The bill appropriates $10,000,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2027 to the commissioner of public safety for grants aimed at enhancing the Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response (ARMER) public safety radio communication system. These grants are intended for local units of government, federally recognized Tribal entities, and state agencies, specifically for the purchase or upgrade of portable and mobile radios, as well as related equipment that is compatible with the ARMER system. Each local government unit is eligible for only one grant, which requires a minimum five percent match from nonstate funds. Additionally, 33 percent of the grant funds must be allocated to local units of government within the metropolitan area as defined by state statutes.

The bill outlines that the grant program will be administered by the director of the Department of Public Safety Emergency Communication Networks division, with the Statewide Emergency Communications Board responsible for approving the methodology for grant allocation. The funds appropriated will remain available until June 30, 2029, ensuring that the necessary resources are provided to improve emergency response communication capabilities across the state.