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State Representative Joe Atkins
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4192
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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NEW LAW WOULD LET FIREFIGHTERS HELP SICK CHILDREN
ST. PAUL, MN – For more than a decade, Minnesota firefighters have been using “Fill the Boot" campaigns to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). But some local governments have recently expressed safety and liability concerns about “Fill the Boot” campaigns.
Legislation (HF3017) unanimously approved today by the Minnesota House of Representatives addresses those concerns, clarifies the legality of “Fill the Boot” fundraising efforts, and allows firefighters to continue raising funds for charitable causes.
“Minnesota firefighters raised $300,000 in 2009 alone to help fight muscular dystrophy,” said state Rep. Joe Atkins, who authored the legislation. “These brave men and women put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. No law should stand in their way as they go the extra mile to help sick children.”
Minnesota isn’t alone. California passed a law in 2008 allowing “Fill the Boot” campaigns to continue. Other states are following suit. If signed into law, Minnesota’s law would allow full-time firefighters to solicit contributions from motorists while on duty if:
1. The solicitations benefit one nonprofit charitable organization
2. The solicitation does not occur for more than three days each year
3. The charitable organization provides proof of insurance of no less than $1.5 million per occurrence
“These very specific provisions establish clear and reasonable regulations that allow firefighters to continue raising funds while addressing many of the concerns brought forward by local governments,” said Atkins. “It is a common sense solution that lets firefighters do what they do best – help people in need.”
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- Rep. Atkins to Hold Minnesota House Hearing on Economic Impact of Hockey Lockout - (Posted: Jan 2 2013 3:20PM)
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