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.
“I am committed to keeping Minnesotans safe in their homes, communities, and on the streets,” Senator Andrew Mathews (R-Princeton) said Monday. “In times of extraordinary need, law enforcement shows up. This bill ensures that all law enforcement units across Minnesota will get the resources they need, while also ensuring that mutual aid agreements from law enforcement agencies that provide resources in other cities are fully compensated.”
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 three 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.