House clears way for local governments to donate excess equipment

Minnesota’s local governments could soon be able to donate surplus equipment to nonprofit organizations without fear of violating state law.

The House on Friday passed HF1003, sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Laine (DFL-Columbia Heights), 123-2. It would permit local governments to donate still-working but items that are no longer needed such as cell phones and emergency medical and firefighting equipment to nonprofit organizations.

Rep. Carolyn Laine

The bill 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, she and other advocates for the bill have said, could still be put to use by various nonprofits or public safety agencies in other parts of the world.

MORE: Session Daily coverage of HF1003

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

“This is a great idea long overdue,” said Rep. Joe Hoppe (R-Chaska) before the vote on the bill.

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.