Bill > SF2928

This bill introduces several provisions aimed at improving work zone safety and modifying provisional driver's license requirements. For highway construction and maintenance contracts involving live traffic, the Minnesota Department of Transportation must now include a specific bid item for flagging hours, ensuring that work zone flaggers are properly accounted for in project specifications. The bill also requires new provisional driver's license applicants to complete a mandatory 30-minute online course on work zone and first responder safety, which will cover best practices, vehicle operator rights and responsibilities, and penalties related to work zones. Additionally, the commissioner must update the driver's manual to include a section on safe operation in work zones and implement a youth billboard design contest to raise awareness about work zone safety. For provisional licenses, the bill slightly modifies language regarding convictions that would disqualify an applicant, changing "shall" to "must" in certain provisions. The work zone safety course and new provisional license requirements will be phased in, with the work zone safety course becoming effective August 1, 2026, and applying to applications submitted on or after that date. These changes are designed to enhance safety for workers, first responders, and drivers in highway construction and maintenance areas.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2928&ssn=0&y=2025