MN SF2586

Proposes amendment to Minnesota Constitution Article IV, Section 4 requiring the legislature to enact laws providing for prompt and temporary succession when a legislator is ordered to active duty in U.S. armed forces.

Amendment to be submitted to voters at the 2010 general election with the question: "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to require the legislature to enact laws providing for prompt and temporary succession to the powers and duties of a legislator who is ordered to active duty in the armed forces of the United States?"

Requires each legislator who may be ordered to active duty to submit at least three qualified nominees to the presiding officer of their house; upon receiving notice of active duty orders, the presiding officer immediately designates a temporary successor from the nominee list.

Temporary successor exercises all powers and duties of the legislator from the date of active duty report until the legislator returns, notifies the presiding officer in writing, or the end of the legislator's term of office—whichever comes first.

Temporary successor receives full legislative compensation and privileges; the active-duty legislator forfeits salary but dependents retain state-paid health benefits and the legislator may continue contributing to their legislative retirement plan with continued employer contributions.