This bill modifies the requirements for the State Patrol compensation study and introduces provisions for volunteer chaplains within the State Patrol. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 299D.03, to include lieutenants in the list of positions within the State Patrol and updates the salary and reimbursement structure for these roles. The bill also revises the compensation study schedule, removing references to benefits and specifying that the legislative auditor will focus on salary data, including base salary, overtime, and premium pay, while excluding payments for work performed outside the agency. Additionally, it clarifies that salary adjustments for supervisory ranks must be proportionate to those made for patrol troopers. Furthermore, the bill establishes a new section, [299D.14] VOLUNTEER CHAPLAINS, allowing the commissioner or chief supervisor of the State Patrol to recruit and accept volunteer chaplains without compensation. It outlines that these volunteers are not considered state employees and are not subject to state employment laws, although they may receive reimbursement for incidental expenses incurred while serving. The effective date of these changes is set for the day following final enactment, with an expiration date extended to January 1, 2039.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 299D.03
1st Engrossment: 299D.03