Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government
Model Legislature
BILL #: 1208
Download PDFBE IT ENACTED BY THE YOUTH LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA YOUTH LEGISLATURE –
An act to
Prevent Lawbreakers From Being Lawmakers
SECTION I - PURPOSE
This bill’s purpose is to deny Convicted Felons the ability to run for and/or become an appointed/elected official of
the Minnesota State/Local government or a Representative of Congress.
SECTION II - JUSTIFICATION
Felonies are considered the most serious of crimes in our state of Minnesota. Such crimes show a lack of moral code and
may bring more forms of bias towards topics that need to be addressed. There are many different forms of felonies
ranging from violence to shady work inside of businesses. We cannot expect these individuals to uphold the
professionalism needed to represent the state of Minnesota which is why we should not allow convicted felons to run for
any elected office/position or become an appointed official. This will create more government security, gain more trust
from the public creating safety, professionalism, and better representation for Minnesota.
SECTION III - DEFINITIONS
Violent Felonies: Murder, Assault, Rape, Sexual Assault, Felony Battery, Unlawful Homicide
Property Felonies: Burglary, Arson, and Grand Theft
Drug Related Felonies: Manufacture or Sale, Possesion
White Collar Felonies: Embezzlement, Fraud
Felonies against the State: Treason, Espionage
Convicted Felon: An individual found guilty of a felony level crime
Exoneration: Formally absolving someone of blame declaring them innocent after a wrongful conviction
SECTION IV - FUNDING
No funding is required, this process is all handled through government administration.
SECTION V – PENALTIES/ENFORCEMENT
If an appointed/elected official is found guilty of a felony level crime in the middle of their term they shall face
expulsion of their position. In case a replacement for certain positions is not found the person next in line of
succession will be granted that position. Some examples of areas this doesn’t apply to are positions that have an
assistant next in line such as a Governor and Lieutenant Governor because the Lieutenant Governor is next in line of
succession if expulsion is faced towards the Governor. This entire process is carried out by the Supreme Court.
SECTION VI – EFFECTIVE DATE
March, 3rd, 2027