SF1266

Purpose

• This bill would create a new provision that allows for certain gifts to public safety officers who are killed in the line of duty, to be given within 24 months after the death. The gifts would be allowed if they are given to officers who are employed by the same state agency or political subdivision as the giver, and if the gifts are intended to honor, commemorate, or support team morale and cohesion.

Key Definitions

• Gift: money, real or personal property, a plaque, or a service given without the giver receiving something of equal or greater value in return.
• Killed in the line of duty: as defined in existing Minnesota law (section 299A.41, subdivision 3).
• Plaque: a decorative item with an inscription recognizing an accomplishment.
• Public safety officer: as defined in section 299A.41, subdivision 4.

Main Provisions

• Creation of a new statute (299A.471) allowing gifts after a public safety officer is killed in the line of duty.
• A gift may be given by any person to one or more public safety officers if all of the following are met: 1) The recipient is a public safety officer employed by the same state agency or political subdivision as the giver. 2) The officer was killed in the line of duty. 3) The gift is given during a consecutive 24-month period beginning on the date of death. 4) The gift honors, commemorates, or provides team morale and cohesion services to the recipient.
• The new provision explicitly overrides certain existing gift restrictions (Notwithstanding sections 10A.071 and 471.895).

Significant Changes to Law

• Adds a carve-out to allow targeted gifts to fallen public safety officers, within a two-year window after death, from any person, provided the gifts meet the stated purposes.
• Expands permissible forms of gifts beyond typical restrictions to include money, property, plaques, or services aimed at honoring or supporting morale and cohesion.

What this means in practice

• The bill formally recognizes a specific exception to existing gift limits, making it easier for individuals to give meaningful acknowledgments or support to officers who died in the line of duty, within a defined time frame and under defined purposes.

Relevant Terms - Gift - Plaque - Killed in the line of duty - Public safety officer - Minnesota Statutes chapter 299A - 299A.471 - Notwithstanding - 10A.071 - 471.895 - 24-month period - honors - commemorates - team morale and cohesion services