Bill > HF2405

This bill requires road authorities (state and county transportation departments) to create and publish detailed public reports before acquiring land easements for road construction, reconstruction, or reconditioning projects in rural or suburban areas. The bill mandates that road authorities first determine if the project meets minimum design standards, and if the proposed road width exceeds those standards, they can only acquire additional land for specific drainage or road safety reasons. The public report must include a clear description of the proposed easement, its location, dimensions, and purpose, along with a detailed justification explaining any safety or drainage concerns motivating the project. The report must be written in plain language, published on the road authority's website, and made available for public review and comment for at least 30 days before any action is taken. The bill also provides definitions for key terms like "easement," "minimum standards," and "road authority" to ensure clarity. The provisions will become effective on August 1, 2025, and will apply to road construction projects starting on or after that date, aiming to increase transparency and public input in transportation infrastructure planning.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2405&ssn=0&y=2025