Want to give the state a monetary gift? There could be a website for that

Officials from Minnesota Management and Budget admit it’s a rarity, but on occasion, Minnesotans will donate money to the state’s coffers for a dedicated purpose.

“It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen,” MMB Legislative Director John Pollard said Wednesday.

Rep. Sarah Anderson (R-Plymouth) sponsors HF4016, which would require MMB to establish and maintain a website allowing people to give money to the state. The bill would require the agency to keep a history of how much is given, itemized by month.

The House State Government Finance Committee held the bill over for possible inclusion in its omnibus bill. It has no Senate companion.

“We’re open to the idea,” Pollard said. “We think it has merit.”

Pollard said the agency is “in the process of creating a plan” to launch the website, including looking at federal government examples. Because MMB already has the staff to create the site, and with limited donations expected, Pollard said he doesn’t expect the bill to cost MMB anything.