HF4734
Week of observance for Hmong heritage established.
Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026)
Related bill: SF4736
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
- Establish a formal, annual observance to recognize and honor Hmong heritage in Minnesota.
Main Provisions
- Official observance window: May 14 to May 20 each year is designated as Hmong Heritage Week.
- Recognition during the week: All residents are urged to recognize and honor the history, culture, traditions, and heritage of the Hmong people and acknowledge their contributions to Minnesota.
- Focus of the observance: The week highlights the history, heritage, and resilience of the Hmong people, including cultural traditions, service and sacrifice alongside the United States during the Secret War in Laos, and the journey of Hmong refugees to Minnesota and the state.
- Contributions acknowledged: Highlights the significant contributions of Hmong Minnesotans in public service, entrepreneurship, agriculture, education, the arts, and community life, and their role in enriching Minnesota’s cultural, civic, and economic fabric.
- Governor’s role: The governor is encouraged to issue a proclamation recognizing Hmong Heritage Week and to encourage Minnesotans to observe the week through programs, ceremonies, educational activities, and community events.
- Encouragement for organizations and communities: Schools, libraries, historical societies, cultural institutions, nonprofit organizations, community groups, local governments, and residents are encouraged to organize and lead programs, ceremonies, educational initiatives, and community events that highlight Hmong history, culture, traditions, resilience, and contributions.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Creates a new official observance recognized in Minnesota statutes (described as establishing Hmong Heritage Week and the related branding within Minnesota Statutes Chapter 10).
- Adds a framework for statewide observance without altering other existing laws, but assigns the mandate for proclamation and organized observances to state and local entities.
Relevant Terms
- Hmong Heritage Week
- May 14 to May 20
- Minnesota
- Hmong people
- history, culture, traditions, heritage
- resilience
- Secret War in Laos
- refugees
- Hmong Minnesotans
- public service
- entrepreneurship
- agriculture
- education
- arts
- community life
- governor proclamation
- programs, ceremonies, educational activities, community events
- Minnesota Statutes Chapter 10
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 26, 2026 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | State Government Finance and Policy |
Progress through the legislative process
In Committee