2025 Session
Last amended: 2009 session
§ 10.49 — Naming
Plain-Language Summary
Since July 1, 2009, Minnesota laws cannot be named after living people, and state laws may not name councils, buildings, roads, or other government facilities after living people. This rule prevents the use of government naming as a political favor or honor while the person being named is still alive. Named recognition must wait until after a person has passed.
10.49 NAMING.
Laws enacted on or after July 1, 2009, must not be named for living people, and laws may not name councils, buildings, roads, or other facilities or entities after living people.
History:
History: History:
2009 c 101 art 2 s 17
Practical Notes
This law applies to all government naming decisions made through legislation—city councils, school boards, and other local bodies are also covered when naming through state law. Informal naming or dedication plaques not authorized by law may fall outside this restriction. Any law passed after July 1, 2009, that tries to name something after a living person would be in direct violation of this statute.