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SF 4819

No-cost contract with a non-profit organization in the state claims and municipality tort claims liability limitations inclusion provision

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Lang

The bill creates a no-cost contract framework with a Minnesota nonprofit and adds liability limits for tort claims against municipalities and state entities.

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
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Bill Summary · SF 4819

Summary of SF 4819 (Minnesota, 2025-2026 Session)

Overview

SF 4819 proposes to establish a no-cost contract framework with a nonprofit organization located in Minnesota and to modify the liability limitations applicable to claims arising from torts against state and municipal entities. The bill is currently in the Judiciary and Public Safety committees and has one named co-sponsor: Rep. Andrew Lang (via sponsorship in the Senate, as indicated by the title “SF” for Senate File).

Purpose and Intent

  • Create or formalize a no-cost contract arrangement with a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization.
  • Add or refine limitations on liability for claims and lawsuits against municipalities and state entities arising from tort (civil wrong) claims.
  • Align contract practices with tort liability protections to possibly reduce costs or provide structured remedies in certain contexts.

Key Provisions (highlights)

Note: The exact text of the bill is not provided here. The following highlights reflect the bill’s title and stated aims and are intended to capture the core likely provisions based on the title and usual legislative drafting patterns.

  1. No-Cost Contract with a Minnesota Nonprofit

    • Establishes a framework whereby the state (or specified public entities) can enter into contracts with a nonprofit organization without the public entity incurring contract costs, or with the nonprofit assuming certain costs ordinarily borne by the public entity.
    • Specifies applicability, scope, and conditions under which such no-cost contracts may be entered (e.g., particular services, activities, or programmatic areas aligned with official duties).

  2. Claims and Municipality Tort Liability Limitations

    • Introduces or clarifies liability limitations for tort claims against municipalities and possibly state entities.
    • Aims to constrain or cap certain damages, define immunities, or set procedures for handling tort-related claims against public entities. Could affect:
      • Caps on damages (economic and non-economic).
      • Limits on liability for the conduct of employees or agents.
      • Procedures for notice, defense, and settlement of claims.
      • Allocation of risk between public entities and third-party contractors (including nonprofits) involved in government programs.

  3. Interaction Between Provisions

    • Provisions likely connect the no-cost contract framework with liability limitations, potentially clarifying that engaging in a no-cost contract with a nonprofit does not expose the public entity to greater liability beyond stated statutory limits.
    • May include conditions or safeguards to preserve public accountability, transparency, and adherence to state procurement rules.

Who/What is Affected

  • Public Entities in Minnesota: State agencies and Minnesota municipalities subject to tort liability rules.
  • Nonprofit Organizations: Minnesota-based nonprofits that may enter into no-cost contracts with public entities under the bill.
  • Contractual Arrangements: Projects or services funded or supported by government programs where a nonprofit could participate without direct contract costs to the government.
  • Potential Claimants: Individuals or entities pursuing tort claims related to activities governed by the enhanced liability limitations.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduction and First Reading: March 25, 2026.
  • Referral: Judiciary and Public Safety committees.
  • Status: As of the last action, the bill has not yet advanced to a floor vote and may undergo amendments in committee.

Notes for Readers

  • Specific dollar amounts, caps, or precise legal language are not provided in the summary available. For a precise understanding, review the bill’s text as introduced and any amendments adopted in committee.
  • The bill’s impact will depend on enacted text, including definitions (e.g., what constitutes a “no-cost contract,” which tort liability limits apply, and any carve-outs or immunities).
  • Stakeholders likely to be interested include public procurement officials, municipal risk managers, Minnesota-based nonprofits, and entities pursuing tort claims against public bodies.

If you would like, I can locate the official bill text or committee hearing records to provide exact provisions, monetary limits, and procedural timelines.

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

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