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Legislative Commission on Cybersecurity Considers League-Supported Digital Security Grant Proposal
The commission, which advises the Legislature on cyber issues, discussed state support to help local governments improve cyber defense.
On Nov. 22, the Legislative Commission on Cybersecurity heard updates from Minnesota IT Services and discussed ways the state could play a larger role in supporting under-resourced cities address cybersecurity challenges.
The League presented information in support of language that was included in a 2024 legislative session bill, HF 5324, which would create a state-funded county and city cybersecurity grant program. Rep. Kristin Bahner (DFL-Maple Grove) sponsored the proposal.
View the League’s cybersecurity presentation.
Program details
The program proposal aims to support counties and cities that currently lack the resources to directly benefit from other federal and state cybersecurity plans and programs and need additional support to reduce overall cybersecurity risks. Components of the proposal include:
- Up to $25,000 grants to any city and county without nonstate matching requirements to cover up to 75% of a total eligible expenditure.
- Potential for a county or city to receive additional awards up to $1 million in total grant funding.
- Eligible expenditures including:
- Equipment to secure operational technology.
- Storage and backup solutions.
- Cloud-based backup and data storage.
- Data management and archiving solutions.
- Secure email hosting, and more.
- Minnesota IT Services manages and administers the program.
Although the state’s revenue won’t be clear until the December 2024 budget forecast, commission members are interested in increasing state support for local governments’ cyber efforts.