Purpose

This resolution proposes impeaching Keith Ellison, the Attorney General of Minnesota, for corrupt conduct in office and for crimes and misdemeanors. It lays out multiple grounds for impeachment and describes how the process would proceed if the House adopts the articles.

Key provisions overview

• The House would adopt a set of articles of impeachment naming Keith Ellison and detailing alleged misconduct.
• If the articles are adopted, Ellison would be removed from performing the duties of Attorney General while the impeachment trial proceeds, and could only resume those duties if acquitted by the Senate.
• The Speaker would ensure that notices and articles are served promptly, and an enrolled copy of the resolution would be transmitted to key state officials (Governor, Secretary of State, and Senate leadership).

Article I: Abuse of office related to religious facility protests

• Allegation: Ellison used the office to defend or minimize unlawful conduct, including entry, occupation, or disruption of a religious facility during protest activity.
• Claims: This conduct constitutes an abuse of power, a failure to uphold and enforce the law, and a breach of the duty to protect the constitutional rights of all Minnesotans.
• Conclusion: Warrants impeachment, trial, and removal for corrupt conduct and crimes/misdemeanors.

Article II: Undermining religious liberty protections

• Allegation: Ellison violated his oath by undermining protections for religious liberty and worship.
• Claims: Public statements defending or rationalizing interference with religious worship; failure to affirm the seriousness of unlawful interference; using office in a way that undermines federal/state protections for religious liberty; failure to respect the rule of law and cooperate with federal civil rights enforcement.
• Conclusion: Warrants impeachment, trial, and removal for corrupt conduct and crimes/misdemeanors.

Article III: Lack of neutral, impartial enforcement of the law

• Allegation: Ellison exercised or signaled law enforcement discretion based on political or ideological alignment.
• Claims: Failure to distinguish lawful protest from criminal conduct; undermining public confidence in impartial justice.
• Conclusion: Warrants impeachment, trial, and removal for corrupt conduct and crimes/misdemeanors.

Article IV: Private communications and conflict of interest

• Allegation: Ellison engaged in private communications with members of a specific community suggesting preferential protection or access involving public resources or enforcement discretion.
• Claims: Conflict of interest and use of public office for political advantage; failure to act in a manner that represents all Minnesotans.
• Conclusion: Warrants impeachment, trial, and removal for corrupt conduct and crimes/misdemeanors.

Article V: Promises of favorable treatment for campaign interests

• Allegation: Ellison made representations implying political or financial support would be rewarded with favorable treatment or protection tied to his official role.
• Claims: Abuse of public office for campaign benefits; corrupt conduct and ethical violations.
• Conclusion: Warrants impeachment, trial, and removal for corrupt conduct and crimes/misdemeanors.

Article VI: Bring disrepute and undermine trust

• Allegation: Ellison’s conduct brings disrepute to the Office of the Attorney General, weakens protections for religious liberty, and damages public trust in Minnesota’s justice system.
• Claims: Undermines the rule of law and public confidence.
• Conclusion: Warrants impeachment, trial, and removal for corrupt conduct and crimes/misdemeanors.

Impeachment process and consequences

• If the House adopts articles of impeachment, Ellison must step aside from duties during the Senate trial.
• A Senate acquittal is required for him to resume duties.
• The House is responsible for serving notice promptly and for transmitting the enrolled impeachment documents to the Governor, Secretary of State, and Senate leadership.

Notable changes to existing procedures (implications)

• This resolution does not propose new statutes or changes to Minnesota law. It establishes impeachment grounds and the procedural steps for removing the Attorney General from office pending Senate trial.

Relevant Terms - impeachment - Keith Ellison - Attorney General - corrupt conduct in office - crimes and misdemeanors - articles of impeachment - religious facility - protest - religious liberty - FACE Act (Freedom of Access to Clinics Entrance Act) - religious worship - law enforcement discretion - neutral and impartial enforcement - political or ideological alignment - private communications - conflict of interest - preferential protection/access - public resources - disrepute - public trust - justice system - governing procedures (service of papers, enrolled copy, transmission)