Summary of SF 4846 (Minnesota, 2025-2026)
Purpose and intent
SF 4846, titled “Elections appropriations and money transfer provisions,” is a bill introduced in the Minnesota Legislature during the 2025-2026 session. The primary aim appears to be establishing and adjusting the appropriation framework for elections-related activities and creating specific mechanisms for transferring funds related to elections.
- Primary focus: allocations for elections administration and related activities; governance of funds transfers within election-related programs.
- Sponsor: Co-sponsor Bonnie Westlin, with the bill introduced and referred to the Elections committee on March 25, 2026.
Key provisions and changes (as described by the bill’s title and status)
Because the provided information is limited to the bill’s title, introduction date, and referral, the following provisions can be anticipated or inferred, but please note that actual enacted text may differ:
- Appropriations for Elections: The bill likely appropriates state funds (general fund or other designated accounts) to support elections operations, such as the office or agency responsible for administering elections, election security, voter outreach, and polling place operations.
- Money Transfer Provisions: The bill probably establishes authorized methods and conditions for transferring funds related to elections between state accounts, departments, or programs. This could include transfers between the state treasury and the elections agency or between administrative units within the elections ecosystem.
- Compliance and Administration: Provisions may include reporting requirements, timing for transfers, and internal controls to ensure funds are used for authorized election purposes.
- Effective Dates: The bill would specify effective dates for any appropriations and for any transfer authority created or amended by the bill.
Note: Specific dollar amounts, program names, suballocations (e.g., to the Secretary of State, county auditors, or other election-related entities), match requirements, and sunset or renewal provisions are not provided in the available summary. The actual text will detail precise appropriation totals, allocations, and transfer mechanics.
Who would be affected
- State government entities responsible for administering elections (e.g., the state election authority or secretary of state, and potentially county election offices).
- Other state agencies involved in elections funding or transfers (depending on internal governance structures).
- Counties and municipalities that administer elections may be affected indirectly if state funding allocations to local election offices are adjusted.
- Taxpayers and voters, indirectly, through the efficiency and reliability of election administration funded by these appropriations.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Introduction and first reading: March 25, 2026.
- Referred to the Elections committee on the same day (March 25, 2026).
- As a newly referred bill in the 2025-2026 session, it will follow the committee process, including potential hearings, amendments, and votes in committee, followed by floor action in the Senate and eventual conference or enactment, depending on the legislative process for Minnesota.
Notable considerations for readers
- The bill’s impact hinges on the exact appropriation levels and transfer authorities specified in the final text. Watch for:
- Total dollar amounts allocated to elections operations.
- Specific fund sources (e.g., General Fund, designated election funds).
- Transfer mechanisms (limits, conditions, reporting requirements).
- Any reporting or audit requirements tied to the appropriations.
- Effective/implementation dates and any sunset provisions.
If you’d like, I can pull the bill’s full text or committee analyses to provide precise dollar figures, transfer terms, and timeline details once they become available.
