SF 921

1st Engrossment - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 03/06/2012 02:39pm

A bill for an act
relating to local government; authorizing single source acquisition of public
safety equipment; authorizing long-term leasing of public safety equipment;
proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 471.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

[471.3455] PUBLIC SAFETY EQUIPMENT PURCHASE OR LEASE.

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) "Local government" means a statutory or home rule
charter city, county, town, or fire department, as defined in section 299N.01, subdivision 2.

(b) "Public safety equipment" means vehicles and specialized equipment used in
firefighting, ambulance and emergency medical treatment services, rescue, and hazardous
materials response.

Subd. 2.

Single source acquisition.

Notwithstanding section 465.71 or 471.345,
a local government may acquire by purchase or lease used public safety equipment
without competitive bidding or proposals if the equipment is clearly and legitimately
limited to a single source of supply, and the contract price may be best established by
direct negotiation.

Subd. 3.

Long-term leases authorized.

Notwithstanding section 366.095, 410.32,
412.301, or 465.71, a local government may issue certificates of indebtedness or capital
notes to acquire new or used public safety equipment by lease for a term of up to 15 years.
The obligation created by a long-term lease agreement for public safety equipment must
not be included in the calculation of net debt for purposes of section 475.53, and does not
constitute debt under any other statutory provision. No election is required in connection
with the execution of a lease agreement authorized by this section.