HF3495

Purpose

• Expand who can receive state grants to improve school safety, by including nonpublic schools and Tribal contract schools in the Building and Cybersecurity Grant Program. The goal is to strengthen both physical security and cybersecurity at schools.

Main Provisions

• The Building and Cybersecurity Grant Program is expanded to provide grants to:
  • school districts
  • charter schools
  • nonpublic schools
  • Tribal contract schools
• Eligible applicants include cooperative unit school districts or charter schools, and nonpublic schools as defined in statute, or Tribal contract schools. Applicants must follow the grant form and process set by the commissioner.
• If the 2024 appropriation has not yet awarded grants by the effective date, the commissioner may reopen the grant process, adjust preliminary grant amounts, and award additional grants.
• Approved uses of grant funds include:
  • security-related facility improvements
  • cybersecurity measures
  • cybersecurity insurance premiums
  • related costs
• Of the 2024 and 2026 appropriations, up to $100,000 is available specifically for grant administration and monitoring.
• This is a one-time appropriation and remains available until June 30, 2027 2029.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amends Laws 2023 chapter 55 article 8 section 19 subdivision 2 to expand eligibility for school safety grant money to nonpublic schools and Tribal contract schools, and to explicitly cover building security and cybersecurity improvements.

Eligibility and Applications

• Recipients can include districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, and Tribal contract schools. The definition of eligible entities follows the relevant statutes (including nonpublic school and Tribal contract school definitions). Applications must be submitted in the form and manner prescribed by the commissioner.

Funding and Use of Funds

• Funds are dedicated to improving security and cybersecurity, including related costs and insurance premiums. A small portion is reserved for grant administration and monitoring.

Administration and Timing

• The bill specifies a one-time appropriation. If money from the 2024 appropriation hasn’t been awarded, the commissioner can reopen the process and adjust awards. The availability period is through June 30, 2027 2029.

Relevant Terms - Building and cybersecurity grant program - school districts - charter schools - nonpublic schools - Tribal contract schools - cooperative unit school district - grant administration and monitoring - security-related facility improvements - cybersecurity - cybersecurity insurance premiums - appropriation - 2024 appropriation - 2026 appropriation - commissioner - grant process - availability date (June 30, 2027 2029)