House committee refers constitutional amendment to create redistricting commission after independent-commission amendment fails

The Minnesota House State Government Finance and Policy Committee on Feb. 27, 2025 voted to refer House File 550, a proposed constitutional amendment to establish a joint redistricting commission, to the Judiciary Finance and Policy Committee.

The underlying bill, described by author Representative Torkelson as a constitutional amendment needed to prepare for the next redistricting cycle, would create a bipartisan commission to draw legislative and congressional boundaries. "This is the right time to put it on the ballot," Representative Torkelson said, adding that Minnesota is likely to lose one congressional seat next cycle and that a commission could handle the complex work more effectively.

Supporters including the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce urged the committee to adopt a commission model. Brian Cook, director of taxes, fiscal policy and elections for the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, told the panel the…