This bill aims to enhance public safety and support health and human services by allowing certain retired peace officers, firefighters, and teachers to participate in the state insurance program until they reach the age of 65, with participation being at their own expense. The bill introduces new definitions for "retired firefighter," "retired peace officer," and "retired teacher," and specifies that these individuals and their dependents are eligible for the program. It also establishes that the commissioner cannot impose policy exclusions for preexisting conditions and outlines the notification process for retired individuals to express their intent to participate in the program.

Additionally, the bill establishes an "intensive comprehensive peace officer education and training program" within the Department of Public Safety to address the shortage of peace officers in Minnesota. This program will reimburse law enforcement agencies for the costs associated with recruiting, educating, and training college graduates to become licensed peace officers. The bill includes provisions for reimbursement grants for training costs, retention bonuses, and student loan debt relief for eligible peace officer candidates. It also appropriates funds for the program's establishment and outreach efforts to attract diverse candidates into law enforcement.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 43A.316