Committee lays over bill to create Minnesota Civic Seal after student and educator testimony

Representative Mueller presented House File 2,372 to the House Education Policy Committee on March 25, proposing a Minnesota Civic Seal to recognize high school students who demonstrate civic knowledge and sustained civic engagement. The bill would create a working group — led by the Minnesota Civic Education Coalition in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education — to recommend criteria by June 2026; local school districts would decide how students meet those standards.

Student testifiers and educators told the committee they support the measure. Audrey Stenzel, a sophomore at Mounds View High School, described how participation in youth civic programs changed her trajectory and urged passage. “House File 2,372 will incentivize more students to pursue civics and provide opportunities for students to find their passion in civic engagement,” she said. Other student speakers, including Adonai (Chaska High School) and Landon (Pacelli High School), described youth programs that gave them leadership and legislative‑drafting experience. Brianna Harder, a social studies teacher at Camden High School, said many students in her classes already participate in activities that would meet proposed criteria and called the seal “a way to incentivize both students and teachers to engage in increased civic engagement.”

Representative Mueller emphasized that the bill is intended to preserve local control: the statutory language would create statewide criteria but leave implementation and specific activities to local districts. She told members the working group is open to public input and to submitting to open‑meetings requirements, if that would provide comfort to skeptical members.

Members asked about costs and equity. Representative Keeler and others voiced concern that adding an external activity requirement could disadvantage students without access to after‑school opportunities; Keeler asked whether there would be funding support for districts that need staff time or student transportation. Representative Mueller and testifiers said the working group and local control would allow districts flexibility to make activities accessible; the sponsor also cited a Senate fiscal note that estimated a possible $500,000 cost but said she expects the department could absorb initial costs. Representative Jordan urged explicit inclusion of tribal government engagement in the criteria.

The chair laid House File 2,372 over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill or future consideration so advocates and legislators can work further on criteria, open‑meeting language, and equity concerns.

Ending: The committee did not advance the bill this day; sponsors said they will continue work on funding implications, equitable access and explicit tribal engagement language.