State spending in excess of inflation and population growth prohibited, and constitutional amendment proposed.

HF 597 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit Minnesota's state spending increases to inflation plus population growth. If adopted, it would require the state to calculate spending changes using the Minneapolis-St. Paul Consumer Price Index and federal population estimates, excluding federal funds, tax refunds, and certain reserves. Any spending exceeding this limit would require returning excess revenue to taxpayers via property tax refunds or permanent tax rate cuts. The amendment must be submitted to voters in the 2026 general election with the question: "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to prohibit state spending increases in excess of inflation and population growth?"