Assembly Bill 796 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 DMA to oversee the administration of this grant program.

The bill introduces new statutory language under sections 20.465 and 323.64, detailing the grant program's structure and funding. It specifies that the DMA will award grants to nonprofit religious organizations, including federations and networks applying on behalf of their members. The grant funds can be used for various security enhancements, including surveillance systems, training for crisis response, and emergency preparedness. The bill aims to bolster the security of religious organizations in Wisconsin, ensuring they have the necessary resources to protect themselves against potential threats.