MN HF42

Commissioner of public safety shall make grants to cities or counties to create alternative public safety emergency response programs that respond to 911 calls and situations traditionally handled by peace officers.

Eligible programs must replace primary use of peace officers with appropriately trained professionals, including mental health professionals for mental health crises or chemical dependency, health care professionals for overdoses or substance abuse, and social workers for homelessness situations.

Alternative responders may call for dispatch of peace officers if necessary to protect safety of those involved.

Funds transferred by cities or counties from law enforcement services to qualified alternative responder programs qualify for matching grant funds from the program.

Commissioner must submit a report by January 15 of every odd-numbered year detailing number of grants made, amounts, recipients, services funded, and assessment of results; commissioner may use up to two percent of biennial appropriation for administrative costs.