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Bill

HF 899

Prohibition on American Indian mascots modified, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pam Altendorf and 7 co-sponsors

HF 899 expands restrictions on American Indian mascots and imagery in Minnesota schools and provides targeted funding to help districts transition and implement compliant branding.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Education Policy
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 899

Summary of HF 899 (2025-2026) – Minnesota

Purpose and intent

HF 899 seeks to modify provisions related to the use of American Indian mascots in Minnesota, with additional appropriations. The bill appears to build on prohibitions or restrictions around native-themed mascots and imagery in schools, organizations, or state-affiliated entities, and includes a funding component to support the implementation or related activities. The action history indicates introduction and referral to Education Policy, signaling a focus on educational settings and school environments as a primary domain of impact.

Key provisions (anticipated/presumed based title and context)

  • Prohibition scope: The bill relates to prohibiting or further restricting the use of American Indian mascots, names, logos, or imagery. It may modify existing prohibitions, clarify permissible uses, or expand coverage to additional institutions or programs.
  • Definitions: Likely defines terms such as “American Indian mascot,” “imagery,” “name,” “branding,” and “school or educational program” to ensure consistent application.
  • Exemptions or transitional provisions: May include grandfathering provisions for existing licensed uses, timelines for compliance, or phased implementation.
  • Enforcement and penalties: Potential provisions for compliance monitoring, reporting requirements, or penalties for noncompliance in covered entities (e.g., schools, districts, or organizations).
  • Education-related alignment: Given referral to Education Policy, the bill probably emphasizes school districts, charter schools, and possibly higher education entities within Minnesota’s education system.

Appropriated funds and financial aspects

  • Funding authorization: The title indicates money appropriated, suggesting HF 899 authorizes a specific appropriation to support the changes. Possible uses include:
    • Training and resources for districts to adopt compliant branding
    • Grants or technical assistance for schools transitioning away from mascots
    • Public awareness and stakeholder engagement
    • Oversight, evaluation, or reporting related to mascot usage
  • Eligible uses and recipients: The bill may specify which entities can receive funds (e.g., school districts, independent charter schools, or state agencies) and any matching requirements or reporting burdens.

Who is affected

  • Primary stakeholders: Minnesota K-12 school districts, charter schools, and possibly postsecondary institutions involved in education policy or branding.
  • Students and communities: American Indian students and tribal communities could be impacted by changes in school branding and imagery, including cultural considerations and representation.
  • State and local education authorities: School boards, district administrators, and state education officials would implement, monitor, and report on compliance.
  • Vendors/branding partners: Companies or entities responsible for providing school branding, merchandise, and related design services may need to adjust offerings.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Current status: Introduced on February 17, 2025, and referred to the Education Policy committee.
  • Next steps: The bill would proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor actions in the Minnesota House. If advanced, it would move to the Senate and require eventual enactment by both chambers and the governor.
  • Implementation timeline (typical if enacted): Often, phased implementation with a defined effective date, followed by compliance deadlines for districts and institutions, and a period for distributing appropriated funds.

Notes and considerations

  • The bill’s exact text would clarify the scope (which entities are covered, what constitutes a mascot or imagery, and any exceptions).
  • The amount and terms of the appropriation (dollar figures, duration, and conditions) are essential to assess feasibility and impact.
  • As a 2025-2026 session measure, it sits within ongoing policy debates about school branding, cultural sensitivity, and the role of state policy in local branding decisions.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a more granular level once the bill’s full text or committee analyses are available, including specific sections, fiscal notes, and implementation timelines.

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

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