Bill > HF3144

This bill appropriates $2 million total ($1 million in fiscal years 2026 and 2027) from the state's general fund to the Minnesota Department of Transportation to support medical supply delivery using small unmanned aircraft systems (drones) in rural areas. The funding will be used for several specific purposes, including improving air navigation infrastructure to enable drones to fly beyond the visual line of sight, helping entities apply for federal waivers to operate drones beyond visual range, conducting medical supply delivery testing, conducting public education about drone delivery, and developing best practices for these activities. The bill requires the transportation commissioner to collaborate with the state's health commissioner and Board of Pharmacy when spending these funds. This is a one-time appropriation aimed at advancing drone technology for medical supply delivery in rural Minnesota, potentially improving healthcare access in hard-to-reach areas by leveraging unmanned aerial technology.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF3144&ssn=0&y=2025