Purpose

Introduce a new funding program to support a Community Engagement Response Team (CERT) in the Rochester area. The goal is to improve public safety by strengthening connections between the Black community and law enforcement, addressing problems as they arise, creating opportunities, and advocating for the Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) community.

Main Provisions

• Funding: $250,000 is appropriated in fiscal year 2026 from the general fund.
• Administration: The money goes to the commissioner of public safety to award a grant to a nonprofit organization.
• Program focus: The grant funds a Community Engagement Response Team (CERT) in the Rochester area.
• Team composition: The CERT must be made up of community leaders and volunteers.
• Roles and activities: The team acts as a liaison between the Black community and law enforcement, works to resolve or mediate problems, and provides advocacy for the BIPOC community.

How it Works

• This is a new appropriation (a new funding program) intended to establish and sustain a CERT in Rochester.
• The program is administered by the commissioner of public safety and awarded as a grant to a nonprofit organization.

Impact on Existing Law

• Establishes a new funded program (the Community Engagement Response Team) rather than amending existing programs or statutes noted in the excerpt. It creates a dedicated grant and partnership between the public safety system and a nonprofit to serve the Rochester area.

Location and Scope

• Geographic focus: Rochester area.
• Target population: Black community and, more broadly, BIPOC community.

Summary of Significance

• Creates a structured, community-led approach to public safety in Rochester by funding a volunteer-led CERT to facilitate communication, problem-solving, and advocacy between communities and law enforcement.

Relevant Terms - Community Engagement Response Team (CERT) - appropriation - general fund - commissioner of public safety - grant - nonprofit organization - Rochester area - community leaders - volunteers - public safety - liaison - Black community - law enforcement - opportunity mediation - problems - advocacy - Black Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC)