HF1255

Purpose

To expand options for public safety employees to reacquire their own badges. The bill allows the state commissioner to sell surplus badges back to the original badge holder (whether currently employed or retired) at a price based on fair market value, bypassing certain existing sale restrictions.

Main Provisions

• Subdivision added to Minnesota Statutes 299D.03 (Surplus badges):
  • The commissioner may sell a surplus badge to the person to whom the badge was issued when they were hired or during their employment.
  • Eligible purchasers may be currently employed or retired.
  • The sale price must be the fair market value (FMV) determined by the commissioner.
  • Affects surplus badges used by three types of public safety personnel: state troopers, commercial vehicle inspectors, and Capitol security officers.
  • The sale is permitted notwithstanding (i.e., overrides) sections 15.054 or 16B.2975 of the law.
• Section 1.b defines “surplus badge” for this section as:
  • A badge bearing any seal issued before May 11, 2024, or
  • The badge of a person who is retired bearing any seal.

Key Terms and Roles

• Surplus badge: A badge that fits the definition above and is eligible for sale under the new provision.
• Commissioner: The state official responsible for determining fair market value and conducting the sale.
• Fair market value (FMV): The sale price set by the commissioner for a surplus badge.

Significance / Changes to Existing Law

• Enables the public safety badge holder (or their estate) to purchase their own badge if it is deemed a surplus.
• Replaces or overrides certain existing restrictions (notwithstanding sections 15.054 and 16B.2975) to permit these sales.
• Expands eligibility to current employees or retirees, broadening who may acquire a surplus badge.
• Introduces a concrete pricing standard (FMV) to guide sales, ensuring a market-based price rather than a fixed or discretionary amount.

Definitions and Scope

• Applies specifically to badges used by state troopers, commercial vehicle inspectors, and Capitol security officers.
• Covers badges with seals, and any badge bearing a seal prior to May 11, 2024, including those held by retirees.

Relevant Terms - surplus badge - fair market value - FMV - commissioner - state trooper - commercial vehicle inspector - Capitol security officer - seal - before May 11, 2024 - retired - not withstanding - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 299D.03 - Section 15.054 - Section 16B.2975