Local governments seek to donate surplus equipment

Local governments may be able to donate surplus equipment to nonprofit organizations without fear of violating state law.

Rep. Carolyn Laine

The House on Thursday passed a conference committee report on HF1003, sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Laine (DFL-Columbia Heights), 129-1. The bill would permit local governments to donate still-working items no longer needed by public agencies — such as cell phones or emergency medical and firefighting equipment — to nonprofit organizations.

The legislation now goes to the Senate, where Sen. Barb Goodwin (DFL-Columbia Heights) is the sponsor.

Police and fire departments often have equipment that remains serviceable but has surpassed expiration dates set by the manufacturer or no longer meets rigorous standards for use because of the age, Laine said. Those items, advocates say, could still be put to use by various nonprofits or public safety agencies in other parts of the world.

State law doesn’t allow local governments to make donations of public property or money without express authority in city statute or charter.

The bill also includes a provision that would limit the liability of local governments regarding donated equipment and would require them to adopt policies on determining what equipment and organizations are eligible to be donated.