HF3833

Purpose

The bill proposes a constitutional amendment to place term limits on two statewide executive offices in Minnesota: the governor and the lieutenant governor. It would modify Article V, Section 2 of the Minnesota Constitution to define a four-year term and restrict individuals from running for a third term in either office.

Main provisions

• Term length: The term of office for the governor and the lieutenant governor would be four years, continuing until a successor is chosen and qualified.
• Term limits: No person may file to be a candidate for election to a third term as governor or to a third term as lieutenant governor (i.e., a two-term limit for each office).
• Eligibility requirements: To be a candidate, a person must be at least 25 years old, have been a bona fide resident of the state for one year immediately preceding the election, and be a citizen of the United States.
• Specific amendment text: The changes would be added to Minnesota Constitution Article V Section 2, as part of the proposed amendment.

Submission to voters and process

• The amendment would be presented to voters at the 2026 general election.
• Ballot question: “Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to place limits on the terms of office for the offices of governor and lieutenant governor?”
• Voters would choose Yes or No.

Significance and potential effects

• Changes to the Constitution would enshrine a two-term limit for both the governor and the lieutenant governor, preventing a candidate from running for a third term.
• The amendment also codifies a four-year term length and reiterates basic eligibility criteria (age, residency, citizenship) for candidates.
• If approved, these provisions would apply to future elections for the two offices and could influence political experience, succession planning, and leadership continuity.

Relevant terms - Minnesota Constitution - Article V - Section 2 - governor - lieutenant governor - term of office - four years - two-term limit - third term prohibited - candidate filing - age 25 - bona fide resident - one year - United States citizen - constitutional amendment - election - 2026 general election - ballot question (Yes/No)