Minn. House passes bill barring state-funded entities from certain election spending

House File 72, a bill that would restrict entities that receive state funding from making certain expenditures related to elections, passed the Minnesota House on third reading as amended, 130–3.

The measure, offered by Representative Engin, would bar organizations that receive direct state appropriations or other state financial benefits from engaging in certain elections-related spending. "This is a dark money loophole," Representative Engin said, arguing the bill would "return political influence back to the Minnesota voters" by preventing state-funded entities from using those resources for election activity.

The bill’s author told members the bill addresses what she described as an "inherent and systemic conflict of interest" when nonprofit organizations that receive state…