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Bill

HF 977

Money transferred to the voting operations, technology, and election resources account.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Freiberg and 1 co-sponsor

Creates a dedicated funding account for Minnesota election operations, technology, and resources to support modernization, security, and reliability of elections.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Elections Finance and Government Operations
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 977

Summary of HF 977 (2025-2026) – Minnesota

Overview

  • Title: Money transferred to the Voting Operations, Technology, and Election Resources account.
  • Jurisdiction: Minnesota
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Status: Introduced and referred to committee (Elections Finance and Government Operations) on February 17, 2025.
  • Sponsors: Chief author unspecified in provided text; Co-sponsors include Mike Freiberg and Liz Lee.

Purpose and Intent

HF 977 appears to establish or modify a dedicated funding mechanism (the “Voting Operations, Technology, and Election Resources” account) by directing or transferring money into this account. The aim is to provide ongoing funding for election administration-related activities, including operational needs, technology, and resources used by election officials to administer elections.

Key Provisions and Changes (as indicated)

  • Creation/Allocation of an Account: Establishment or enhancement of a dedicated fund named the “Voting Operations, Technology, and Election Resources account.”
  • Source of Funds: The bill would specify that money is transferred into this account from other state funds, revenue sources, or appropriations; the exact funding triggers or methods (e.g., annual transfers, one-time deposits, or ongoing appropriations) would be defined in the measure.
  • Authorized Uses: Funds in the account would be available for purposes related to:
    • Election operations (day-to-day administration, logistics)
    • Voting technology (systems, software, hardware, security)
    • Election resources (staffing, training, resources for clerks and election officials)
  • Programmatic Scope: The account would support activities necessary to administer elections in Minnesota, potentially including modernization efforts, cybersecurity, accessibility improvements, and equipment replacement or upgrades.

Note: The available description does not contain the full text of provisions, allocation formulas, or detailed eligibility criteria. The above reflects the bill’s stated objective to fund voting operations, technology, and resources.

Affected Entities and Stakeholders

  • Election Administrative Officials: State and local election administrators and clerks who manage elections and would benefit from dedicated funding for operations and technology.
  • Voters: Indirectly affected through improved voting infrastructure, potentially enhanced accessibility, security, and reliability of elections.
  • State Budget/Finance: The state treasurer and appropriating bodies responsible for allocating funds into the new or modified account.
  • Vendors/Technology Providers: Entities supplying voting equipment, software, cybersecurity, and related services.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Referral: The bill was referred to the Elections Finance and Government Operations committee as of February 17, 2025.
  • Next Steps: Committee deliberations would determine specifics such as:
    • The source and size of ongoing funding
    • Eligible and permitted expenditures
    • Oversight, reporting requirements, and sunset or renewal provisions
    • Any matching requirements or caps
  • Potential Timelines: If advanced, the bill would proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in the Minnesota Legislature, followed by reconciliation with the Senate version (if any) and a possible signature into law by the governor.

Practical Impact

  • Creates or reinforces a dedicated funding stream to support election infrastructure and resources.
  • Aims to enhance the modernization and reliability of Minnesota’s voting systems and administrative capacity.
  • May improve cybersecurity, accessibility, and operational efficiency in election administration through protected, earmarked funding.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to include hypothetical budget amounts, timelines, or amendment scenarios once the bill’s full text becomes available.

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

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