HF3105

HF3105 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Formulas for distribution of traffic fine proceeds modified.

Related bill: SF1180

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to modify the formulas for the distribution of proceeds from traffic fines in the state of Minnesota. It intends to clarify how these fines are allocated between local governments and state funds, specifying their usage to support law enforcement and other specific funds.

Main Provisions

Distribution Formula Changes: The bill alters how traffic fines are distributed between local governments and state funds. Specifically, for administrative violations, a majority of fines will go to the local government and the state highway user tax distribution fund.
Usage for Law Enforcement: At least half of the fines allocated to local governments must be used for law enforcement purposes, supplementing existing funding rather than replacing it.
State Patrol Citations: When state patrol officers issue citations, a portion of the fines is redirected to the fund supporting state highway and safety infrastructure.
Court Fine Allocation: The bill specifies how fines collected in court are distributed. It mandates that fines either go to the municipality where the offense occurred or to specific state funds, including the grade crossing safety account and the state general fund.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Redistribution of Fines: The bill revises percentages and the specific allocation of fine proceeds. This includes redistributing some of the income specifically towards highway infrastructure and municipal law enforcement, which marks a change from broader general fund allocations.
Increased Local Revenue: Local units of government can receive more financial resources from fines than under previous laws, with specific mandates on enhancing law enforcement investments.
Accounting Adjustments: Ensures that the revenue allocation reflects adjustments for checks that have not cleared by the end of the month, enhancing financial transparency and accuracy.

Relevant Terms

Traffic fines
Highway user tax distribution fund
Local government revenue
Law enforcement funding
State patrol
Minnesota grade crossing safety account
State trunk highway fund
State general fund

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
April 02, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Transportation Finance and Policy

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This act modifies the disbursement of fines related to traffic violations under section 169.999.",
      "modified": [
        "Changes allocation between local government and state funds for fines collected from administrative violations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.999",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill modifies the allocation of traffic fines and forfeited bail money under section 299D.03.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustments to the proportions of fine allocations to state and local funds, including specific allocations for violations occurring within municipalities."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "299D.03",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The legislation revises the distribution of surcharges under section 357.021.",
      "modified": [
        "Amends the credit allocations of surcharges to various state accounts including the peace officer training account and general fund."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "357.021",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 7"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The act modifies how fines, fees, and other money are allocated under section 484.841.",
      "modified": [
        "Introduces changes to allocation of collected fines and penalties between local and state funds."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "484.841",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill amends the disposition of fines and fees collected in courts in Ramsey County under section 484.85.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies the distribution process and shares of allocations to local and state funds from fines collected."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "484.85",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section modifies allocation of court-collected money under section 484.90.",
      "modified": [
        "Revises the allocation process of fines collected by district courts, especially in municipalities with populations under 600 or with county-contracted prosecutorial services."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "484.90",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 6"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Changes to the handling of fines and forfeitures are addressed under section 574.34.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies where fines and forfeitures not allocated by specific law are to be deposited, with adjustments based on judicial district."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "574.34",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  }
]