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SF 292

Additional state patrol troopers appropriation

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Abeler and 3 co-sponsors

The bill would fund additional Minnesota State Patrol troopers with multi-year General Fund appropriations for staff and equipment, excluding capital security and nonsworn roles.

Referred to Transportation
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Bill Summary · SF 292

Summary of SF 292 (2025-2026) — Additional State Patrol Troopers Appropriation

Purpose and Intent

SF 292 proposes an appropriation from the General Fund to fund additional Minnesota State Patrol troopers. The primary intent is to increase staffing and equipment costs associated with expanding the State Patrol by adding more sworn troopers. The bill explicitly restricts the use of the funds, stating they must not be used for permanent capitol security troopers or nonsworn officers.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Funding Amounts and Timeline
    • Fiscal Year 2025: $7,200,000
    • Fiscal Year 2026: $2,900,000
    • Fiscal Year 2027: $2,900,000
    • These amounts are appropriated from the General Fund to the Commissioner of Public Safety.
  • Authorized Use
    • The funds are for staff and equipment costs associated with additional State Patrol troopers.
  • Restrictions
    • The appropriation may not be used for:
    • Permanent capitol security troopers
    • Nonsworn officers
  • Effective Date
    • The section becomes effective the day after final enactment.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Primary Beneficiary: Minnesota Department of Public Safety, specifically the State Patrol.
  • State Patrol Operations: Increased trooper staffing and related equipment to support broader patrol capabilities.
  • Capitol Security and Nonsworn Roles: Explicit exclusion means those roles cannot be funded by this appropriation.
  • General Public: Potential improvements in patrol presence, traffic enforcement, and public safety efforts contributed by a larger trooper workforce.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Status: Introduced January 16, 2025; referred to Transportation the same day.
  • Sponsors:
    • Primary sponsor: (implied) SF 292
    • Co-sponsors: Michael Kreun, Warren Limmer, John Jasinski, Jim Abeler
  • Next Steps: As a transportation-related appropriation bill, it would proceed through committee discussions (likely the Transportation Committee) and, if advanced, to the broader floor for debate and voting. The fiscal impact would be assessed alongside the state’s budget processes.

Notes

  • The bill’s text emphasizes that the appropriations are for “staff and equipment costs” of additional troopers, not for permanent capitol security or nonsworn staff.
  • The multi-year funding structure (2025–2027) signals an initial ramp and sustained investment over time, pending legislative action and state budget considerations.

If you would like, I can add a comparison to current State Patrol staffing levels or outline potential fiscal implications under different budget scenarios.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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