Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to honor and recognize the contributions of Italian immigrants to Minnesota by establishing a commemorative work on the State Capitol grounds dedicated to the first recorded Italian immigrant in Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• Commemorative Work: The bill mandates the creation of a commemorative work on the Capitol complex to honor the first Italian immigrant to Minnesota.
• Art and Design Process: The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board will manage the commemorative work process, including issuing a public call for artists and seeking input from historians and Italian-American cultural organizations.
• Completion Timeline: The design and site selection must be finalized by December 31, 2026, with the installation completed by December 31, 2027.
• Dedication Ceremony: Once completed, an official dedication ceremony will be hosted to acknowledge Italian-American contributions.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new requirement for the creation of a commemorative work on the State Capitol grounds, specifically focusing on the heritage and recognition of Italian immigrants in Minnesota.

Appropriations

• The bill allocates funds from the general fund for the fiscal year 2026 to the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board and the Department of Administration for executing the purposes outlined in this act. These funds are available until June 30, 2028.

Relevant Terms

Italian immigrants, commemorative work, Capitol complex, dedication ceremony, Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, artists, historians, Italian-American cultural organizations, appropriation.