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Bill

HF 4734

Week of observance for Hmong heritage established.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Xp Lee

Designates May 14–20 each year as Hmong Heritage Week to recognize, educate about, and celebrate Hmong history, culture, and contributions in Minnesota.

Introduction and first reading, referred to State Government Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 4734

Summary of HF4734 (Minnesota, 2025-2026 Session) – Week of Observance for Hmong Heritage

Bill at a Glance

  • Bill: HF4734
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: Minnesota
  • Subject: Establishing a week-long observance for Hmong heritage
  • Introduced: March 26, 2026
  • Status: Introduced and referred to the State Government Finance and Policy committee; co-sponsored by Xp Lee
  • Proposed New Law Citation: Adds a new statute in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 10, Section 10.5801

Purpose and Intent

The bill designates a formal, annual observance focused on Hmong heritage and contributions to Minnesota. Its core aim is to promote recognition, education, and celebration of Hmong history, culture, and the community’s impact in the state.

Key Provisions

  1. Official Observance Window

    • Establishes May 14 to May 20 each year as the official “Hmong Heritage Week.”

  2. Aims of the Week

    • Encourages all Minnesota residents to:
      • Recognize and honor the history, culture, traditions, and heritage of the Hmong people.
      • Acknowledge the contributions of Hmong people to Minnesota.

  3. Honors and Emphasis of the Week

    • Highlights two main pillars:
      • The history, heritage, resilience, and ongoing cultural traditions of the Hmong people; including their service during the Secret War in Laos and their subsequent refugee journeys to Minnesota.
      • The significant contributions of Hmong Minnesotans in areas such as public service, entrepreneurship, agriculture, education, the arts, and community life, and their broader enrichment of Minnesota’s civic, cultural, and economic landscape.

  4. Governor’s Involvement

    • Encourages the Governor to issue a proclamation recognizing Hmong Heritage Week.
    • Urges the Governor to promote observance through programs, ceremonies, educational activities, and community events.

  5. Community and Institutional Participation

    • Encourages a wide range of entities to participate, including:
      • Schools, libraries, historical societies, cultural institutions, nonprofit organizations, community groups, local governments, and individual residents.
    • Aims to organize and lead programs, ceremonies, educational initiatives, and community events that highlight Hmong history, culture, resilience, and contributions.

Who Is Affected

  • Directly Affected: State government structures through the new statutory observance timeline; state employees and agencies may reference and incorporate activities in line with the designated week.
  • Indirectly Affected: Minnesota residents, educational institutions, cultural organizations, local governments, libraries, and community groups that choose to host programs or events during Hmong Heritage Week.
  • Cultural and Civic Impact: Elevates visibility of Hmong Americans in Minnesota, potentially informing curricula, public programming, and community outreach during the designated week.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Effective Date and Implementation: The bill creates a yearly observance window; ongoing yearly recognition would occur each May 14–20 if enacted.
  • Proclamations and Activities: While the Governor is encouraged to issue a proclamation, actual observance activities are to be organized by schools, libraries, cultural institutions, nonprofits, local governments, and residents, with broad participation encouraged.

Observations

  • The bill emphasizes both historical experiences (including the Secret War in Laos and refugee journeys) and contemporary contributions across multiple sectors.
  • It uses non-binding encouragement (e.g., the governor’s proclamation and invite to organizations) to foster participation rather than mandating specific programs or funding.

If you’d like, I can compare HF4734 to similar heritage observance bills or draft potential program ideas and educational activities that could align with Hmong Heritage Week.

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

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