This bill proposes appropriations from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund for a Community Festival Grant Program. It allocates $1,250,000 for both fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to the Minnesota Humanities Center, which will distribute grants to community-based organizations, cities, and counties to support cultural festivals and events across the state.

The funding can be used for: - Event programming - Staffing - Community outreach - Transportation - Facilities and equipment rentals - Signage

Additionally, up to $200,000 may be reserved for public safety expense reimbursements to county sheriff departments to support these festivals and events.

The bill prioritizes funding for specific cultural festivals, including: - Somali Museum Annual Celebration - Twin Cities Jazz Fest - Selby Avenue Jazz Fest - Hmong Festival - Cinco de Mayo festival - Rondo Days (St. Paul) - Hiddo Soor International Somali Cultural Festival (Plymouth) - Safe Summer Nights (St. Paul) - Somali Independence Day (St. Paul)

The bill was referred to the Committee on Legacy Finance for further consideration.