Committee approves constitutional amendment proposal to create bipartisan redistricting commission amid divided testimony

House File 550, a proposed constitutional amendment to create a bipartisan redistricting commission in Minnesota, was recommended to pass and be re-referred to the State Government Finance Committee after a 6–5 roll-call vote in the Minnesota House Elections, Finance and Government Operations Committee.

Author Representative Paul Torkelson described HF 550 as a bipartisan, evenly divided commission intended to keep the redistricting process out of the courts and ensure a legislative role consistent with historical practice. He moved an A1 amendment to clarify language for an unusual tie situation in legislative leadership titles; the amendment was adopted. The amended bill would create an eight-member commission and require approval of a map by six of the eight members.

The hearing included extensive testimony and written…