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Committee advances bill to update American Indian cultural programming in corrections
Summary
The House Public Safety Committee voted to place House File 12‑65 on the general register after testimony from the bill author and Department of Corrections tribal staff that the statute needs language updates to improve culturally relevant programming for incarcerated Native Americans.
Representative Keeler's House File 12‑65, which seeks to update statutory language governing American Indian cultural programming within the Department of Corrections, was recommended for placement on the general register by the House Committee on Public Safety Finance and Policy.
The bill's author, Representative Keeler, told the committee that the intent is to replace dated terminology and to better support cultural representation in correctional programming. "Native Americans make up approximately 1% of Minnesota's population, yet they represent over 9% of the state's incarceration population, particularly [about] 25% of the female incarceration population," Keeler said in opening remarks. Keeler said the changes are aimed at remedying harmful, outdated wording and improving services that support rehabilitation and reentry.
Wendy Spry, who identified herself as a tribal liaison for the Department of Corrections and a member of the White Earth Nation, described discovering statutory language dating to 1985 during a routine policy review and said the existing wording was harmful and out of date. "The statute as it stands contains terminology that is harmful and perpetuates outdated stereotypes," Spry said, urging modernization to reflect "shared values, respect, and partnership with tribal nations." Anishinaabe Moen, a volunteer cultural coordinator who works with tribes and visits multiple correctional facilities, told the committee that culturally specific practices — language, sweat lodge, drumming and teachings — create immediate wellbeing and connection for incarcerated relatives and that lack of access is often a policy barrier.
Committee members asked about scope and cost. Representative Keeler said the proposal is limited to language changes and is cost neutral; she told the committee she would have included an appropriation if funding for additional materials or staffing had been requested. Representative Repinski asked for usage figures; a volunteer witness estimated more than 60 Native people in units at Stillwater and similar numbers at other facilities.
Following member discussion, the committee voted by voice to recommend House File 12‑65 be placed on the general register. The motion prevailed on an "aye" voice vote.
The bill was discussed in the committee hearing; no amendment was offered during that floor of discussion and the committee moved the bill forward for further consideration.
Ending: The bill will now proceed through the House process on the general register. Further committee or floor action could add fiscal language or implementation details if appropriations or operational changes are proposed.
