MN HF597

Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article XI limiting biennial state spending increases to the rate of inflation plus population growth

Defines state spending as all expenditures and reserve increases, excluding federal funds, taxpayer refunds, reserve transfers, voter-approved expenditures after 2024, gifts, and court-ordered damage awards

Uses the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington Consumer Price Index to measure inflation and federal population estimates adjusted by decennial census data

Requires 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% supermajority vote in both chambers; amendment would appear on the 2026 general election ballot