SF 2565
2nd Engrossment - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)
Posted on 03/24/2026 10:08 a.m.
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A bill for an act
relating to education; establishing a civic seal designation for high school students;
establishing a task force; requiring a report; proposing coding for new law in
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 120B.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
Section 1.
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[120B.091] MINNESOTA CIVIC SEAL DESIGNATION.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end
new text begin Establishment. new text end
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(a) A Minnesota Civic Seal designation is established
for high school students who have demonstrated excellence in civics education and
engagement. The purpose of this designation is to encourage civic learning, promote active
participation in democratic institutions, and recognize students who have achieved a high
level of civic knowledge, skills, and community involvement.
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(b) A student must meet the following minimum criteria to be awarded the Minnesota
Civic Seal:
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(1) complete activities across multiple areas of civic competency, including democratic
engagement, civic knowledge, media literacy, community service, and bridge building, with
demonstrated proficiency in each area;
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(2) complete a civics-related project that involves research, planning, and action on a
community issue, resulting in measurable civic impact or engagement; and
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(3) complete a reflection that evaluates the learning experience, impact, and personal
growth gained from civic engagement activities.
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(c) The criteria must be broad enough for any student in any region or community of
the state to be able to earn the seal without having to spend personal resources to access the
criteria or activity. No specific out-of-school or partisan civic program or provider shall be
named or required as specific criteria. A school district or individual school must not be
obligated to participate in offering or awarding a Minnesota Civic Seal designation.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end
new text begin Minnesota Civic Seal Task Force. new text end
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(a) A Minnesota Civic Seal Task Force is
established to oversee the implementation and ongoing development of the Minnesota Civic
Seal designation. The task force shall be led by the YMCA Center for Youth Voice.
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(b) The task force membership must include:
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(1) the Secretary of State or designee, who shall serve as chair;
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(2) the commissioner of education or designee;
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(3) at least two civic educators representing different regions of the state;
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(4) at least two professional development providers with expertise in civics education;
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(5) at least two high school students who have earned or are working toward the
Minnesota Civic Seal;
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(6) at least one representative from an institution of higher education;
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(7) at least two civic engagement experts or representatives from nonprofit organizations
focused on democracy education or youth civic engagement; and
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(8) other members as determined appropriate by the Secretary of State.
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(c) The task force shall:
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(1) establish and periodically review specific criteria and guidelines for awarding the
Minnesota Civic Seal;
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(2) provide guidance and support to all schools implementing the Minnesota Civic Seal
designation;
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(3) ensure the criteria remain broad and accessible to students from all regions and
backgrounds;
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(4) review and approve program implementation plans submitted by participating schools;
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(5) promote awareness of the Minnesota Civic Seal designation among students,
educators, and communities; and
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(6) submit an annual report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over
kindergarten through grade 12 education on program participation, outcomes, and
recommendations for improvement.
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(d) Members of the task force shall serve without compensation.
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(e) Members of the task force shall serve for a term of three years or until the member
no longer meets the requirement of the role, whichever is sooner.
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(f) The task force shall meet at least twice annually, with additional meetings as called
by the chair.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end
new text begin School participation. new text end
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(a) Participation is optional for any high school to offer
the Minnesota Civic Seal designation. A school that offers or awards a Minnesota Civic
Seal designation must:
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(1) provide information to all secondary students regarding the opportunity to earn the
Minnesota Civic Seal and the criteria for being awarded the recognition; and
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(2) record the designation on the official transcript of each student who earns the
Minnesota Civic Seal.
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(b) A school must not charge a fee to a student or the student's family for participation
in earning the Minnesota Civic Seal.
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(c) A school must notify the task force of its intent to offer or award a Minnesota Civic
Seal designation.
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new text begin Subd. 4. new text end
new text begin Seal and recognition. new text end
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(a) The commissioner of education must publish the
Minnesota Civic Seal requirements adopted by the task force on the department's website.
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(b) The commissioner may also provide additional materials to schools to recognize and
celebrate students who achieve the Minnesota Civic Seal designation.
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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end
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This section is effective for the 2027-2028 academic school year
and applies to students graduating in 2028 and later.
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