MN HF4957

Creates new law allowing American Indian students and staff members to use tobacco, sage, sweetgrass, and cedar to conduct individual or group smudging ceremonies in public schools.

Requires smudging to be conducted under direct supervision of an appropriate staff member, with procedures determined by the building or site administrator.

Amends tobacco prohibition law to permit adults to light tobacco as part of traditional Indian spiritual or cultural ceremonies.

Allows American Indian students to carry medicine pouches containing loose tobacco for observance of traditional spiritual or cultural practices.

Defines "Indian" as a person who is a member of an Indian tribe as defined in Minnesota Statutes section 260.755, subdivision 12.