Division OKs ‘Fill the Boot Bill’

The “Fill the Boot Bill” would streamline permission for firefighters to conduct street corner collections for a good cause.

Since 2000 in Minnesota, firefighters have raised money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association by collecting spare change from motorists stopped at red lights.

HF3017, sponsored by Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL-Inver Grove Heights), would allow a municipality to permit firefighters to use this technique for up to three days a year to benefit one registered nonprofit organization. It was approved by the House Local Government Division Feb. 22 and sent to the House State and Local Government Operations Reform, Technology and Elections Committee.

Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters President Tom Thornberg said that in the three years his members have been conducting fill the boot campaigns in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth collections have increased from $30,000 to $300,000. He said three days is customary because three shifts of firefighters can take a different day.

Minneapolis and Duluth have expressed concerns about liability and requested statutory permission to permit them to allow such charitable solicitation, Atkins said, though they have no reservations about the cause.

MDA spokeswoman Karen Abrahamson said funds raised in Minnesota stay in the state to help fund support groups, provide health care co-payments, offer free summer camps for children, provide flu shots and $3.2 million in research over the past five years.

A companion, SF2413, sponsored by Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope), awaits action by the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee.