Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to improve public safety communications across Minnesota by providing financial support for the purchase or upgrade of radios and related equipment used by local governments and state agencies.

Main Provisions

• Grants Appropriation: The bill allocates $2,000,000 for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
• Eligible Recipients: Grants are intended for local government units, federally recognized Tribal entities, and state agencies that participate in the Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response (ARMER) system.
• Use of Funds: The grants must be used specifically for purchasing or upgrading portable and mobile radios, as well as related equipment that is compatible with the ARMER system.
• Match Requirement: Each grant recipient must provide at least a five percent match of the total grant amount from non-state funds.
• Administration: The Department of Public Safety's Emergency Communication Networks Division, in consultation with the Statewide Emergency Communications Board, will administer the grant program.
• Duration of Funds: The appropriated funds will be available for use until June 30, 2028, and this is a onetime funding appropriation.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill does not make direct changes to existing law but provides specific funding to enhance emergency communication capabilities under the established framework of the ARMER system.

Relevant Terms

• Public safety
• Grants
• Radios
• ARMER system
• Emergency communication
• Local units of government
• Tribal entities
• State agencies