SF5202

Purpose

• The bill would place a one-year, general-fund appropriation to Minnesota’s Department of Corrections for settling certain claims against the state. These settlements would cover losses or injuries connected to people who are or were incarcerated, or who were injured while performing community service or sentence-to-service work for correctional purposes. The goal is to provide full and final payments under Minnesota law (specifically Minnesota Statutes 3.738 and 3.739). The money is available through June 30, 2027, to pay for permanent injuries if applicable.

Main Provisions

• Creates an appropriation from the general fund to the Commissioner of Corrections for fiscal year 2027.
• Allows full and final settlements of claims against the state under Minnesota Statutes 3.738 and 3.739.
• Applies to claims arising from losses suffered while incarcerated in a state facility.
• Applies to injuries and related medical services for people injured while performing community service or sentence-to-service work for correctional purposes, or while incarcerated.
• Specifies the appropriation is available through June 30, 2027 for payment relating to permanent injuries.

Significance / Changes to Existing Law

• This bill adds a specific funding source and time limit to settle certain liability claims against the state.
• It reinforces existing statutes (3.738 and 3.739) by enabling settlements and payments under them.
• The funding is temporary (fiscal year 2027 with a June 30, 2027 deadline) and is focused on injuries connected to incarceration, community service, or sentence-to-service activities.

Practical Impact

• If a claimant files a covered claim, the Department of Corrections would have funds from the general fund to negotiate and finalize settlements.
• The focus is on ensuring prompt, full, and final compensation for eligible injuries, including permanent injuries, tied to state correctional activities.

Relevant Terms claims against the state; Department of Corrections; general fund; Minnesota Statutes 3.738; Minnesota Statutes 3.739; full and final payment; settlements; losses suffered while incarcerated; injuries; medical services; community service; sentence-to-service; correctional purposes; permanent injuries; June 30, 2027; fiscal year 2027