarding:
3598		-	(1) options for full compliance with subdivision 5; and
3599		-	(2) ongoing costs of compliance with subdivision 5 and methods of reducing those costs.
3600		-	(b) Beginning January 15, 2010, and until January 15, 2017, the secretary of state shall report
3601		-	to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees and divisions with
3602		-	jurisdiction over elections policy and finance regarding the findings, discussions, and developments
3603		-	under paragraph (a).
3604		-	206.95 VOTING EQUIPMENT GRANT ACCOUNT.
3605		-	Subdivision 1.Voting equipment grant account.A voting equipment grant account is
3606		-	established in the special revenue fund. Funds in the account are appropriated to the secretary of
3607		-	state to provide grants to political subdivisions as authorized by this section. Funds in the account
3608		-	are available until expended.
3609		-	Subd. 2.Authorized equipment.A political subdivision may apply to receive a grant under
3610		-	this section for the purchase or lease of the following:
3611		-	(1) an electronic voting system, or any individual components of an electronic voting system
3612		-	as provided in section 206.56, subdivision 8;
3613		-	(2) assistive voting technology;
3614		-	(3) an electronic roster system meeting the technology requirements of section 201.225,
3615		-	subdivision 2; and
3616		-	(4) any other equipment or technology approved by the secretary of state for use in conducting
3617		-	a state or local election in Minnesota consistent with the requirements of law.
3618		-	Subd. 3.Application.(a) The secretary of state may make a grant from the account to a political
3619		-	subdivision only after receiving an application from the political subdivision. The application must
3620		-	contain the following information:
3621		-	(1) the date the application is submitted;
3622		-	(2) the name of the political subdivision;
3623		-	(3) the name and title of the individual who prepared the application;
3624		-	(4) the type of voting system currently used in each precinct in the political subdivision;
3625		-	(5) the date the system currently used was acquired and at what cost;
3626		-	(6) the total number of registered voters, as of the date of the application, in each precinct in
3627		-	the political subdivision;
3628		-	(7) the total amount of the grant requested;
3629		-	(8) the total amount and source of the political subdivision's money to be used to match a grant
3630		-	from the account;
3631		-	(9) the type of voting system to be acquired with the grant money and whether the voting system
3632		-	will permit individuals with disabilities to cast a secret ballot;
3633		-	(10) the proposed schedule for purchasing and implementing the new voting system and the
3634		-	precincts in which the new voting system would be used;
3635		-	(11) whether the political subdivision has previously applied for a grant from the account and
3636		-	the disposition of that application;
3637		-	(12) a certified statement by the political subdivision that the grant will be used only to purchase
3638		-	authorized equipment under subdivision 2 and that the political subdivision has insufficient resources
3639		-	to purchase the voting system without obtaining a grant from the account; and
3640		-	(13) any other information required by the secretary of state.
3641		-	1R
3642		-	APPENDIX
3643		-	Repealed Minnesota Statutes: S3096-1 (b) The secretary of state must establish a deadline for receipt of grant applications, a procedure
3644		-	for awarding and distributing grants, and a process for verifying the proper use of the grants after
3645		-	distribution.
3646		-	Subd. 4.Amount of grant.A political subdivision is eligible to receive a grant of no more than
3647		-	75 percent of the total cost of electronic roster equipment and 50 percent of the total cost of all
3648		-	other equipment or technology authorized for a grant under subdivision 2. In evaluating the
3649		-	application, the secretary of state shall consider only the information set forth in the application
3650		-	and is not subject to chapter 14. If the secretary of state determines that the application has been
3651		-	fully and properly completed, and that there is a sufficient balance in the account to fund the grant,
3652		-	either in whole or in part, the secretary of state may approve the application.
3653		-	Subd. 5.Report to legislature.No later than January 15, 2018, and annually thereafter until
3654		-	the appropriations provided for grants under this section have been exhausted, the secretary of state
3655		-	must submit a report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over elections policy on grants
3656		-	awarded by this section. The report must detail each grant awarded, including the jurisdiction, the
3657		-	amount of the grant, and the type of equipment purchased.
3658		-	209.06 INSPECTION OF BALLOTS.
3659		-	Subdivision 1.Appointment of inspectors.After a contest has been instituted, either party
3660		-	may have the ballots inspected before preparing for trial. The party requesting an inspection shall
3661		-	file with the district court where the contest is brought a verified petition, stating that the case cannot
3662		-	properly be prepared for trial without an inspection of the ballots and designating the precincts in
3663		-	which an inspection is desired. A judge of the court in which the contest is pending shall then
3664		-	appoint as many sets of three inspectors for a contest of any office or question as are needed to
3665		-	count and inspect the ballots expeditiously. One inspector must be selected by each of the parties
3666		-	to the contest and a third must be chosen by those two inspectors. If either party neglects or refuses
3667		-	to name an inspector, the judge shall appoint the inspector. The compensation of inspectors is the
3668		-	same as for referees, unless otherwise stipulated.
3669		-	Subd. 2.Bond, taxing of costs.The party applying for the inspection shall file with the court
3670		-	administrator of district court a bond in the sum of $250 if the contest is in a single county. In other
3671		-	cases the bond shall be in a sum set by the court with sureties approved by the court, and conditioned
3672		-	that the party seeking inspection will pay the administrative costs and expenses of the inspection
3673		-	if that party loses the contest.
