The proposed bill aims to enhance public safety by establishing the Public Safety Radio and Crime Victims Account, which will be funded through a new fee imposed on telecommunications services. Specifically, the bill amends Minnesota Statutes to include a fee of 50 cents per month for each customer access line or equivalent service, which will cover costs related to portable radios and grants for crime victim service providers. Additionally, a new prepaid wireless public safety radio and crime victims fee of 50 cents per retail transaction is introduced. The funds collected from these fees will be allocated to support the statewide Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response (ARMER) system and provide grants to organizations serving crime victims.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the commissioner of public safety submit an annual report detailing the account's financial activities, including deposits and grants awarded. The legislation also specifies that half of the funds in the account will be appropriated for grants to local government units and state agencies for public safety communication equipment, while the other half will support direct services for crime victims, particularly in underserved communities. The provisions of this bill, including the fees and the account, are set to expire on June 30, 2033.

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