Some larger fire departments receive grants to upgrade their equipment, leaving them with the problem of how to dispose of used equipment that still may be in good working order. Donating to smaller departments is problematic because of the possible liability issue. So some departments simply mothball the equipment and some ship it to other countries.
Rep. Tara Mack (R-Apple Valley) and Sen. Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove) sponsor a new law that will extend civil immunity to a municipality that donates vehicles and equipment used in firefighting, ambulance and emergency medical treatment services, rescue and hazardous materials response.
The issue of concern to city officials is that equipment exposed to high heat situations may not perform as expected and the donating government jurisdiction could be held liable.
The law is effective Aug. 1, 2011.
HF695*/
SF735/CH75
Keeping the courts adequately funded
Public safety finance law doesn’t gut Human Rights Department
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Published 8/11/2011
Governor vetoes public safety bill
At about $1.8 billion in spending, no cuts to courts were proposed
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Published 7/15/2011
DNA - It’s all in the family
Familial DNA could help solve criminal cases, but at what cost?
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Published 4/8/2011
Creating a ‘Safe Harbor’
Wide-ranging support for bill to decriminalize juveniles exploited by prostitution
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Published 4/1/2011
Two omnibus bills merged into one
DFL legislators oppose cuts to Department of Human Rights, Civil Legal Services
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Published 4/1/2011
Safety versus savings
Home fire sprinklers would be costly, but can save lives
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Published 3/4/2011
Minnesota Index: State corrections
Figures and statistics on Minnesota's correctional system
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Published 2/25/2011
How young is too young?
Committee debates age for youth being charged as an adult in certain cases
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Published 2/18/2011