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Elections Finance and Policy

TWENTIETH MEETING

2023-2024 Regular Session - Wednesday, March 13, 2024

STATE OF MINNESOTA TWENTIETH MEETING
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NINETY-THIRD SESSION

ELECTIONS FINANCE AND POLICY MEETING MINUTES

Representative Mike Freiberg, Chair of the Committee on Elections Finance and Policy, called the meeting to order at 8:30am on March 13, 2024, in Room 200 of the State Office Building.

The Committee Legislative Assistant noted the roll.

Members Present:
FREIBERG, Mike, Chair
GREENMAN, Emma, Vice Chair
TORKELSON, Paul, Republican Lead
AGBAJE, Esther
ALTENDORF, Pam
BAHNER, Kristin
BLISS, Matt
COULTER, Nathan
DAVIS, Ben
FREDERICK, Luke
PURSELL, Kristi
QUAM, Duane
VIRNIG, Bianca

A quorum was present.

Representative Frederick moved that the minutes from March 6, 2023 be adopted. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

HF 3276 (Frazier); A bill for an act relating to elections; providing for ranked choice voting; authorizing jurisdictions to adopt ranked choice voting for local offices; establishing procedures for adoption, implementation, and use of ranked choice voting for local jurisdictions; allowing
local jurisdictions to use electronic voting systems with a reallocation feature; authorizing rulemaking; amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 204B.35, subdivision 1; 204C.21, by adding a subdivision; 204D.07, subdivision 3; 205.13, subdivision 2; 206.57, subdivision 6; 206.58, subdivision 1; 206.83; 211A.02, subdivision 1; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 206; proposing coding for new law as Minnesota Statutes, chapter 204E.

Representative Freiberg moved that HF 3276 be re-referred to the Committee on State and Local Government Finance Policy.

Testifying on HF3276:
• Steve Simon, Secretary of State, Minnesota
• Jen Westmoreland, Member, Hopkins School Board
• Christina Scipioni, City Clerk, Bloomington
• Anita Smithson, Resident, Bloomington
• Rod Adams, Executive Director, New Justice Project Minnesota
• Mary Hartnett, Executive Director, Clean Elections Minnesota
• Michael Holdt, Resident, St. Paul
• Nicole Freeman, Government Relations, Secretary of State

Representative Torkelson moved the H3276A6 amendment.

Representative Torkelson withdrew the H3276A6 amendment.

Representative Quam moved the H3276A7 amendment. THE MOTION DID NOT PREVAIL, THE AMENDMENT WAS NOT ADOPTED.

Representative Freiberg renewed the motion that HF 3276 be re-referred to the Committee on State and Local Government Finance Policy. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

HF 4728 (Bahner); A bill for an act relating to elections; requiring the commissioner of revenue to establish an online system to claim the political contribution refund; amending the political contribution refund program to allow for electronic information transfer between the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board and the Department of Revenue; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 10A.02, subdivision 11b; 10A.322, subdivision 4; Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 290.06, subdivision 23.

Representative Bahner moved that HF 4728 be re-referred to the Committee on Judiciary Finance and Civil Law.

Representative Bahner moved the H4728DE2 amendment. THE MOTION PREVAILED, THE AMENDMENT WAS ADOPTED.

Testifying on HF 4728, as amended:
• Kyle Tonn, Resident, Maple Grove
• Mary Hartnett, Executive Director, Clean Elections Minnesota
• Tom Wiesen, Resident, Minnesota
• Joanna Bayers, Legislative Director, Department of Revenue
• Jeff Sigurdson, Executive Director, Campaign Finance Board

Representative Bahner renewed the motion that HF 4728, as amended, be re-referred to the Committee on Judiciary Finance and Civil Law. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

HF 4287 (Virnig); A bill for an act relating to school boards; modifying the requirements to fill a vacancy in the office of school board member; amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 123B.09, subdivision 5b.

Representative Virnig moved that HF 4287 be placed on the General Register.

Testifying on HF 4287:
• Gregory Winter, Superintendent, Melrose Area Public Schools
• Mike Funk, Superintendent, Stillwater Area Public Schools

Representative Virnig renewed the motion that HF 4287 be placed on the General Register. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

The meeting was recessed at 9:50AM.

The meeting was re-convened at 6:00PM.

HF 4598 (Long); A bill for an act relating to the legislature; proposing an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution, article IV, sections 3, 5, and 12; by adding an article XV; establishing an Independent Redistricting Commission; establishing a Redistricting Commission Applicant Review Panel; establishing principles to be used in adopting legislative and congressional districts; prohibiting members of the legislature from being employed or engaged for compensation as a lobbyist for a period of one year following the end of their legislative service; amending requirements related to the convening and conduct of regular legislative sessions; amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 2.031, by adding a subdivision; 2.731; 10A.01, subdivision 35; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 2; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 2.91.

Representative Freiberg moved that HF 4598 be re-referred to the Committee on State and Local Government Finance Policy.

