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HF 3538

Classroom instruction related to gender identity prohibited in public schools; parental notification required; grant program to include firearms safety, trap shooting, archery, hunting, and angling in school physical education courses established; and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Davis and 3 co-sponsors

Prohibits gender identity instruction in public schools, requires parental notification for certain content, and creates grants to expand PE with firearms safety and related activi

Introduction and first reading, referred to Education Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 3538

Summary of HF 3538 (2025-2026) – Minnesota

Purpose and intent

HF 3538 proposes several changes related to public education in Minnesota. The bill aims to:
- Prohibit classroom instruction in public schools that addresses gender identity.
- Require parental notification for certain school content or actions.
- Create a grant program to expand school physical education to include firearms safety and related activities (trap shooting, archery, hunting, angling), and to appropriate funding to support these activities.

Key provisions

1) Prohibition on classroom instruction related to gender identity

  • Public school instruction would be prohibited from teaching or presenting topics related to gender identity.
  • The bill details the scope and boundaries of what constitutes prohibited instruction, though precise definitional language is referenced in the bill text. The intent is to limit classroom discussions or materials that address gender identity in a formal instructional setting.

2) Parental notification requirement

  • Schools would be required to notify parents about certain curriculum or instructional content related to gender identity, in line with the prohibition on such instruction.
  • The exact triggers for notification (e.g., topics covered, materials used) would be specified in the bill and are designed to involve parents more directly in decisions about classroom content.

3) Grant program for expanded physical education and firearms safety

  • Establishment of a grant program to support adding or expanding firearms safety and related outdoor activities into school physical education.
  • Eligible activities include:
    • Firearms safety
    • Trap shooting
    • Archery
    • Hunting
    • Angling (fishing)
  • The program would provide money for equipment, instruction, and program implementation in school PE curricula, subject to appropriation and administrative rules.
  • Specific grant criteria, funding levels, deadlines, and reporting requirements would be defined in the program guidelines within the bill.

Subjects and affected entities

  • Public schools and school districts: Direct impact through instruction limits, parental notification requirements, and potential participation in the firearms safety and outdoor activities grant program.
  • Students: Potential changes to curriculum content for gender identity, and opportunities to engage in expanded outdoor and firearms safety activities if grants are awarded.
  • Parents/guardians: Expanded notification obligations and involvement in decisions about curriculum content.
  • Educators and administrators: Compliance with instructional prohibitions, notification standards, and administration of grant-funded programs.
  • Funding and grants administration: Policymakers would allocate and oversee grants to support PE programming including firearms safety and outdoor activities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading: February 19, 2026, with referral to the Education Policy committee.
  • As a bill introduced in the 2025-2026 session, HF 3538 would move through standard committee hearings, potential amendments, floor debates, and votes in both houses (House and Senate) before any final passage.
  • If enacted, effective dates for the prohibitions, notification requirements, and grant program creation would be specified in the final language, including any phase-in timelines, grant application cycles, and implementation deadlines.

Notes and considerations

  • The bill’s language on what constitutes “classroom instruction related to gender identity” and the scope of parental notification would determine enforcement and the potential impact on curricula.
  • The grant program’s availability depends on appropriations and the administrative rules adopted to implement the program.
  • As with many education-related bills, practical impact will depend on how definitions are drafted, the adequacy of funding, and how districts choose to participate in the grant program.

This summary captures the core components and likely implications of HF 3538 based on the bill’s title and summary information. For precise language, definitions, and amendments, the full text of the bill and any fiscal notes released by the Minnesota Legislature should be consulted.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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