Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish the Minnesota Clearance Grant Program. The primary goal of the program is to reduce violent crime by improving the ability of law enforcement agencies to solve crimes involving nonfatal shootings.

Main Provisions

• Program Establishment: The Minnesota Clearance Grant Program will provide grants to law enforcement agencies. These grants will be used to improve crime-solving strategies and support victims of violent crimes.

• Grant Application and Awards: Law enforcement agencies can apply for these grants by outlining their need and presenting a plan. Priority will be given to agencies with high rates of unsolved nonfatal shootings, inadequate staffing, and those actively collaborating with other agencies.

• Use of Grants: The funds can be used for various purposes, such as hiring staff, providing overtime pay, developing policies, acquiring technology and equipment, and forming partnerships with hospital-based violence intervention programs.

• Reporting: Agencies receiving grants must report twice a year on their activities, including improvements in solving nonfatal shootings, collaborations with other agencies, and the personnel or technology funded through the grants.

Significant Changes

• New Legal Provisions: This bill introduces new provisions under Minnesota Statutes chapter 299A, which formalizes the creation and funding of the Minnesota Clearance Grant Program to tackle crimes involving nonfatal shootings.

• Funding: The bill appropriates funding from the general fund for the program for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, establishing a base appropriation moving forward.

Relevant Terms

Minnesota Clearance Grant Program, nonfatal shootings, law enforcement, solve rate, crime-solving, grants, interagency cooperation, forensic evidence, violence intervention, public safety.