Bill > HF2375

This bill authorizes the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to conduct comprehensive research on autonomous mower technology, which are robotic devices designed to cut grass or vegetation with minimal human intervention. The research will focus on examining the potential use of these autonomous mowers at rest areas, highway rights-of-way, and other department-owned properties. The commissioner is required to analyze different mower configurations, evaluate their safety in varied terrains like ditches, assess worker safety implications, and investigate the technology's potential benefits in terms of efficiency, maintenance scheduling, and environmental impact. The bill mandates that MnDOT prioritize research on Minnesota-based autonomous mower companies and, if purchasing equipment, must buy from a local company. By February 15, 2027, the commissioner must submit a detailed report to legislative committees outlining research findings, including a proposed pilot project plan, cost-benefit analysis, and challenges associated with implementing autonomous mowing technology. To support this research, the bill appropriates $150,000 in fiscal year 2026 from the general fund specifically for autonomous mowing research and equipment purchase.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2375&ssn=0&y=2025