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Bill

HF 593

Constitutional convention process established to select delegates.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Duane Quam

Minnesota bill establishes formal procedures for selecting and seating delegates to a future state constitutional convention for amending the state constitution.

Introduction and first reading, referred to State Government Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 593

Legislative bill overview

HF 593 establishes a formal process for Minnesota to select delegates to a constitutional convention. The bill creates procedures for how delegates would be nominated, elected, and seated to participate in revising or amending the state constitution. This represents foundational legislation that would enable future constitutional amendment efforts through a convention rather than the standard legislative amendment process.

Why is this important

Constitutional conventions are rare, high-stakes events that can fundamentally reshape state government structure, powers, and citizen rights. Establishing clear procedural rules beforehand prevents ad-hoc decision-making during an actual convention and determines who has voice in constitutional changes. Minnesota's current framework lacks explicit delegate selection procedures, making this bill a prerequisite for any future convention effort.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of convention authority: Debates over whether delegates could propose unlimited changes or only specific amendments, and what safeguards prevent the convention from exceeding its mandate
  • Representation and fairness: Questions about how delegates are apportioned among districts, whether all voter groups are fairly represented, and potential gerrymandering of convention districts
  • Triggering mechanism: Disagreement over what threshold or process should initiate a convention, balancing democratic access against preventing frivolous convention calls

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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