Noncommercial radio station grants eligibility modifications and appropriation

This bill modifies eligibility requirements for state grants to noncommercial radio stations in Minnesota and provides a one-time appropriation of $165,000 for fiscal year 2027. The legislation updates the minimum staffing requirement from two full-time employees to 1.5 full-time or equivalent part-time professional staff members and adjusts daily broadcasting hour requirements based on the station's year of eligibility. It also clarifies that stations with Class L1 and LP100 licenses are ineligible, while requiring stations to have community representation on their boards and maintain primarily educational, informational, or cultural programming. The appropriated funds will support the Association of Minnesota Public Educational Radio Stations in helping member stations consolidate resources and expenses through software, training, and assistance.