HF1814

This bill appropriates funding for grants to purchase or upgrade public safety radio communication equipment in Minnesota. Specifically, it allocates $2 million for fiscal year 2026 and $2 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state’s general fund to the Commissioner of Public Safety.

The grants will be available to local governments, federally recognized Tribal entities, and state agencies that participate in the Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response (ARMER) system, which is Minnesota’s statewide public safety radio communication network. The funds must be used to purchase or upgrade interoperable portable and mobile radios and related equipment.

Each local government unit may receive only one grant, and each grant requires a minimum 5% funding match from non-state sources. The Department of Public Safety’s Emergency Communication Networks Division, in consultation with the Statewide Emergency Communications Board, will administer the grant program.

The appropriation remains available until June 30, 2028, and is classified as a one-time appropriation.