MN HF1697

Establishes a voting equipment grant account in the special revenue fund administered by the secretary of state to provide grants to political subdivisions for purchasing or leasing voting equipment, assistive voting technology, electronic roster systems, and other election-related technology approved by the secretary of state.

Limits grants to a maximum of 50 percent of the total cost of eligible equipment, with purchases or leases eligible only if made on or after July 1, 2017.

Requires political subdivisions to submit detailed applications including current voting system information, number of registered voters, grant amount requested, local matching funds, and a certification that they have insufficient resources to purchase equipment without state assistance.

Directs the secretary of state to establish application deadlines, grant award procedures, and verification processes for proper use of grant funds.

Appropriates $14,000,000 in fiscal year 2018 from the general fund to the voting equipment grant account and repeals Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204B.48.

Requires annual reports to legislative committees with jurisdiction over elections policy detailing each grant awarded, including jurisdiction, amount, and equipment type, until appropriated funds are exhausted.