1.1 A bill for an act
1.2 relating to state government; requiring the commemoration of John Francis Wheaton
1.3 on the Capitol complex; requiring community and educational initiatives and
1.4 annual reports; appropriating money.
1.5BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.6 Section 1. PURPOSE AND FINDINGS.
1.7 Subdivision 1.Purpose.The purpose of this act is to recognize the historic contributions
1.8of John Francis "J. Frank" Wheaton, the first African American elected to the Minnesota
1.9legislature, by requiring a commemorative work in his honor on the State Capitol grounds.
1.10This work will serve as a lasting tribute to Representative Wheaton's legacy in advancing
1.11civil rights, racial justice, and public service in Minnesota.
1.12 Subd. 2.Findings.The legislature finds that:
1.13 (1) John Francis Wheaton was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in
1.141898 and served from 1899 to 1901;
1.15 (2) Representative Wheaton was a strong advocate for civil rights, education, and
1.16economic opportunities for African Americans in Minnesota;
1.17 (3) Representative Wheaton's leadership paved the way for future African American
1.18legislators and civic leaders in the state; and
1.19 (4) establishing a permanent tribute to Representative Wheaton at the Minnesota State
1.20Capitol will educate the public and inspire future generations.
1Section 1.
25-04844 as introduced03/18/25 REVISOR SGS/AD
SENATE
STATE OF MINNESOTA
S.F. No. 3160NINETY-FOURTH SESSION
(SENATE AUTHORS: MAYE QUADE and Oumou Verbeten)
OFFICIAL STATUSD-PGDATE
Introduction and first reading04/01/2025
Referred to State and Local Government 2.1 Sec. 2. DESIGN AND INSTALLATION.
2.2 Subdivision 1.Design process.The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board
2.3must conduct the commemorative works process pursuant to Minnesota Rules, part
2.42400.2703, and the commissioner of administration must install a commemorative work
2.5honoring John Francis Wheaton. The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board must
2.6issue a public call for artists to ensure an inclusive design process that reflects Wheaton's
2.7historical significance. When selecting the final design, the Capitol Area Architectural and
2.8Planning Board must consult community leaders, civil rights organizations, historians, and
2.9Representative Wheaton's descendants or representatives from the African American
2.10community.
2.11 Subd. 2.Progress report.The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, in
2.12consultation with the commissioner of administration, must provide an annual report to the
2.13legislature on the status of the project that addresses project progress, including but not
2.14limited to project design, funding, and community engagement efforts.
2.15 Subd. 3.Completion timeline.The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board must
2.16complete the design and site selection phases by December 31, 2026, and the commissioner
2.17of administration must complete the installation phase by December 31, 2027.
2.18 Sec. 3. EDUCATIONAL, HISTORICAL, AND CULTURAL INITIATIVES.
2.19 Subdivision 1.Educational curriculum and public awareness.The commissioner of
2.20education must develop educational materials about John Francis Wheaton's contributions
2.21to be incorporated into Minnesota history curricula in primary and secondary schools. The
2.22materials must include digital resources, lesson plans, and documentary content for classroom
2.23use.
2.24 Subd. 2.Historical and cultural programs.The Minnesota Historical Society, in
2.25partnership with African American cultural organizations, must:
2.26 (1) develop programming, including lectures, exhibits, and panel discussions, to highlight
2.27Wheaton's impact; and
2.28 (2) establish and promote an annual "J. Frank Wheaton Legacy Day" to commemorate
2.29his contributions and encourage civic engagement, particularly among young people.
2.30 Sec. 4. FORMAL DEDICATION CEREMONY.
2.31 Upon completion of the commemorative work required under this act, the Capitol Area
2.32Architectural and Planning Board must host an official dedication ceremony at the Minnesota
2Sec. 4.
25-04844 as introduced03/18/25 REVISOR SGS/AD 3.1State Capitol and invite the governor, legislators, representatives of the African American
3.2community, educators, historians, and the general public to participate. The ceremony must
3.3include historical reflections on Representative Wheaton's legacy, student presentations,
3.4and community-led discussions on representation in government.
3.5 Sec. 5. APPROPRIATION.
3.6 Subdivision 1.Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board.$....... in fiscal year
3.72026 is appropriated from the general fund to the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning
3.8Board for purposes of this act. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2028.
3.9 Subd. 2.Department of Administration.$....... in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from
3.10the general fund to the commissioner of administration for purposes of this act. This
3.11appropriation is available until June 30, 2028.
3.12 Sec. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE.
3.13 This act is effective the day following final enactment.
3Sec. 6.
25-04844 as introduced03/18/25 REVISOR SGS/AD