Bill > HF4434

This bill, effective July 1, 2026, modifies how design standards and variances are handled for county and municipal state-aid transportation projects, which are roads and streets that receive state funding for construction and maintenance. It establishes that the most recent edition of the Facility Design Guide, or a successor document, will set the design and engineering standards for these projects. The bill also overhauls the process for requesting variances, which are exceptions to these standards, requiring a formal written request submitted as an adopted resolution by the local government. This request must detail the project, the specific standard being varied, the proposed modification with technical information, and an analysis of its economic, social, safety, and environmental impacts, including effects on pedestrians, bicyclists, and emergency services. A new advisory committee on design variances will be established to review these requests, consisting of engineers and officials from local governments and the Department of Transportation, and will provide recommendations to the commissioner. The commissioner must now consider specific criteria and alternative design manuals, such as those from AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) and NACTO (National Association of City Transportation Officials), when evaluating variance requests, with special consideration given to designs that enhance school safety for non-motorized users. Additionally, if a variance is denied, the commissioner must notify legislative committees with justification, including the advisory committee's recommendation. Finally, the commissioner will be required to submit a biennial report to the legislature summarizing the activities and decisions of the advisory committee on variances.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/94/2026/0/HF/4434/