The bill establishes a state-funded cybersecurity grant program aimed at assisting counties and cities in Minnesota that lack the resources to benefit from existing federal and state cybersecurity initiatives. A new grant account is created within the special revenue fund, with appropriated funds available until expended. Eligible counties and cities can apply for grants to cover various cybersecurity-related expenditures, including IT services, equipment for securing operational technology, data storage solutions, and professional consulting services. The commissioner will assess applications based on local needs and the potential to reduce overall cybersecurity risks across the state.

Additionally, the bill outlines the grant application process, specifying that counties and cities can receive an initial grant of up to $25,000 for eligible expenditures, with the possibility of supplemental grants for larger projects. The total grant amount for any single county or city is capped at $1,000,000. Grant recipients are required to report annually on their use of funds, and the commissioner must submit a report to the legislature detailing the grants awarded. The bill appropriates $20,000,000 from the general fund for the fiscal year 2026 to support this program.