Bill > SF1171

This bill increases the number of state rail safety inspectors from six to ten, making technical updates to Minnesota's railroad safety regulations. The bill modifies two existing statutes to reflect this change, specifically amending how railroad companies are assessed to support the expanded rail safety inspector program. Currently, railroad companies that are classified as Class I or Class II and operate in Minnesota are annually assessed to fund the state rail safety inspection program, with costs calculated based on their route miles in the state. The assessment will now support up to ten rail safety inspector positions instead of six, covering expenses such as salaries, administration, travel, equipment, training, and ongoing inspector duties. The assessments will continue to be deposited into a special state rail safety inspection account in the special revenue fund, which can also receive additional funds from donations or transfers. The bill includes an effective date provision stating that the changes take effect the day after final enactment, and it maintains the commissioner's existing investigative powers related to railroad oversight, such as subpoenaing documents, inspecting records, and examining employees under oath.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1171&ssn=0&y=2025