MN HF5018

Proposes constitutional amendment to establish an Independent Redistricting Commission with 15 members (5 supporting each major political party, 5 unaffiliated) to adopt congressional and legislative district boundaries by December 31 following each decennial census.

Creates a Redistricting Commission Applicant Screening Panel of three retired judges appointed by the chief justice to solicit applications, screen candidates, and establish pools of qualified applicants for random selection to the commission.

Prohibits legislators from serving as lobbyists while in office and for one year following their legislative service; defines "lobbyist" by law.

Establishes redistricting principles including equal population districts, protection of minority voting rights, minimization of community division, contiguity requirements, and partisan fairness standards requiring district proportions to correspond closely to statewide voter preferences within three percentage points.

Amends legislative session requirements by removing the restriction preventing legislature from meeting after the first Monday following the third Saturday in May, allowing meetings at times prescribed by law instead.