HF2189

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish a public safety aid program to provide financial assistance to local governments, including counties, cities, and Tribal governments, in the state of Minnesota. The funds are intended to support various public safety initiatives, enhance community engagement, and improve emergency services.

Main Provisions

• Definitions: Key terms are defined, such as "commissioner," "local unit," "population," "Tribal governments," and "Tribal population," using established statutory references and population estimates from reputable sources.
• County and Tribal Aid Calculation: Public safety aid for counties and Tribal governments is calculated based on their respective populations. The aid consists of a "basic allowance" and an "additional allowance," which contribute to the total aid amount.
• Local Unit Aid Calculation: Aid for local government units, like cities and towns, is determined by multiplying the local unit's population by a specified allowance.
• Aid Distribution: The commissioner is responsible for calculating allowances that determine the total distribution of funds, ensuring proportional distribution among counties, Tribal governments, and local units.
• Eligible Uses: Funds must be used for public safety-related purposes, including violence prevention, mental health crisis response, victim services, first responder wellness, and equipment for emergency services.
• Prohibited Uses: Funds cannot be used for employer contributions to specific funds, costs related to misconduct, purchasing armored vehicles, tear gas, or for construction and improvement of police stations and related facilities.

Significant Changes

• Appropriation: The bill authorizes a one-time appropriation of $300 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026. This funding is divided with 30 percent allocated to aid counties and Tribal governments, and 70 percent allocated to local units.
• Payment Schedule: The commissioner must certify the aid amounts by September 1, 2025, and ensure full payment is made by December 26, 2025.

Relevant Terms

public safety aid, local governments, Tribal governments, counties, population estimates, basic allowance, additional allowance, community engagement, mental health crisis, emergency services, prohibited uses, appropriation, fiscal year 2026.