Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF475

Introduced
2/13/25  
Refer
2/13/25  
Report Pass
5/9/25  

Caption

Joint Committee on Library of Congress of United States Congress requested to approve replacement of statue of Henry Mower Rice now on display in National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol, and memorial resolution proposed.

Impact

If enacted, HF475 would impact the representation of Minnesota in the National Statuary Hall, transitioning from a historical figure associated with the state's early territorial days to a more contemporary symbol of civil rights and bipartisanship. The bill reflects a shift in legislative priorities, valuing figures who contributed to progressive social change. It also underscores Minnesota's commitment to honoring its influential leaders and their significance in pivotal national movements.

Summary

House File 475 is a memorial resolution from Minnesota that seeks approval from the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to replace the existing statue of Henry Mower Rice in National Statuary Hall with a new statue of Hubert H. Humphrey. The bill advocates for honoring the legacy of Humphrey, a prominent civil rights leader and former Vice President of the United States, by commemorating his contributions to American society and governance, particularly his work in civil rights and social reform.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HF475 appears to be largely positive, with support coming from various legislators who appreciate the importance of commemorating figures like Humphrey. The resolution brings together a sense of pride in Minnesota’s history and recognition of individuals who shaped the national landscape. However, discussions around memorializing figures may provoke debates on historical legacies and the appropriateness of certain representations in public spaces.

Contention

While the bill appears to enjoy broad support, potential points of contention could include differing opinions about the appropriateness of replacing Rice's statue, with some advocating for the preservation of historical representations as they reflect different facets of the state's heritage. These discussions may lead to broader conversations about how states honor their history and the choices of whom to commemorate in public spaces.

Companion Bills

MN SF119

Similar To Requesting the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress of the United States Congress to approve replacement of the statue of Henry Mower Rice now on display in National Statuary Hall in the Capitol of the United States

Previously Filed As

MN SF119

Requesting the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress of the United States Congress to approve replacement of the statue of Henry Mower Rice now on display in National Statuary Hall in the Capitol of the United States

MN A4119

Asks Joint Committee on Library of Congress to approve replacing NJ statues of Richard Stockton and Philip Kearny in National Statuary Hall Collection with statues of Harriet Tubman and Alice Paul.

MN A4120

Asks Joint Committee on Library of Congress to approve replacing NJ statue of Philip Kearny in National Statuary Hall Collection with statue of Alice Paul.

MN HF474

Funding provided for the erection of a new statue in the United States Capitol Statuary Hall, and money appropriated.

MN HC1

Senator Hiram Revels and Fannie Lou Hamer; request joint committee on Library of Congress to approve replacement of current statues with statues of.

MN HC5

Senator Hiram Revels and Fannie Lou Hamer; request joint committee on Library of Congress to approve replacement of current statues with statues of.

MN HC23

B.B. King or Elvis Presley; request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement of Jefferson Davis with either.

MN HC37

B.B. King or Elvis Presley; request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement of Jefferson Davis with either.

MN SF116

Statutory Hall Hubert H. Humphrey statue creation in the United States Capitol appropriation

MN HR1081

To Honor Sculptor Kevin Kresse For Creating The Sculpture Of Arkansas Music Icon Johnny Cash Now On Display In The National Statuary Hall Collection In The United States Capitol.

Similar Bills

MN SF119

Requesting the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress of the United States Congress to approve replacement of the statue of Henry Mower Rice now on display in National Statuary Hall in the Capitol of the United States

MS HB1832

Humphreys County; authorize to make contribution to Belzoni-Humphreys Development Foundation.

MS SB2094

General Fund; FY2026 appropriation to Humphreys County for repairs to the county courthouse.

MS HB987

Appropriation; Humphreys County for infrastructure and site development at Humphreys County Industrial Park.

MS HB799

Appropriation; Humphreys County for infrastructure and site development at Humphreys County Industrial Park.

TN SJR0583

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis upon being named 2025 Tennessean of the Year by The Tennessean.

TN HJR0752

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis upon being named 2025 Tennessean of the Year by The Tennessean.

TN HJR0575

A RESOLUTION to recognize Cathleen Humphrey on the occasion of her being named the 2024–2025 DeKalb West School Teacher of the Year.