This bill establishes the Public Safety Radio and Crime Victims Account within the special revenue fund, aimed at enhancing public safety telecommunications and supporting crime victim services. It amends several sections of Minnesota Statutes to introduce a new fee structure for telecommunications services. Specifically, it imposes a fee of 50 cents per month for each customer access line to fund portable radios and related equipment interoperable with the statewide Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response (ARMER) system, as well as grants for crime victim service providers. The bill also mandates that the commissioner of public safety submit an annual report detailing the account's financial activities starting January 15, 2026.

Additionally, the bill outlines the appropriation of funds from the Public Safety Radio and Crime Victims Account, with half allocated for grants to local government units and state agencies for purchasing or upgrading public safety communication equipment, and the other half for grants to crime victim service providers. These grants are intended to support direct services for victims of various crimes, ensuring that funding reflects the diverse needs of communities affected by violence. The bill includes provisions for grant administration and specifies that the new fee structure will expire on June 30, 2033.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 403.11, 403.113, 403.161, 403.162