Bill > SF3269

This bill eliminates highway toll collection authority in Minnesota by prohibiting road authorities and private operators from converting highways to toll facilities or imposing user fees on dynamic shoulder lanes and high-occupancy vehicle lanes. Specifically, the bill prevents the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) from charging fees to vehicles using these special lanes, particularly on Interstate 35W, and removes existing provisions that allowed for fee collection. The bill cancels the uncommitted balances in existing high-occupancy vehicle lane user fee accounts, transferring the funds to the general fund and then partially to the trunk highway fund. Effective July 1, 2025, the legislation repeals previous statutes related to user fees and requires MnDOT to remove the ability to collect fees, modify lane usage rules, and update signage accordingly. An appropriation is included to help cover the costs of implementing these changes, such as adjusting fee collection systems and replacing existing signs. The bill aims to make dynamic shoulder lanes and high-occupancy vehicle lanes accessible to all vehicles without additional fees, with exceptions only for multi-occupant vehicles, transit buses, and emergency vehicles.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF3269&ssn=0&y=2025