Bill > SF2565

This bill establishes a voluntary Minnesota Civic Seal designation for high school students to recognize and encourage civic engagement and education. To earn the seal, students must complete rigorous civics coursework that meets state academic standards, participate in a project-based civic assessment with a self-reflection component, engage in at least one civic activity outside the classroom (such as voting in a student election or participating in community service), demonstrate civic dispositions like respect for diverse perspectives, and meet additional criteria developed by the state's education department. The bill requires the commissioner to work with the Minnesota Civic Education Coalition to create specific guidelines by July 31, 2026, ensuring that the criteria are accessible to students from all backgrounds without requiring personal financial expenditure. School districts and charter schools can voluntarily participate by providing information about the seal, maintaining records of students who earn it, and affixing an official insignia to the diplomas of qualifying students. The Department of Education will develop the official insignia and may provide additional recognition materials. The program will become effective for the 2026-2027 academic year, applying to students graduating in 2027 and later, with the goal of promoting active participation in democratic institutions and recognizing students' civic knowledge and skills.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2565&ssn=0&y=2025