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HF2396 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Statute governing the payment of certain claims against the state modified.

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This proposed legislation aims to modify an existing statute related to the payment of claims against the State of Minnesota. Specifically, it addresses the procedures for settling claims of $7,000 or less related to property damage, personal injury, or death owing to actions or omissions by state employees.

Main Provisions

  • Claims Settlement Authority: The bill mandates that the head of each state department or agency, or a designated representative, is responsible for determining, adjusting, and settling claims not exceeding $7,000. These claims must be related to damages arising from state employee actions performed within their employment scope.
  • Finality of Settlement: Once a settlement is accepted by a claimant, it is deemed final and conclusive for all state officers. The claimant’s acceptance constitutes a full release of further claims against both the state and the involved state employee related to the incident.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The amendment clarifies and reinforces the authority and process for settling smaller claims, ensuring that settlements are both comprehensive and final, barring any fraud. This change aims to streamline the resolution of minor claims and bring consistency to the handling of such issues across state departments.

Relevant Terms

  • Claims settlement
  • State liability
  • Money damages
  • State employee actions
  • Personal injury claims
  • Property damage claims
  • Final and conclusive settlement

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 16, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toState Government Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill modifies the statute related to the payment process for small claims against the state, as outlined in section 3.732, subdivision 2.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification on procedures for settling claims of $7,000 or less against the state."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "3.732",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]

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