This bill establishes new liability provisions for individuals who operate motorized vehicles on unsafe ice, specifically holding them responsible for the costs incurred by local law enforcement agencies during search and rescue operations resulting from their violations. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 86B.106, to include a new clause stating that individuals violating prohibitions or restrictions on unsafe ice are liable for these costs, and if multiple individuals are involved, they are jointly and severally liable.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 86B.1065, which mandates that county sheriffs be reimbursed for costs exceeding their regular operating budgets incurred during search and rescue operations on unsafe ice. The reimbursement can come from various sources, including state appropriations. Furthermore, the bill appropriates funds from the general fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the purpose of reimbursing county sheriffs and local law enforcement agencies for these operations, with specific limits on the reimbursement amounts.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 86B.106