Bill > HF1708

This bill increases the number of state rail safety inspectors in Minnesota from six to ten, and makes a technical correction to the existing law. Specifically, the bill modifies two sections of Minnesota Statutes: section 218.041, subdivision 6, and section 219.015, subdivision 2. The changes allow the commissioner to assess railroad companies to support up to ten rail safety inspector positions, instead of the current six, with the assessment calculated based on the route miles operated by each railroad company in Minnesota. The bill ensures that the additional inspectors will be funded through assessments on railroad companies, with the collected funds deposited into a special state rail safety inspection account. The assessment will cover costs including salaries, administration, supervision, travel, equipment, training, and ongoing inspector duties. The purpose of these changes appears to be to enhance rail safety oversight by increasing the number of state rail safety inspectors. The bill becomes effective the day following final enactment, allowing for an immediate expansion of the rail safety inspection program.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1708&ssn=0&y=2025