SF 3160

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 04/02/2025 10:05 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to state government; requiring the commemoration of John Francis Wheaton
on the Capitol complex; requiring community and educational initiatives and
annual reports; appropriating money.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin PURPOSE AND FINDINGS.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Purpose. new text end

new text begin The purpose of this act is to recognize the historic contributions
of John Francis "J. Frank" Wheaton, the first African American elected to the Minnesota
legislature, by requiring a commemorative work in his honor on the State Capitol grounds.
This work will serve as a lasting tribute to Representative Wheaton's legacy in advancing
civil rights, racial justice, and public service in Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Findings. new text end

new text begin The legislature finds that:
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new text begin (1) John Francis Wheaton was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in
1898 and served from 1899 to 1901;
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new text begin (2) Representative Wheaton was a strong advocate for civil rights, education, and
economic opportunities for African Americans in Minnesota;
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new text begin (3) Representative Wheaton's leadership paved the way for future African American
legislators and civic leaders in the state; and
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new text begin (4) establishing a permanent tribute to Representative Wheaton at the Minnesota State
Capitol will educate the public and inspire future generations.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin DESIGN AND INSTALLATION.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Design process. new text end

new text begin The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board
must conduct the commemorative works process pursuant to Minnesota Rules, part
2400.2703, and the commissioner of administration must install a commemorative work
honoring John Francis Wheaton. The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board must
issue a public call for artists to ensure an inclusive design process that reflects Wheaton's
historical significance. When selecting the final design, the Capitol Area Architectural and
Planning Board must consult community leaders, civil rights organizations, historians, and
Representative Wheaton's descendants or representatives from the African American
community.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Progress report. new text end

new text begin The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, in
consultation with the commissioner of administration, must provide an annual report to the
legislature on the status of the project that addresses project progress, including but not
limited to project design, funding, and community engagement efforts.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Completion timeline. new text end

new text begin The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board must
complete the design and site selection phases by December 31, 2026, and the commissioner
of administration must complete the installation phase by December 31, 2027.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin EDUCATIONAL, HISTORICAL, AND CULTURAL INITIATIVES.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Educational curriculum and public awareness. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of
education must develop educational materials about John Francis Wheaton's contributions
to be incorporated into Minnesota history curricula in primary and secondary schools. The
materials must include digital resources, lesson plans, and documentary content for classroom
use.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Historical and cultural programs. new text end

new text begin The Minnesota Historical Society, in
partnership with African American cultural organizations, must:
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new text begin (1) develop programming, including lectures, exhibits, and panel discussions, to highlight
Wheaton's impact; and
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new text begin (2) establish and promote an annual "J. Frank Wheaton Legacy Day" to commemorate
his contributions and encourage civic engagement, particularly among young people.
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin FORMAL DEDICATION CEREMONY.
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new text begin Upon completion of the commemorative work required under this act, the Capitol Area
Architectural and Planning Board must host an official dedication ceremony at the Minnesota
State Capitol and invite the governor, legislators, representatives of the African American
community, educators, historians, and the general public to participate. The ceremony must
include historical reflections on Representative Wheaton's legacy, student presentations,
and community-led discussions on representation in government.
new text end

Sec. 5. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board. new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year
2026 is appropriated from the general fund to the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning
Board for purposes of this act. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2028.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Department of Administration. new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from
the general fund to the commissioner of administration for purposes of this act. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2028.
new text end

Sec. 6. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
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new text begin This act is effective the day following final enactment.
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