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 or when the Minnesota State Patrol requests assistance for state properties, particularly the Minnesota Capitol. 

Minnesota has a responsibility to preserve public safety and protect its residents from the violence and unrest that riots produce. This bill respects Minnesota’s law enforcement and ensures that those in public safety have the resources to provide support to our communities.

The Law Enforcement Operations Account will be funded with a $20 million appropriation from the General Fund. Applications for the funds can then be made by both tribal or local entities and are not exclusively limited to law enforcement.  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 qualify 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, Governor Walz raided 70% of the account to provide Hennepin County $11.7 million to help rebuild public infrastructure, 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.