3674		-	Subd. 3.Report of inspectors.An inspection must be made in the office and in the presence
3675		-	of the legal custodian of the ballots. The inspectors shall recanvass the votes cast for the parties to
3676		-	the contest or the question in issue in accordance with the rules for counting ballots in the Minnesota
3677		-	Election Law. They shall make a written report of the inspection indicating the number of votes
3678		-	cast for each candidate or each side of the question in each precinct where the ballots were inspected
3679		-	and indicating any disputed ballots upon which the inspectors cannot agree.
3680		-	211B.04 CAMPAIGN MATERIAL MUST INCLUDE DISCLAIMER.
3681		-	Subd. 4.Websites.The requirements of this section are satisfied for an entire website or social
3682		-	media page when the disclaimer required in subdivision 1 or 2 appears once on the home page of
3683		-	the site.
3684		-	211B.06 FALSE POLITICAL AND CAMPAIGN MATERIAL.
3685		-	Subdivision 1.Gross misdemeanor.(a) A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor who
3686		-	intentionally participates in the preparation, dissemination, or broadcast of paid political advertising
3687		-	or campaign material with respect to the personal or political character or acts of a candidate, or
3688		-	with respect to the effect of a ballot question, that is designed or tends to elect, injure, promote, or
3689		-	defeat a candidate for nomination or election to a public office or to promote or defeat a ballot
3690		-	question, that is false, and that the person knows is false or communicates to others with reckless
3691		-	disregard of whether it is false.
3692		-	(b) A person is guilty of a misdemeanor who intentionally participates in the drafting of a letter
3693		-	to the editor with respect to the personal or political character or acts of a candidate, or with respect
3694		-	to the effect of a ballot question, that is designed or tends to elect, injure, promote, or defeat any
3695		-	candidate for nomination or election to a public office or to promote or defeat a ballot question,
3696		-	that is false, and that the person knows is false or communicates to others with reckless disregard
3697		-	of whether it is false.
3698		-	2R
3699		-	APPENDIX
3700		-	Repealed Minnesota Statutes: S3096-1 Subd. 2.Exception.Subdivision 1 does not apply to any person or organization whose sole act
3701		-	is, in the normal course of their business, the printing, manufacturing, or dissemination of the false
3702		-	information.
3703		-	211B.08 SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS PROHIBITED.
3704		-	A religious, charitable, or educational organization may not request a candidate or committee
3705		-	to contribute to the organization, to subscribe for the support of a club or organization, to buy tickets
3706		-	to entertainment, or to pay for space in a publication. This section does not apply to:
3707		-	(1) the solicitation of a business advertisement in periodicals in which the candidate was a
3708		-	regular contributor, before candidacy;
3709		-	(2) ordinary business advertisements;
3710		-	(3) regular payments to a religious, charitable, or educational organization, of which the candidate
3711		-	was a member, or to which the candidate was a contributor for more than six months before
3712		-	candidacy; or
3713		-	(4) ordinary contributions at church services.
3714		-	3R
3715		-	APPENDIX
3716		-	Repealed Minnesota Statutes: S3096-1 4503.2000DISCLAIMERS.
3717		-	Subp. 2.Material linked to a disclaimer.Minnesota Statutes, section 211B.04, does
3718		-	not apply to the following communications that link directly to an online page that includes
3719		-	a disclaimer in the form required by that section if the communication is made by or on
3720		-	behalf of a candidate, principal campaign committee, political committee, political fund,
3721		-	political party unit, or person who has made an electioneering communication, as those
3722		-	terms are defined in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 10A:
3723		-	A.text, images, video, or audio disseminated via a social media platform;
3724		-	B.a text or multimedia message disseminated only to telephone numbers;
3725		-	C.text, images, video, or audio disseminated using an application accessed
3726		-	primarily via mobile phone, excluding email messages, telephone calls, and voicemail
3727		-	messages; and
3728		-	D.paid electronic advertisements disseminated via the internet by a third party,
3729		-	including but not limited to online banner advertisements and advertisements appearing
3730		-	within the electronic version of a newspaper, periodical, or magazine.
3731		-	The link must be conspicuous and when selected must result in the display of an online
3732		-	page that prominently includes the required disclaimer.
3733		-	4511.1100MAJOR DECISION OF NONELECTED LOCAL OFFICIALS.
3734		-	Subpart 1.Major decision regarding the expenditure of public money.Attempting
3735		-	to influence a nonelected local official is lobbying if the nonelected local official may make,
3736		-	recommend, or vote on as a member of the political subdivision's governing body, a major
3737		-	decision regarding an expenditure or investment of public money.
3738		-	Subp. 2.Actions that are a major decision regarding public funds.A major decision
3739		-	regarding the expenditure or investment of public money includes but is not limited to a
3740		-	decision on:
3741		-	A.the development and ratification of operating and capital budgets of a political
3742		-	subdivision, including development of the budget request for an office or department within
3743		-	the political subdivision;
3744		-	B.whether to apply for or accept state or federal funding or private grant funding;
3745		-	C.selecting recipients for government grants from the political subdivision; or
3746		-	D.tax abatement, tax increment financing, or expenditures on public infrastructure,
3747		-	used to support private housing or business developments.
3748		-	Subp. 3.Actions that are not a major decision.A major decision regarding the
3749		-	expenditure of public money does not include:
3750		-	A.the purchase of goods or services with public funds in the operating or capital
3751		-	budget of a political subdivision;
3752		-	B.collective bargaining of a labor contract on behalf of a political subdivision;
3753		-	or
3754		-	C.participating in discussions with a party or a party's representative regarding
3755		-	litigation between the party and the political subdivision of the local official.
3756		-	4R
3757		-	APPENDIX
3758		-	Repealed Minnesota Rules: S3096-1