MN SF2611

Replaces the Regent Candidate Advisory Council with a Legislative Commission on Regent Selection to identify and recruit qualified candidates for the University of Minnesota Board of Regents.

Commission consists of 8 legislators (4 house members appointed by speaker and minority leader; 4 senate members appointed by majority and minority leaders) plus student and other members, with appointments effective by September 1, 2018.

Commission chair serves two-year terms alternating biennially between designees of the house speaker and senate majority leader, with the speaker designating the first chair.

Commission must recommend at least 1 and no more than 3 candidates for each regent vacancy by January 15 of odd-numbered years, with selection criteria emphasizing diversity in geography, gender, race, occupation, and experience.

Joint legislative committee may nominate additional candidates beyond commission recommendations only with support of at least 4 house members and 3 senate members, and must consider board membership diversity in gender, racial, and ethnic composition when recommending nominees.