MN HF3796

Persons operating motorized vehicles in violation of unsafe ice prohibitions or restrictions imposed by county sheriffs are liable for all costs incurred by local law enforcement for resulting search and rescue operations.

When two or more persons violate unsafe ice restrictions resulting in a search and rescue operation, each person is jointly and severally liable for the full costs incurred.

County sheriffs must be reimbursed for all costs exceeding their regular operating budget that result from search and rescue operations due to recreational activities on unsafe ice, including reimbursements from the commissioner of natural resources or other available funds.

An unspecified amount from the general fund in fiscal year 2025 is appropriated to the commissioner of natural resources to reimburse county sheriffs and local law enforcement agencies for unsafe ice search and rescue operations, limited to 50 percent of reimbursable costs with a maximum state payment of $5,000 per agency per operation.

The state and political subdivisions are protected from contribution claims by persons liable for reimbursement under this liability provision.