Purpose

• Provide an appropriation of $800,000 to design and cast a statue recognizing Melissa Hortman’s historic contributions to Minnesota.
• The statue will be incorporated into a memorial garden on the State Office Building site, and the work is to be carried out by the Department of Administration.
• This work is tied to updates in the Capitol Mall Design Framework referenced from prior laws.

Main Provisions

• The funds are designated to design and cast a statue recognizing Melissa Hortman.
• The statue will be integrated into a memorial garden on the State Office Building site, coordinated by the Department of Administration.
• The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board (CAAPB) must select the statue artist through a competitive process and must consult with Melissa Hortman’s immediate family during the selection and design approval.
• The statue design must include the likeness of Hortman’s deceased family members.
• Minnesota Rules part 2400.2703 does not apply to the activities funded by this section.
• Any unspent money after casting the statue can be used for additional landscaping elements on the memorial garden site.
• The funding in this section is available until June 30, 2029.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Exemption from Minnesota Rules part 2400.2703 for the activities funded under this section (i.e., standard rule requirements do not apply to this project).
• The project is linked to updates in the Capitol Mall Design Framework (as amended by referenced laws) and directs CAAPB to use a competitive artist selection process with family consultation, shaping how a memorial statue is selected and approved.

Process, Oversight, and Timeline

• Artist selection will be competitive, overseen by the CAAPB.
• Consultation with Melissa Hortman’s immediate family will occur during selection and design approval.
• The project is expected to proceed within the framework of the updated Capitol Mall Design Framework and be completed with the statue cast and integrated into the memorial garden by the available funding period ending June 30, 2029.
• The Department of Administration will manage the incorporation of the statue into the memorial garden site.

Summary of Intent

• Create a lasting memorial statue to recognize Melissa Hortman’s impact on Minnesota.
• Ensure a transparent, competitive artist selection process with family input.
• Integrate the statue into a memorial garden at the State Office Building site, expanding the site’s landscape as needed.
• Allow flexibility to use any leftover funds for additional landscaping improvements.

Relevant Terms

• Melissa Hortman
• statue
• memorial garden
• State Office Building site
• Capitol Mall Design Framework
• CAAPB (Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board)
• competitive process
• immediate family
• likeness of deceased family members
• Department of Administration
• Minnesota Rules part 2400.2703
• unspent funds
• available until June 30, 2029
• capital investment appropriation
• updated laws (Laws 2023 chap. 62 art. 1 sec. 11, as amended by Laws 2025 chap. 39 art. 1 sec. 39)