SF5141

Purpose

This bill would stop the Department of Public Safety from accepting money from private sources. This includes donations, nonfederal grants, bequests, and other gifts of money. Any money the department can accept must be usable for divisions or programs that relate to the department’s official duties.

Key Provisions

• The commissioner may not accept donations, nonfederal grants, bequests, or other gifts of money to carry out the department’s duties under chapter 299A or for any other purpose.
• The department may not take contributions unless they can be used for divisions and programs related to the department’s statutory duties.
• Any money donated must be deposited into a special revenue fund account and may be used only for the purpose specified, if the department is authorized to conduct that activity under this chapter.
• By January 15 each year, the commissioner must report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house committees with jurisdiction over public safety policy and finance. The report must detail the money received, the sources, and the specific uses.

Changes to Existing Law

• Amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 299A.012 to prohibit acceptance of private funds for any purpose and to require an annual reporting requirement.
• Establishes that donations must be deposited in the special revenue fund and used only for the stated purpose if the activity is authorized under the chapter.

Administrative Details and Impacts

• Creates a annual reporting obligation to key legislative leaders.
• Tightens control over nonstate funding to ensure alignment with statutory duties and uses within the department.
• May reduce or eliminate private funding flexibility for the Department of Public Safety, shifting reliance to state-approved funding sources.

Relevant Terms - Private funds - Donations - Nonfederal grants - Bequests - Gifts of money - Department of Public Safety - Special revenue fund - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 299A.012 - Prohibition on acceptance - Annual reporting - Divisions and programs - Statutory duties - Public safety policy - Finance committees - January 15 reporting deadline