House Rules Committee to hold public hearing on proposed Equal Rights Amendment Monday

Saint Paul, Minn. - On Monday, May 6 at 9:00 a.m., the Minnesota House of Representatives Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration will hold a public hearing on legislation, authored by Rep. Kaohly Her (DFL - Saint Paul), proposing a state constitutional amendment to codify the right to equality. The legislation, known as the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment, would submit the proposed amendment to voters at the 2026 state general election, and if approved, would take effect January 1, 2027.

“In Minnesota, we believe in freedom, fairness, and equality for everyone,” Rep. Her said. “I am so proud to carry this legislation to once and for all codify these beliefs and values into law. Across the country we are seeing people’s rights and freedoms being rolled back, and this legislation will ensure that that doesn’t happen in Minnesota.” 

House Majority Leader Jamie Long chairs the House Rules Committee and strongly supports advancing the ERA.

“Minnesotans deserve the safeguards the ERA would guarantee under our state constitution, including those that uphold our key values of equity, non-discrimination, and reproductive freedom,” Majority Leader Long said. “After a great deal of engagement with a wide range of Minnesotans who are counting on their lawmakers to take action on this urgent issue, it’s time to move this measure forward with the inclusive, legally-sound language Rep. Her has worked incredibly hard to develop.”

The Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment would guarantee every Minnesotan the same rights under the law, and codify protections against discrimination by the state based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex — including pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.

Video of the hearing will be livestreamed on the House Public Information Services YouTube channel. Documents from the hearing will be available on the House Rules Committee webpage.