SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, the Minnesota House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee advanced HF 28 to Ways and Means Committee on a vote of 8-5. HF 28, chief authored by Representative Cedrick Frazier (DFL- New Hope) restores voting rights to individuals who have been convicted of a felony upon their completion of any incarceration imposed and executed for the conviction.
“Currently in our state, it cannot be truly reflective and representative of all its people when certain voices continue to be shut out of the democratic process,” said Representative Frazier. It is well time to correct this issue.”
Under current law, voting rights are not restored until an individual’s sentence is fully discharged (including any period of probation, parole, or other supervised release). The bill also requires designated officials to provide a written notice and a voter registration application to individuals upon their release from incarceration.
“The passing of HF 28 is historical and monumental not for just today but for those in history who have lost their lives or loved ones for trying to vote and not being allowed,” said Brother Shane Price, an advocate for the bill. “Minnesota has a great opportunity, and I am excited to see it move forward.”
Additional information and documents from the hearing are available on the committee webpage.