Constitutional amendment allowing a governor to select a lieutenant governor to fill a vacancy

SF 3261 proposes a constitutional amendment to change who appoints a lieutenant governor when the position becomes vacant. Currently, Minnesota law requires the Senate's presiding officer to make this appointment; the bill would allow the governor to appoint a replacement instead. If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, this change would take effect, altering the process for filling lieutenant governor vacancies. The amendment specifically targets Article V, Section 5 of the Minnesota Constitution, without affecting the lieutenant governor's duties or compensation. This is a procedural change requiring voter approval, not a substantive policy shift.