HF3105

HF3105 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Formulas for distribution of traffic fine proceeds modified.

Related bill: SF1180

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to modify the formulas for distributing proceeds from traffic fines in Minnesota. Specifically, it addresses how these funds are allocated between local governments and various state funds, aiming to ensure that a portion is reinvested in law enforcement and highway-related purposes.

Main Provisions

Distribution of Fines: The bill specifies that two-thirds of traffic fines collected by local peace officers will be credited to the local government that employs the officer, with the remaining one-third going to the state's highway user tax distribution fund and general fund.
Use of Local Funds: Local governments that receive fine proceeds must allocate at least half of these funds specifically for law enforcement purposes, supplementing rather than replacing existing law enforcement budgets.
State Troopers' Citations: For fines arising from citations issued by state patrol troopers, one-third will go to local entities, while two-thirds will be deposited into the state’s funds.
Allocation for Specific Accounts: Amends how traffic fines and forfeitures are credited, prioritizing the Minnesota grade crossing safety account and the state trunk highway fund for certain receipts.
Court Collected Funds: Details how court-collected fines and penalties must be distributed, largely maintaining existing allocations but formalizing the processes.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Modified Distribution Percentages: Adjusts the specific percentages of fines allocated to local and state funds, ensuring certain portions are reserved for highway user tax distribution and other specified accounts.
Law Enforcement Funding Mandates: Introduces a requirement for local governments to use traffic fine revenues to enhance (and not just maintain) current law enforcement funding.
Clarification on Allocation Procedures: Provides clearer guidelines and timelines for how fines should be processed and distributed by court administrators and collected by officers.

Relevant Terms

Traffic fines
Highway user tax distribution fund
Law enforcement funding
State patrol
Local government funds
Minnesota grade crossing safety account
Court collected fines

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
April 02, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Transportation Finance and Policy
April 02, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Transportation Finance and Policy

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies the disbursement for municipalities using a third to general revenue and two-thirds to management and budget."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the disbursement of traffic fines under section 169.999.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts the proportions of fines that are allocated to local government and the state general fund."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.999",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section updates the distribution of traffic fines and forfeited bail money collected by the State Patrol.",
      "modified": [
        "Divides the receipts between the general fund, the Minnesota grade crossing safety account, and the trunk highway fund."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "299D.03",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Specifies credit allocations to the peace officer training account and the highway user tax distribution fund."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This amendment changes how surcharges are credited under section 357.021.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "357.021",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 7"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amendment to the disposition of fines and penalties collected by court administrators.",
      "modified": [
        "Changes the allocation of fines collected to municipalities or governments and portions allocated to the state funds."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "484.841",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Changes to distribution rules for fines and penalties in Ramsey County District Court.",
      "modified": [
        "Alters the proportion of fines directed to municipal treasurers and state funds."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "484.85",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section modifies the allocation of fines collected for violations prosecuted in district court.",
      "modified": [
        "Defines exact distribution between city or county treasurers and the highway user tax distribution fund."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "484.90",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 6"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Updates the general handling of fines and forfeitures.",
      "modified": [
        "Changes the necessary distributions to county treasury or state fund."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "574.34",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  }
]