The bill establishes the Investigative Specialist Grant Program, which is aimed at enhancing public safety by providing funding to law enforcement agencies for hiring, training, and retaining investigative specialists. A total of $2,000,000 is appropriated from the general fund for fiscal year 2027 to support this initiative. The commissioner of public safety is tasked with issuing grants, with a maximum of $250,000 available for individual applicants. Priority will be given to agencies with high rates of unsolved crimes, those facing staffing challenges, and those that demonstrate a commitment to improving crime-solving rates through specific plans and performance metrics.

Grant recipients are required to utilize the funds for various purposes, including developing recruitment protocols, training programs, and supervision for investigative specialists. These 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 on the effectiveness of the program, detailing the number of specialists hired, training provided, activities performed, and the overall impact on crime resolution.