Testifying on HF4598, as amended:
• Michael Li, Senior Counsel, Brennan Center for Justice
• Sarah Lopez, Policy Director, UnidosMN
• Robert Haider, Legislative Director, Take Action
• David Fisher, Volunteer, Clean Elections Minnesota

Representative Davis moved the H4598A2 amendment.

Representative Davis requested a roll call on the H4598A2 amendment.

AYES:
Altendorf
Bliss
Davis
Quam

NAYS:
Freiberg
Greenman
Bahner
Coulter
Frederick
Pursell
Virnig

EXCUSED:
Torkelson
Agbaje

There being 4 Ayes, 7 Nayes, and 2 Excused, THE MOTION DID NOT PREVAIL, THE AMENDMENT WAS NOT ADOPTED.

Representative Altendorf moved the H4598A3 amendment. THE MOTION DID NOT PREVAIL, THE AMENDMENT WAS NOT ADOPTED.

Representative Altendorf moved the H4598A4 amendment. THE MOTION DID NOT PREVAIL, THE AMENDMENT WAS NOT ADOPTED.

Representative Bliss moved the H4598A5 amendment.

Representative Bliss requested a roll call on the H4598A5 amendment.

AYES:
Altendorf
Bliss
Davis
Quam

NAYS:
Freiberg
Greenman
Bahner
Coulter
Frederick
Pursell
Virnig

EXCUSED:
Torkelson
Agbaje

There being 4 Ayes, 7 Nayes, and 2 Excused, THE MOTION DID NOT PREVAIL, THE AMENDMENT WAS NOT ADOPTED.

Representative Davis moved the H4598A6 amendment. THE MOTION DID NOT PREVAIL, THE AMENDMENT WAS NOT ADOPTED.

Representative Quam moved the H4598A7 amendment.

Representative Quam requested a roll call on the H4598A7 amendment.

AYES:
Altendorf
Bliss
Davis
Quam

NAYS:
Freiberg
Greenman
Bahner
Coulter
Frederick
Pursell
Virnig

EXCUSED:
Torkelson
Agbaje

There being 4 Ayes, 7 Nayes, and 2 Excused, THE MOTION DID NOT PREVAIL, THE AMENDMENT WAS NOT ADOPTED.

Representative Altendorf moved the H4598A8 amendment. THE MOTION DID NOT PREVAIL, THE AMENDMENT WAS NOT ADOPTED.

Representative Freiberg renewed the motion that HF 4598, as amended, be re-referred to the Committee on State and Local Government Finance Policy. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

HF 4593 (Klevorn); A bill for an act relating to redistricting; establishing an advisory citizens' redistricting commission; establishing redistricting principles and redistricting requirements; proposing a constitutional amendment to establish an independent citizens' redistricting commission; appropriating money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 2A; 204B; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 2.91, subdivision 1.

Representative Freiberg moved that HF 4593 be re-referred to the Committee on State and Local Government Finance Policy.

Testifying on HF4593:
• Dan Vicuna, Director of Redistricting, Common Cause
• Jovita Morales, Executive Director, Minnesota Immigrant Movement
• May Yang, Public Policy Manager, Minnesota Council on Foundations
• Brian Cook, Director of Elections and Energy, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

Representative Davis moved the H4593A1 amendment. THE MOTION DID NOT PREVAIL, THE AMENDMENT WAS NOT ADOPTED.

Representative Freiberg renewed the motion that HF 4593 be re-referred to the Committee on State and Local Government Finance Policy. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:41 PM.


_____________________________________
Representative Mike Freiberg, Chair


______________________________________
Mike Hermanson, Committee Legislative Assistant
More Info On This Meeting..
Bills Added:
  • HF3276 (Frazier) - Ranked choice voting provided; jurisdictions authorized to adopt ranked choice voting for local offices; procedures established for adoption, implementation, and use of ranked choice voting for local jurisdictions; local jurisdictions allowed to use electronic voting systems with a reallocation feature; rulemaking authorized; and money appropriated.
  • HF4287 (Virnig) - Requirements to fill a vacancy in the office of school board member modified.
  • HF4728 (Bahner) - Commissioner of revenue required to establish online system to claim the political contribution refund, political contribution refund program amended to allow electronic transfer between the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board and the Department of Revenue, and money appropriated.
House TV Video:
View Archive

00:27 - HF3276 (Frazier) Ranked choice voting provided; jurisdictions authorized to adopt ranked choice voting for local offices; adoption, implementation, and use procedures established; and use of electronic voting systems with reallocation feature allowed.
36:37 - HF4728 (Bahner) Commissioner of Revenue required to establish online system to claim the political contribution refund, political contribution refund program amended to allow electronic transfer, and money appropriated.
1:00:05 - HF4287 (Virnig) Requirements to fill a vacancy in the office of school board member modified.
The committee recessed.
Runs 1 hour, 20 minutes.

