Office of the Revisor of Statutes
HF 2509
Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)
Posted on 03/17/2025 03:00 p.m.
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A bill for an act
relating to state government; creating the Youth Civic Engagement Act; establishing
a grant program for youth civic engagement; appropriating money; proposing
coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 5; 10.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
Section 1.
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[5.60] YOUTH CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end
new text begin Short title. new text end
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This section may be cited as the "Youth Civic Engagement
Act."
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end
new text begin Definitions. new text end
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(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the
meanings given.
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(b) "Youth" means individuals aged 14 to 24.
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(c) "Civic engagement" means voting, volunteering, participating in community service,
and engaging in advocacy or public decision-making.
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(d) "Eligible organization" means a school, community center, nonprofit organization,
or government agency.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end
new text begin Findings and purpose. new text end
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(a) The Minnesota legislature finds that:
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(1) active civic engagement is essential to a healthy democracy;
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(2) youth are underrepresented in civic and political processes despite their growing
potential to drive social change;
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(3) according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only about 23 percent
of Minnesota high school graduates are considered proficient in civics, indicating that a
majority of students, approximately 77 percent, fail to meet basic civics standards upon
graduation;
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(4) early education and engagement in civic activities increase the likelihood of sustained
involvement throughout adulthood;
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(5) barriers such as lack of education, mentorship, and resources hinder youth from fully
participating in democratic processes;
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(6) research shows that students who participate in service-learning or other civic activities
are more likely to vote and engage in community projects as adults;
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(7) youth civic engagement fosters critical thinking, leadership skills, and a sense of
responsibility toward the community;
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(8) programs such as mock elections, debate clubs, and student government have
demonstrated measurable improvements in students' understanding of civic processes and
their motivation to participate; and
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(9) lack of access to transportation and information often disproportionately affects
marginalized youth, further limiting their civic engagement opportunities.
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(b) The purpose of the Youth Civic Engagement Act is to:
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(1) encourage civic engagement among youth;
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(2) provide resources and opportunities for leadership development and community
involvement;
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(3) partner with educational institutions, local governments, and nonprofit organizations
to establish youth-focused civic programs; and
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(4) address barriers to youth participation, ensuring equitable access to civic resources
and opportunities.
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new text begin Subd. 4. new text end
new text begin Grant program. new text end
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(a) The youth civic engagement initiative grant program is
established to promote youth civic engagement. The secretary of state must establish an
application form and process to award grants to eligible organizations. At a minimum, the
application must include:
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(1) proposed programming and expected outcomes;
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(2) a budget proposal identifying resource needs;
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(3) plans to promote inclusivity and equitable access; and
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(4) strategies for measuring the impact of funded initiatives.
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(b) Grant funds may be used for the following purposes:
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(1) civic education curricula for schools;
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(2) supporting youth-led civic projects addressing local issues;
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(3) hosting civic engagement events, including Youth Civic Engagement Day events;
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(4) providing stipends for youth participating in civic engagement activities;
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(5) establishing mentorship programs pairing youth with civic leaders;
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(6) creating outreach programs to engage rural and underserved communities;
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(7) developing digital platforms and tools to facilitate virtual civic participation and
education; and
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(8) to allocate funds directly to organizations such as Youth Civic Leaders to implement
statewide civic engagement programs.
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Sec. 2.
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[10.598] YOUTH CIVIC ENGAGEMENT DAY.
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The third Friday in October of each year is designated Youth Civic Engagement Day in
Minnesota.
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Sec. 3. new text begin APPROPRIATION; YOUTH CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.
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$....... in fiscal year 2026 and $....... in fiscal year 2027 are appropriated from the general
fund to the secretary of state to make grants for youth civic engagement activities under
Minnesota Statutes, section 5.60, subdivision 4.
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