MN HF5184

Proposes a constitutional amendment adding Section 16 to Article XI of the Minnesota Constitution to cap biennial state spending growth at the combined rate of inflation plus population growth.

Defines state spending as all expenditures and reserve increases, excluding federal funds, excess revenue refunds, reserve transfers, expenditures approved by voters after 2024, and gifts or court-ordered damage awards.

Measures inflation using the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index for Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington for the previous two calendar years, and population change using federal estimates adjusted every decade to the federal census.

Requires any excess revenue to be returned to taxpayers through property tax refunds or permanent tax rate reductions.

Allows the legislature to exceed the spending cap for one biennium with a 60 percent or greater vote in each chamber, and requires submission of the amendment to voters at the 2024 general election.