SF4259

Purpose

• Establish a dedicated funding source to support Minnesota’s public safety radio communications system (ARMER) and related equipment.
• Redirect proceeds from sales of abandoned or stolen property into a new Public Safety Radio Account and require regular reporting on the account and grants.

Main Provisions

• Section 1: Restoration or disposal of stolen property (amends 299C.07)

  • The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) must make every effort to return seized or recovered abandoned or stolen property to the lawful owner or to the sheriff of the county where it was stolen within 90 days.
  • If the owner cannot be found or the county cannot be determined, the property must be sold at public auction after two weeks’ published notice in a Ramsey County legal newspaper, including time, place, and a list of property.
  • Proceeds from the sale must cover the sale costs and any related storage or charges; the remaining balance is deposited into the general Public Safety Radio Account (a new or existing fund) in the state’s special revenue fund.

• Section 2: Public Safety Radio Account (new section 403.111)

  • Creation of the Public Safety Radio Account in the special revenue fund.
  • Sources of funds: money deposited from a fee under section 299C.46 subdivision 3 and any interest or earnings of the account.
  • Grants for ARMER: The money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner to grant funds to local government units, federally recognized Tribal entities, and state agencies participating in ARMER (the statewide public safety radio system).
  • Use of grants: Funds may be used to purchase or upgrade portable radios, mobile radios, and related equipment that interoperates with ARMER.
  • Match requirement: Grants to nonstate agencies require a minimum 5% match from nonstate funds.
  • Administration: The Emergency Communication Networks Division of the Department of Public Safety, in consultation with the Statewide Emergency Communications Board, administers the grant program.
  • Administrative cost cap: Up to 2% of the appropriation may be used for grant administration.

• Reporting (Section 2)

  • By January 15, 2027, and annually thereafter, the commissioner must report to the specified legislative chairs and ranking minority members.
  • The report must detail money deposited in the Public Safety Radio Account and grants awarded under the program.

Key Changes to Law

• Creates a dedicated funding stream (Public Safety Radio Account) within the state’s special revenue fund to support ARMER-related radio equipment and interoperability.
• Redirects sale proceeds from abandoned or stolen property to fund public safety radio grants after covering sale expenses.
• Establishes grant terms requiring a 5% nonstate match for nonstate recipients and a 2% administrative cap.
• Implements a formal annual reporting requirement on account activity and grant awards.

Significance and Impact

• Provides stable, dedicated funding for interoperable statewide public safety communications.
• Encourages collaboration across local governments, Tribal entities, and state agencies by offering grants for compatible radio equipment.
• Enhances transparency through regular reporting on fund activity and grant distribution.

Relevant Terms - Public Safety Radio Account - Special Revenue Fund - ARMER (Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response) - Interoperable / interoperable with ARMER - Emergency Communication Networks Division - Statewide Emergency Communications Board - Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) - Abandoned or stolen property - 90 days (timeframe to locate/return property) - Public auction - Ramsey County - Legal newspaper - Proceeds and sale costs - 299C.07 (restoration or disposal of stolen property) - 299C.46 subdivision 3 (fee source) - Grants to local government units, Tribal entities, and state agencies - Grant administration (2% cap) - Nonstate agency match (5%) - Portable radios and mobile radios - General Public Safety Radio Account (balance destination) - January 15, 2027 reporting deadline - Section 403.111 (Public Safety Radio Account)