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Committee backs bill letting state troopers keep surplus badges at no cost
Summary
House File 1255, amended to match Senate language, authorizes the commissioner of public safety to provide surplus state trooper badges at no cost so current and retired personnel may retain them as keepsakes; the committee moved the bill to the General Register.
ST. PAUL — The House Transportation Committee on Monday advanced House File 1255, which allows current and retired Minnesota state troopers, commercial vehicle inspectors and capital security officers to receive surplus badges at no cost after the state seal update creates surplus inventory.
Representative Novotny introduced the bill and explained it responded to a request from the Minnesota Troopers Association. Mike LeDoux, president of the Minnesota State Patrol Troopers Association and a 30-year trooper, testified in support. “For those who serve in law enforcement, a badge is more than just an identifier. It's a symbol of dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting the people of Minnesota,” LeDoux told the committee. He said the bill prevents badges from being discarded and allows members and retirees to keep them as historical keepsakes or family heirlooms.
The committee adopted an A1 amendment to match the Senate-passed language (Senate File 1158) that provides the badges at no cost rather than requiring purchase. With the amendment adopted, the committee moved House File 1255 to the General Register by voice vote.
Why it matters: Sponsors and the Troopers Association said the badges carry sentimental value and have traditionally been preserved by troopers and families. The bill is an administrative change to how surplus state property is handled following an update to the state seal.
Action: House File 1255 (A1 adopted) moved to the General Register (voice vote).
