This bill, Minnesota Senate File 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 all United States veterans of Native American heritage.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Location: The memorial will be within the Capitol complex, defined as the area bordered by Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, 12th Street West, John Ireland Boulevard, and Cedar Street North.

• Native American Veterans Memorial Advisory Task Force:

  • A 13-member task force will be created, consisting of one veteran from each of Minnesota’s federally recognized Tribes and two at-large public members.
  • Members may receive compensation and expense reimbursement.
  • The task force will select the artist, materials, and design of the memorial.
  • The group will work collaboratively with the selected artist or specify design parameters in the request for proposals (RFP).
  • The task force will expire upon completion of the selection process.

• Approval and Construction:

  • Before construction begins, the Indian Affairs Council must approve the artist, materials, and design.
  • The memorial must be made from materials sourced from Minnesota.
  • A Native American artist must be contracted to design the memorial.

• Administrative Support:

  • The Commissioner of Veterans Affairs will oversee the task force.
  • The Commissioner of Administration will facilitate the RFP process, provide meeting space, and offer administrative support.
  • Task force appointments must be made by September 1, 2025, and the first meeting convened by October 15, 2025.

This bill ensures the recognition of Native American veterans’ contributions through the establishment of a permanent memorial on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds.