Caucus date choices (new law)

Political parties can now choose the date of their precinct caucuses.

Signed May 1 by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, the law, sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Laine (DFL-Columbia Heights) and Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope), allows each political party to establish the date of their precinct caucus and eliminates the requirement that caucuses be held on the first Tuesday in March. It is effective Aug. 1, 2008.

The state executive committee of each party will be responsible for determining the date of each party’s caucus and notify the secretary of state at least 90 days prior to the caucus.

Also included in the law is the authority for each party to postpone a caucus due to severe weather, with consultation of the secretary of state.

HF3066*/SF3238/CH263