The Minnesota House File No. 899 is a legislative bill focused on modifying existing regulations concerning the use of American Indian mascots by public schools. Here are the key components of the bill:

1. Prohibition of American Indian Mascots:

   • From September 1, 2026, public schools in Minnesota are prohibited from using names, symbols, or images that depict or refer to American Indian tribes, individuals, customs, or traditions as mascots, nicknames, logos, letterheads, or team names, unless an exemption is granted.

2. Exemption Conditions:

   • The prohibition does not apply to public schools located within the reservation of a federally recognized Tribal Nation in Minnesota where at least 95 percent of the students are defined as American Indian.

3. Compliance and Reporting:

   • Schools currently using American Indian mascots that have not received an exemption must report on their progress towards compliance to legislative committees overseeing K-12 education by February 14, 2025, and February 1, 2026. Reports should include confirmation of removing prohibited imagery from district websites and other assets, approval of new mascots or images, and a summary of progress and resources needed for full compliance.

4. Financial Assistance for Compliance:

   • A process will be established for public schools to apply for state funding to help cover the costs associated with replacing prohibited mascots, logos, and related imagery on school property and materials. Approved applications will receive funding within 30 days.

5. Effect on Compliance Requirements:

   • Public schools applying for assistance in mascot replacement are not required to comply with the prohibition until their funding request has been approved by the commissioner.

This bill aims to respect cultural sensitivities concerning the use of American Indian imagery in school branding and ensures schools have both the directive and support to make necessary changes.