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HF 475

Joint Committee on Library of Congress of United States Congress requested to approve replacement of statue of Henry Mower Rice now on display in National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol, and memorial resolution proposed.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Anderson and 9 co-sponsors

Minnesota seeks federal approval to replace Henry Mower Rice’s statue in National Statuary Hall, paired with a memorial resolution.

Laid on table
#arts #resolutions
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Bill Summary · HF 475

Summary of HF 475 (2025-2026) – Minnesota

Overview

HF 475 proposes actions related to replacing a statue of Henry Mower Rice displayed in the National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol and includes a memorial resolution. The bill indicates involvement by Minnesota’s Joint Committee on the Library of Congress (likely a placeholder title in the prompt) and seeks approval from the U.S. Library of Congress’ Joint Committee on the Library of Congress? (Note: The title as provided states “Joint Committee on Library of Congress of United States Congress requested to approve replacement …” which appears to describe a process for transfer/approval of a statue rather than a Minnesota internal action. The bill text details are not provided here, but the summary focuses on the intent inferred from the title and typical statutory framework used for statuary replacements.)

Purpose and Intent

  • To pursue approval for replacing the statue of Henry Mower Rice, which is currently on display in the National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol.
  • To authorize or request actions in coordination with the U.S. Congress (specifically, the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress) regarding the replacement.
  • To accompany the replacement effort with a memorial resolution (likely expressing recognition or commemorating Henry Mower Rice and/or the replacement decision).

Key Provisions (Inferred)

  • A formal request or process to obtain approval from the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress for the replacement of Rice’s statue.
  • Optional/explicit inclusion of a memorial resolution within the bill, likely commemorating Henry Mower Rice, the replacement process, or related historical significance.
  • Potential designation of authority or duties for Minnesota state officials or legislative bodies to coordinate with federal authorities on timelines, logistics, or recommendations for a new statue to be installed in National Statuary Hall (for example, a replacement statue to be selected by Minnesota to replace Rice’s statue).
  • Possible procedural steps such as reporting requirements, timelines for submission to the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress, and a schedule for presenting or ratifying the replacement plan.

Who is Affected

  • Henry Mower Rice’s statue and its replacement status in National Statuary Hall.
  • Minnesota state government and its legislators (sponsors and committees involved in drafting and advancing the bill).
  • Federal entities responsible for National Statuary Hall, including the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress, which reviews requests related to statue replacements.
  • The public and Minnesota citizens, who may be represented by the memorial resolution and the historical significance behind the statue replacement.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill has a multi-step progress history:
    • Introduction and first reading: May 14, 2025
    • Laid on table: May 14, 2025
    • Committee reporting with a recommendation to adopt as amended: May 9, 2025
    • Second reading: May 9, 2025
    • Third reading and passage: May 13, 2025
    • Final stage: May 14, 2025 (presumably transmitted to the Senate or next chamber, depending on the legislative process)
  • A range of named co-sponsors indicates broad bipartisan or cross-chamber support within the Minnesota House.
  • The exact next steps depend on the receiving chamber’s actions and any federal approval actions required by the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress.

Notes

  • The bill’s title and described action suggest coordination with federal authorities rather than purely state-level decision-making.
  • The absence of the full bill text limits detail on the new statue selection process, funding implications, criteria for replacement, or the precise language of the memorial resolution.
  • If enacted, expect subsequent communications to specify:
    • The selection process for Minnesota’s replacement statue (who chooses the new subject, selection criteria, artist commissions, funding).
    • Timelines for completion and installation.
    • Public input opportunities and historical context considerations.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to include any available text from the bill or align it with Minnesota’s typical procedures for National Statuary Hall replacements.

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

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