MN HF88

Establishes a special master panel of 3-9 attorneys appointed by the governor by July 1, 2020, to determine awards for disaster assistance to eligible persons impacted by civil unrest in Minnesota during May 25-June 8, 2020.

Defines eligible persons as nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses with 50 or fewer employees, property owners, and residents located within designated eligible zones in Minneapolis (Lake Street, West Broadway Avenue) and Saint Paul (University Avenue), plus any additional zones designated by the governor.

Awards compensate for physical damage to structures and property, and economic losses including lost inventory and employee wages, but excludes future earnings, attorney fees, and losses covered by insurance policies.

Panel must accept claims by September 1, 2020, make award determinations by March 1, 2021, and can provide equity adjustments based on totality of circumstances; awards are final and not subject to judicial review.

Appropriates $125 million for awards to eligible persons and $5 million for administrative expenses in fiscal year 2021; payments do not reduce other compensation obligations and do not count against public assistance program eligibility.