House elections committee adopts DE1 to HF1943, refers bill to Ways and Means

The Minnesota House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee adopted the DE1 amendment to House File 1943 and voted to re-refer the bill to the House Ways and Means Committee.

Chair Freiburg moved the DE1 amendment, which the committee described as containing the agreed-upon budget for the Campaign Finance Board. The amendment reflects a budget target of $279,000 above base funding and includes a $79,000 operating adjustment for the Campaign Finance Board and $200,000 to meet federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) matching-fund requirements. Committee members accepted the DE1 by voice vote, and the committee then voted to re-refer HF 1943, as amended, to Ways and Means.

Committee discussion on the item was brief. Chair Freiburg said the amendment and the underlying budget were “pretty straightforward” and summarized the contents for members. The committee noted it had previously taken testimony on the bill on 03/10/2025; the chair and members indicated additional consideration of related matters — including appointments to the Campaign Finance Board — will occur in a future hearing.

A committee member objected to the lack of a roll call vote, saying the process was “stifling the voice of the minority.” The record shows the minutes were approved and the motions carried by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript.

Votes at a glance - DE1 amendment to House File 1943: adopted (voice vote; roll call not requested in committee transcript). - Motion to re-refer House File 1943, as amended, to the House Ways and Means Committee: adopted (voice vote; roll call not requested in committee transcript).

The bill and its amendment will next be considered by the House Ways and Means Committee, where the budget provisions and policy additions mentioned by members are expected to be reviewed further.