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HF 597

State spending in excess of inflation and population growth prohibited, and constitutional amendment proposed.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Duane Quam

Proposes a Minnesota constitutional cap on annual state spending growth tied to inflation and population growth, with implementation rules and a voter referendum requirement.

Introduction and first reading, referred to State Government Finance and Policy
#constitutionalamendments #governmentaloperations-state
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Bill Summary · HF 597

Summary of HF 597 (Minnesota)

HF 597 seeks to restrict state spending growth and place the related restraint into the Minnesota Constitution, with implementing processes to support the measure.

Overview and intent

  • Purpose: Proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit state spending growth that exceeds inflation and population growth. In addition, the bill calls for actions necessary to implement this framework.
  • Scope: The restraint would apply to state spending levels, tying future growth to macroeconomic indicators (inflation and population changes). The bill explicitly labels the constitutional amendment as the vehicle to enshrine this spending cap.

Key provisions (as introduced)

  • Constitutional amendment: Proposes a change to the Minnesota Constitution to cap or limit annual state spending growth based on inflation and population growth.
  • Implementation infrastructure: Directs the Legislative Council and the Legislative Service Agency (LSB) to adopt policies and procedures necessary to implement the bill.
    • This includes modifications to bill tracking systems and legislative reporting mechanisms to monitor compliance and enactment.
  • Effective date: The bill specifies that its provisions take effect upon enactment.
  • Related legislation: HF 597 has a companion bill in the Senate, SF 1004.
  • Sponsor: Primary sponsor is Representative Andrews.

Who is affected

  • State government and agencies: If enacted, the cap would constrain annual appropriations and spending growth, potentially affecting budget decisions, program funding, and capital investments.
  • Legislative and administrative bodies: The Legislative Council and LSB would implement administrative procedures, tracking, and reporting mechanisms to enforce and monitor the spending cap.
  • Public and stakeholders: Taxpayers and policymakers would see a constitutional spending constraint in state budgeting, with potential impacts on fiscal planning and program summaries.

Legislative status and timeline

  • Introduction: February 13, 2025 (Introduction and first reading; referred to State Government Finance and Policy).
  • Latest action: February 25, 2025 (Introduced, referred to State Government).
  • Current committee path: Referred to State Government (and related to the State Government Finance and Policy committee in the earlier step).
  • Related companion: SF 1004 (Senate companion).

Notes and context

  • The text provided focuses on the introduced version and the basic procedural steps, not on the exact constitutional language or the precise formula for the spending cap.
  • If enacted, passage would require approval of a constitutional amendment by voters in a statewide referendum (as Minnesota constitutional amendments typically require).
  • The bill emphasizes the administrative groundwork needed to support the cap, including updated tracking and reporting systems.

For readers seeking deeper detail, the companion bill SF 1004 may provide parallel language with potential variances and additional context.

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

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