Purpose of the Bill

The bill establishes a reimbursement program for law enforcement agencies that incur extraordinary expenses when responding to protests and demonstrations at the Minnesota State Capitol and the governor's residence.

Main Provisions

• Definition of Terms: The bill provides definitions such as "applicant," which refers to municipal or state law enforcement agencies operating in the Capitol and governor's residence, and "protest," which includes public demonstrations, marches, rallies, or gatherings under First Amendment rights.

• Eligible Expenses: The bill specifies that eligible expenses for reimbursement include overtime costs, logistical needs, incidental supplies needed during a protest response, costs to backfill personnel, and expenses for damaged or destroyed equipment.

• Reimbursement Process: Law enforcement agencies have 60 days post-protest to apply for reimbursement. The application must detail the protest and specify costs incurred. The commissioner of public safety oversees this process and has the authority to request additional information, which applicants must supply within 30 days.

• Appeal Process: If an application is denied, agencies may appeal in writing within 30 days of receiving the denial notice. The commissioner responds to the appeal within another 30 days, and applicants have an option for judicial review if needed.

• Reporting: Starting January 15, 2027, the commissioner must provide an annual report to legislative committees overseeing public safety on the program's reimbursements.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill introduces a new funding mechanism for addressing extraordinary expenses associated with law enforcement responses to public protests, requiring funding through the general state fund.

• It establishes a structured process for reimbursement requests and appeals, which did not previously exist as a separate program specifically for protest-related expenses.

Appropriation

• Funds will be allocated for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support the reimbursement program, augmenting the base budget of the Department of Public Safety.

Relevant Terms

law enforcement, reimbursement program, public safety, protests, demonstrations, Minnesota State Capitol, governor’s residence, eligible expenses, overtime costs, logistical needs, public demonstrations, First Amendment rights, appropriation, judicial review.