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SF387 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Public safety aid establishment for local governments and tribal governments

Related bill: HF2189

AI Generated Summary

Senate File No. 387 is a bill introduced in the Minnesota State Senate that proposes the creation of a new public safety aid program for counties, local governments, and Tribal governments. Here’s a simple breakdown of what the bill includes:

  1. Definitions:

    • Commissioner: Refers to the Commissioner of Revenue.
    • Local unit: Towns or cities with a population of at least 10,000.
    • Population: Based on the most recent estimates by U.S. Census Bureau, Metropolitan Council, or state demographer.
    • Tribal Governments: Recognized according to specific Minnesota statutes.
    • Tribal Population: Population estimates for federally recognized reservations and trust lands.

  2. Public Safety Aid Allocation:

    • County Aid: Calculated based on county population, with specific allowances (basic and additional) for how many people live inside and outside local units within the county.
    • Tribal Government Aid: Based on Tribal population with similar basic and additional allowances.
    • Local Unit Aid: Based on the population of the local unit and a specific local unit allowance.
    • The Commissioner of Revenue is responsible for calculating these allowances based on appropriated funds.

  3. Usage of Funds:

    • Funds must be used for public safety purposes such as violence prevention and intervention, community engagement, mental health services, and other related public safety needs.
    • Restrictions include not using funds for police pension contributions if previously received state aid, wrongdoing or misconduct costs, purchasing armored vehicles or chemical munitions, or for constructing or remodeling police stations and associated facilities.

  4. Payment and Funding:

    • The Commissioner must certify payment amounts by September 1, 2025, and distribute these funds by December 26, 2025.
    • A total of $300 million is appropriated for this aid in fiscal year 2026, with 30% allocated to counties and Tribal governments and 70% to local units. This is indicated as a one-time appropriation.

This bill aims to support and enhance public safety across Minnesota by providing financial assistance explicitly targeted at public safety needs and community well-being enhancements.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
January 20, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
January 20, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toTaxes
February 02, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill refers to Minnesota Statutes section 473.24 for population estimates conducted by the Metropolitan Council.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "473.24"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Population estimates can also be conducted by the state demographer as referenced in Minnesota Statutes section 4A.02.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "4A.02"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references Minnesota Statutes section 10.65 for definitions related to Minnesota Tribal governments.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "10.65"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill prohibits using aid to replace contributions to police and fire funds if certain police aid is received under Minnesota Statutes chapter 477C.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "477C"
  }
]

Sponsors