House TV Video:
View Archive

00:21 - HF4598 (Long) Independent Redistricting Commission established, Applicant Review Panel established, principles to be used in adopting legislative and congressional districts established, legislative members lobbying activity prohibited, and constitutional amendment proposed.
1:09:52 - HF4593 (Klevorn) Advisory citizens' redistricting commission established, redistricting principles and redistricting requirements established, constitutional amendment to establish an independent citizen's redistricting commission proposed, and money appropriated.
Runs 1 hour, 41 minutes.


HF3276 (Frazier); Ranked choice voting provided; jurisdictions authorized to adopt ranked choice voting for local offices; adoption, implementation, and use procedures established; and use of electronic voting systems with reallocation feature allowed.

We will be limiting testimony as this concept was heard in the Elections Committee last year. Submitting an intent to testify will not guarantee an opportunity to testify orally.

HF4728 (Bahner); Commissioner of revenue required to establish online system to claim the political contribution refund, political contribution refund program amended to allow electronic transfer, and money appropriated.

HF4287 (Virnig); Requirements to fill a vacancy in the office of school board member modified.

REMOVED: HF4843 (Virnig); Ballot language relating to school district referenda amended.

PLEASE NOTE ANY BILLS NOT FINISHED WILL BE PUSHED TO THE EVENING HEARING.

Bills may be taken up in any order, added, or removed at the Chair’s discretion

If you would like to testify or provide handouts to the committee please email simon.brown@house.mn.gov no later than 5pm the night before. Anything sent to the CA will be posted publicly unless specifically asked otherwise. IF YOU INTEND TO TESTIFY ON HF3276 PLEASE SEE THE DISCLAIMER ABOVE.

For further information on accommodations, please visit FAQs for Disability Access or contact the LCC Accessibility Coordinator at accessibility.coordinator@lcc.mn.gov

If you are having accessibility or usability problems with any Minnesota Legislative website or software, please send your comments to the Accessibility & Usability Comment Form

To request legislative services for American Sign Language (ASL), Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) closed captioning services, or live language interpretation services for Hmong, Somali, or Spanish speakers to testify, please contact the Committee Administrator as soon as possible.
More Info On This Meeting..
Bills Added:
  • HF4593 (Klevorn) - Advisory citizens' redistricting commission established, redistricting principles and redistricting requirements established, constitutional amendment to establish an independent citizen's redistricting commission proposed, and money appropriated.
  • HF4598 (Long) - Independent Redistricting Commission established, Applicant Review Panel established, principles to be used in adopting legislative and congressional districts established, legislative members lobbying activity prohibited, convening and conduct of regular legislative sessions requirements amended, and constitutional amendment proposed.
House TV Video:
View Archive

00:27 - HF3276 (Frazier) Ranked choice voting provided; jurisdictions authorized to adopt ranked choice voting for local offices; adoption, implementation, and use procedures established; and use of electronic voting systems with reallocation feature allowed.
36:37 - HF4728 (Bahner) Commissioner of Revenue required to establish online system to claim the political contribution refund, political contribution refund program amended to allow electronic transfer, and money appropriated.
1:00:05 - HF4287 (Virnig) Requirements to fill a vacancy in the office of school board member modified.
The committee recessed.
Runs 1 hour, 20 minutes.

House TV Video:
View Archive

00:21 - HF4598 (Long) Independent Redistricting Commission established, Applicant Review Panel established, principles to be used in adopting legislative and congressional districts established, legislative members lobbying activity prohibited, and constitutional amendment proposed.
1:09:52 - HF4593 (Klevorn) Advisory citizens' redistricting commission established, redistricting principles and redistricting requirements established, constitutional amendment to establish an independent citizen's redistricting commission proposed, and money appropriated.
Runs 1 hour, 41 minutes.


HF4598 (Long); Independent Redistricting Commission established, Applicant Review Panel established, principles to be used in adopting legislative and congressional districts established, legislative members lobbying activity prohibited, and constitutional amendment proposed.

HF4593 (Klevorn); Advisory citizens' redistricting commission established, redistricting principles and redistricting requirements established, constitutional amendment to establish an independent citizen's redistricting commission proposed, and money appropriated.

Bills may be taken up in any order, added, or removed at the Chair’s discretion

If you would like to testify or provide handouts to the committee please email simon.brown@house.mn.gov no later than 5pm the night before. Anything sent to the CA will be posted publicly unless specifically asked otherwise.

For further information on accommodations, please visit FAQs for Disability Access or contact the LCC Accessibility Coordinator at accessibility.coordinator@lcc.mn.gov

If you are having accessibility or usability problems with any Minnesota Legislative website or software, please send your comments to the Accessibility & Usability Comment Form

To request legislative services for American Sign Language (ASL), Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) closed captioning services, or live language interpretation services for Hmong, Somali, or Spanish speakers to testify, please contact the Committee Administrator as soon as possible.