SF2259

The bill S.F. No. 2259 proposes the appropriation of funds in fiscal year 2026 to design and construct a Native American Veterans Memorial on the Capitol complex in Minnesota. The memorial will honor United States veterans of Native American heritage.

Key Provisions:

1. Appropriation of Funds: Money from the general fund is allocated to the commissioner of administration to oversee the project.
2. Location: The memorial will be located within the Capitol complex bounded by Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, 12th Street West, John Ireland Boulevard, and Cedar Street North.
3. Advisory Task Force: A Native American Veterans Memorial Advisory Task Force will be convened to oversee the selection of the artist, materials, and design.
   
   • The task force will have 13 members, including one representative from each of Minnesota’s federally recognized tribes who are veterans and two at-large public members.
     
   • Members may be compensated and reimbursed for eligible expenses.
     
   • The task force dissolves after the selection process is completed.
4. Artist Selection Process: The commissioner of administration will issue a request for proposals (RFP), and the task force will select an artist.
   
   • The task force may either work with the artist on the materials and design or pre-specify these requirements in the RFP.
5. Approval by Indian Affairs Council: The artist, materials, and design must be approved by the Indian Affairs Council before construction begins.
6. Use of Minnesota-based Materials: The memorial must be made from materials sourced from or components made in Minnesota.
7. Contract with Native American Artist: A Native American artist must be contracted to design the memorial.
8. Timeline:
   • Task force appointments must be made by September 1, 2025.
   • The commissioner must convene the first meeting by October 15, 2025.
   • The task force will elect a chair at its first meeting.

This bill ensures that Native American veterans are honored with a dedicated memorial while incorporating tribal representation and cultural significance in the design and construction process.