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HF 3801

Tax donation checkoff authorized to benefit crime victims.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Athena Hollins and 1 co-sponsor

Minnesota bill authorizes voluntary income tax refund donations to crime victim assistance programs through a tax return checkoff option.

Author added Wolgamott
#crimevictims #publicsafetydepartment
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 3801

Legislative bill overview

HF 3801 would authorize Minnesota taxpayers to designate a portion of their state income tax refunds to a fund benefiting crime victims. This creates a voluntary donation checkoff mechanism on tax returns, similar to existing checkoff options for other causes in many states. The bill establishes a dedicated revenue stream for victim assistance programs without requiring general fund appropriations.

Why is this important

Crime victim support services often face funding gaps, and voluntary tax checkoffs can generate supplemental revenue without raising taxes. This mechanism allows taxpayers to directly support victim assistance while potentially reducing the burden on state budgets. However, the actual revenue generated depends entirely on voluntary participation rates, which vary significantly across similar programs nationwide.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue predictability: Checkoff programs typically generate modest, fluctuating revenue (often under $1 million annually), making long-term victim services planning difficult
  • Allocation questions: The bill doesn't specify how funds would be distributed among different victim services, types of crimes, or whether administrative costs are covered
  • Taxpayer awareness: Success depends on public knowledge of the checkoff option; many taxpayers remain unaware of existing checkoff programs, limiting participation

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

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