St. Paul, MN – On Monday, the Senate passed legislation funding the Law Enforcement Operations Account (LEO), securing resources for emergency law enforcement operations tied to extraordinary and unplanned emergency events. The resources can be accessed by state and local law enforcement following an emergency declaration.
“I support providing necessary funding for our law enforcement to keep people safe,” said Senator Gary Dahms (R ‒ Redwood Falls). “Our law enforcement officers have had to deal with a lot of rioting and social unrest. They deserve to know that they will be rightfully paid for the added expenses of keeping peace during a tumultuous time. It is imperative we provide necessary resources for those on the frontlines.”
The Law Enforcement Operations Account will be funded with a $20 million appropriation from the state’s general fund. Fire services, emergency medical services, and other governmental operations can also apply for funding for their needs. Eligible costs include mutual aid, overtime, food, lodging, damaged or destroyed equipment, and emergency management costs. Jurisdictions experiencing the emergency are eligible for reimbursement up to 75% of their expenses and assisting jurisdictions can receive the full 100%.
Applicants have 90 days following the event to request funds. All applications will be reviewed by a five-member reimbursement panel consisting of the Commissioner of Public Safety, two sheriffs, and two police chiefs who will evaluate the requests and make binding recommendations for reimbursement from the account.
Additionally, the legislation excludes riot costs from the Disaster Assistance Contingency Account. Over the past year, the governor has raided 70% of the account to bail out Hennepin County for damage related to last year’s Minneapolis Riots, undermining the spirit of the fund. Under the reform, the account would be only eligible for natural disasters and some human-made disasters like dam or bridge failure.
“We in Greater Minnesota rely on the Disaster Assistance Contingency Account for natural disasters like floods and tornadoes,” said Senator Dahms. “Draining this account risks leaving us unprepared to respond to the next natural disaster. I am glad to support keeping this account focused on its original purpose.”
Senator Dahms is in his fourth term representing Senate District 16 which includes communities in Brown, Lac qui Parle, Lyon, Redwood, Renville, and Yellow Medicine counties. He also serves as chair of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committee and Vice Chair of the Agriculture and Rural Development Finance and Policy Committee.