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SF120 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Recognizing a medical bill as proof of residence on election day rule amendment required by the Secretary of State

Related bill: HF1212

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

To allow eligible voters to prove residency on Election Day by presenting a medical bill, by requiring the Secretary of State to amend a specific administrative rule. This aims to expand acceptable proof of residence for Election Day registration.

Main Provisions

  • The Secretary of State must amend Minnesota Rules section 820.05100 subpart 2 to allow an eligible voter to prove residence in a precinct on Election Day by presenting a medical bill.
  • The rule amendment must be effective no later than January 1, 2026.
  • The Secretary of State may use the good cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes section 111.14388, subdivision 1, clause 3 to adopt rules under this section.
  • Minnesota Statutes section 112.14386 does not apply to this rule change, except as provided under Minnesota Statutes section 111.14388.

Significance and What Changes

  • This bill shifts some authority to accept a medical bill as proof of residency for Election Day registration, via administrative rulemaking rather than a new statutory requirement.
  • It creates a specific deadline for the rule change and relies on a “good cause” exemption to streamline or accelerate the rulemaking process.

Implementation Details and Timeline

  • Effective date for the rule change: no later than January 1, 2026.
  • Rulemaking authority is invoked through the good cause exemption, reducing some standard rulemaking requirements, and does not follow the typical statutory rule process unless provided.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • May improve access to Election Day registration for voters who have a medical bill but lack other typical proof of residence.
  • Involves administrative processes and oversight to ensure the medical bill criterion is applied consistently and securely.
  • Could raise questions about privacy, verification standards, and potential for misinterpretation of what constitutes acceptable medical documentation.

Summary of Key Terms (for quick reference)

  • Election Day Registration
  • Proof of Residence
  • Medical Bill
  • Precinct
  • Secretary of State
  • Minnesota Rules section 820.05100 subpart 2
  • Good Cause Exemption
  • Minnesota Statutes § 111.14388
  • Minnesota Statutes § 112.14386
  • Rulemaking

Relevant Terms - Election Day registration, proof of residence, medical bill, precinct, secretary of state, rulemaking, good cause exemption, Minnesota Rules 820.05100 subpart 2, Minnesota Statutes 111.14388, Minnesota Statutes 112.14386

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
January 16, 2025SenateActionIntroduction and first reading
January 16, 2025SenateActionReferred toElections

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "No new statutory provisions are added; rulemaking authority is sourced from existing statutes 14388 and 14386."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No statutory removals."
      ],
      "summary": "The bill references Minnesota Statutes section 14388 (subdivision 1, clause 3) to authorize rulemaking related to recognizing a medical bill as proof of residence for election day, and cites Minnesota Statutes section 14386 as not applying except as provided by 14388. No statutes are created or amended; the bill relies on existing statutes to govern rulemaking.",
      "modified": [
        "Applicability of 14386 is restricted by 14388; no direct modification to statute text."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "14388",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1 clause 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "No changes to statutes; references to 14386 are for clarifying applicability."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No removals."
      ],
      "summary": "The bill states that Minnesota Statutes section 14386 does not apply except as provided under Minnesota Statutes section 14388, in the context of establishing rulemaking authority for election day residence proof. This does not modify the statute but clarifies its applicability.",
      "modified": [
        "The applicability of 14386 is limited by 14388; no text changes to 14386."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "14386",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors

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