The bill establishes the Investigative Specialist Grant Program, which is aimed at enhancing public safety by providing funding to law enforcement agencies in Minnesota. A total of $2,000,000 is appropriated from the general fund for fiscal year 2027 to support this initiative. The program is designed to assist agencies in hiring, training, and retaining investigative specialists, with the goal of increasing the rate at which offenses are cleared and improving support for crime victims. Grants of up to $250,000 will be awarded, with priority given to agencies facing high rates of unsolved crimes, inadequate staffing, and those that demonstrate a commitment to improving crime-solving rates.

Grant recipients are required to utilize the funds for various purposes, including creating recruitment protocols, hiring investigative specialists, and developing training programs. Investigative specialists will provide administrative and investigative support but will not hold peace officer status or exercise exclusive peace officer powers. Additionally, grant recipients must report to the commissioner of public safety on the effectiveness of the program, detailing the number of specialists hired, training provided, and the overall impact on crime-solving efforts.