This bill establishes a new School Safety Grant Program under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 299A, aimed at funding safety improvements in schools. It defines key terms related to safety projects, including "capital safety improvement project" and "noncapital safety improvements," and outlines eligibility criteria for applicants, which can include public entities, Tribal governments, or private entities. The Minnesota School Safety Center is tasked with creating a list of approved vendors for security services and products, and grant applications must include detailed project descriptions, cost estimates, and other relevant information. The bill also prioritizes grant requests based on local support, project need, and long-term maintenance costs.
Additionally, the bill appropriates $1 billion from the bond proceeds fund for capital safety improvement projects and establishes a School Safety Improvement Account for noncapital projects. It mandates that applicants demonstrate a commitment of matching funds unless they meet specific hardship criteria. The Minnesota School Safety Center is required to report annually on the grants awarded, detailing the total distributed, recipients, and supported projects. The program aims to enhance the physical safety of students and staff in educational environments across Minnesota.