Senate Bill 789 proposes the establishment of a grant program administered by the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) to provide financial assistance to nonprofit religious organizations for security purposes. The bill stipulates that grants will be prioritized for organizations that have been or are at risk of being targeted by incidents or crimes motivated by bias against a religion or religious group. Each recipient can receive up to $500,000 per fiscal biennium, and the grant funds can be utilized for enhancing physical security, training personnel, and preparing for emergencies. Additionally, the bill creates two positions within the DMA to oversee the administration of this grant program.

The bill introduces new statutory sections, specifically 20.465 (3) (cm) and (cp), which outline the appropriations for the grants and their administration, as well as section 323.64, which details the grant application process and permissible uses of the funds. The legislation aims to bolster the security of religious organizations by providing them with the necessary resources to protect their members and facilities from potential threats.