The proposed bill establishes the "Lights On" grant program under Minnesota Statutes, section 169.515, aimed at enhancing road safety by providing drivers with vouchers of up to $250 for repairs or replacements of malfunctioning vehicle lighting equipment. The program is designed to alleviate the financial burden of traffic tickets on low-income drivers, promote restorative solutions rather than punitive measures, and improve relations between law enforcement and the community. Eligible applicants for the grants include counties, cities, towns, and local law enforcement agencies, including those from federally recognized tribes.

Additionally, the bill appropriates $1,200,000 from the highway user tax distribution fund for the fiscal year 2025 to support the Lights On grant program, with the same amount set as the base for subsequent years. The commissioner of public safety is tasked with developing application materials and procedures, ensuring that grant recipients report on their expenditures and interactions with drivers. Preference for grant awards will be given to proposals that target areas with high poverty rates and historical underinvestment.