HF124

Purpose

This bill would allow state agencies or local governments (political subdivisions) to accept certain gifts related to a public safety officer who is killed in the line of duty, and to spend those gifts to honor the officer, support team morale, or provide related services, while ensuring transparency and proper use.

Key Definitions

• Gift: Money, real or personal property, a plaque, or a service given without the giver expecting equal or greater value in return.
• Killed in the line of duty: The officer’s death while performing duties (as defined in the bill).
• Plaque: A decorative item with an inscription recognizing an accomplishment.
• Public safety officer: The officer defined in state law for purposes of public safety.
• Political subdivision: A county, city, town, or other local government unit.
• State agency: A state government department or agency.

Main Provisions

• Subd.2 — When gifts may be accepted by a state agency or political subdivision:
  • The recipient may accept a gift if the officer was killed in the line of duty.
  • The gift must be given during the 24-month period after the officer’s death.
  • The gift must honor or commemorate the officer or provide team morale or cohesion benefits to the agency or subdivision.
  • The gift must comply with any existing gift policies of the agency or subdivision.
  • The gift must be distributed and used within one year of receipt, and used in line with the donor’s intentions and applicable policies.
• Subd.3 — Gift policies:
  • Agencies or subdivisions may adopt additional requirements or restrictions for gifts received under this section.
• Subd.4 — Reporting:
  • Agencies or subdivisions must report gifts received under this section within three months of use or distribution to the commissioner of public safety.
  • The report must include the amount or description of the gift, its source, and how it was used.
  • The agency must post this information on its website.
  • The commissioner will include this information in a separate report required by another section (299A.012(b)).

How this changes current law

• Creates a new allowance for accepting and using gifts tied to a line-of-duty death of a public safety officer.
• Establishes a clear 24-month window for gifts, a one-year use requirement, and explicit reporting and transparency obligations.
• Allows agencies to adopt additional gift policies to govern these gifts.

Implementation and Oversight

• Local governments and state agencies would manage gifts in accordance with the bill’s definitions and timing.
• The public safety commissioner would compile and review gift reports as part of existing reporting requirements.

Potential Effects

• Provides a formal mechanism to honor fallen public safety officers through gifts while safeguarding public funds and ensuring accountability.
• Increases transparency about gifts received and how they are used by public agencies.

Limitations and Safeguards

• Gifts must align with donor intent and be used within one year.
• Gifts must comply with existing agency policies.
• Public posting and official reporting help prevent misuse or improper acceptance.

Relevant terms - Gift - Plaque - Killed in the line of duty - Public safety officer - State agency - Political subdivision - Gift policies - Reporting - Commissioner of public safety - Use within one year - 24-month period after death