A bill that would remove the longstanding requirement for school district referendums to include clear ballot language informing voters that a “yes” vote authorizes a property tax increase is being considered in the Minnesota Senate.
S.F. 1310, introduced by Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (DFL-Eden Prairie), eliminates wording that currently notifies taxpayers how their property taxes would change if a school district referendum is approved.
Under current law, ballots for referendums that raise local property taxes must explicitly state that a “yes” vote will increase property taxes. S.F. 1310 would remove that requirement, allowing referendums to proceed without this disclosure. This change risks undercutting voter voice and transparency. Ballot language influences voter understanding. Without clear language, some voters may not fully understand what they are approving. Districts could write their own descriptions of the referendum, potentially without ever mentioning tax consequences.
Keeping the existing requirement, which simply requires ballots to state a “yes” vote increases property taxes, helps voters understand the financial impact and holds school boards accountable for the increased dollars they seek.
The bill passed the Senate Elections Committee on a party-line vote of 6-5 and was referred to the Education Policy Committee; it will also go through the Education Finance Committee, according to a Capitol Update from the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus.
S.F. 1310 Excerpts
