This bill establishes a state-funded cybersecurity grant program for counties and cities in Minnesota, aimed at enhancing their cybersecurity capabilities. A new grant account is created within the special revenue fund, with appropriated funds available until expended. The program allows counties and cities to apply for grants to cover various cybersecurity-related expenditures, including IT services, equipment for securing operational technology, data management 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. However, the total grant amount for any single entity is capped at $1,000,000. To ensure accountability, grant recipients must report annually on their use of funds, and the commissioner is required to 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 initiative.