Rules set for gifts related to the death of public safety officers killed in the line of duty

A new law allows state agencies and political subdivisions to receive certain gifts after a public safety officer from the same agency or political subdivision is killed in the line of duty.

The gift must honor or commemorate the fallen officer, or provide team morale and cohesion services to the recipients, and the gift must follow applicable government gift policies.

Public safety officers include peace officers, corrections officers, firefighters, emergency medical service providers and others in public safety roles.

A state agency or political subdivision shall report any gifts received within three months of use or distribution to the Department of Public Safety. The report must specify the amount or description of the gift, its source, and the use to which it was put. The state agency or political subdivision shall also post this information on its website.

The law also authorizes certain local governments to expend money for a funeral or memorial for a fallen officer, and for travel and participation costs for qualified individuals in national memorial events for fallen public safety officers that occur within 24 months of the death of an officer or local government employee.

Sponsored by Rep. Kaela Berg (DFL-Burnsville) and Sen. Zach Duckworth (R-Lakeville), the law took effect May 1, 2025.

HF124*/SF1266/CH7

HF0124* / SF1266 / CH7