§ 5.51 — Expenses of Secretary of State-elect
Plain-Language Summary
The Secretary of State-elect can receive reimbursement for transition expenses before officially taking office.
5.51 EXPENSES OF SECRETARY OF STATE-ELECT.
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Subdivision 1.Definitions.
(a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined have the meanings given them.
(b) “Secretary of state-elect” means the person who is not currently secretary of state and is the apparent successful candidate for the Office of Secretary of State following a general election.
(c) “Commissioner” means the commissioner of the Department of Management and Budget. §
Subd. 2.Transition expenses.
In the fiscal year of an election for secretary of state and subject to availability of funds, the commissioner shall transfer up to $25,000 from the general contingent account in the general fund to the Department of Management and Budget. This transfer is subject to the review and advice of the Legislative Advisory Commission pursuant to section 3.30. In consultation with the secretary of state-elect, the commissioner shall use the transferred funds to pay expenses of the secretary of state-elect associated with preparing for the assumption of official duties as secretary of state. The commissioner may use the transferred funds for expenses necessary and prudent for establishment of a transition office prior to the election and for dissolution of the office if the incumbent secretary of state is reelected or after the inauguration of a new secretary of state. Expenses of the secretary of state-elect may include suitable office space and equipment, communications and technology support, consulting services, compensation and travel costs, and other reasonable expenses. Compensation rates for temporary employees hired to support the secretary of state-elect and rates paid for consulting services for the secretary of state-elect shall be determined by the secretary of state-elect. §
Subd. 3.Unused funds.
No new obligations shall be incurred for expenses of the secretary of state-elect after the date of the inauguration. By March 31 of the year of the inauguration, the commissioner shall return to the general contingent account any funds transferred under this section that the commissioner determines are not needed to pay expenses of the secretary of state-elect.
History:
History: History:
2025 c 39 art 7 s 1