Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 117.041, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Geotechnical investigation before eminent domain proceedings. new text end

new text begin (a) A state agency by order of the commissioner or a political subdivision by resolution may enter property for purposes of investigation, monitoring, testing, surveying, boring, or other similar activities necessary or appropriate to perform geotechnical investigations. new text end

new text begin (b) At least ten days before entering the property, the state agency or political subdivision must serve notice on the property owner requesting permission to enter the property, stating the approximate time and purpose of the entry, and giving the owner the option of refusing entry. If the property owner refuses to consent to the entry, the state agency or political subdivision must apply for a court order authorizing the entry and the removal of any sample or portion from the property, giving notice of the court order to the property owner. The court shall issue an order if the state agency or political subdivision meets the standards in paragraph (a). Notices under this paragraph must be served in the same manner as a summons in a civil action. new text end

new text begin (c) The state agency or political subdivision must not cause any unnecessary damage to the property and must compensate the property owner for any damages actually incurred as a result of the geotechnical investigations. new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 117.51, is amended to read:

117.51 COOPERATION WITH FEDERAL AUTHORITIESnew text begin ; REESTABLISHMENT COSTS LIMITnew text end .

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Cooperation with federal authorities. new text end

In all acquisitions undertaken by any acquiring authority and in all voluntary rehabilitation carried out by a person pursuant to acquisition or as a consequence thereof, the acquiring authority shall cooperate to the fullest extent with federal departments and agencies, and it shall take all necessary action in order to insure, to the maximum extent possible, federal financial participation in any and all phases of acquisition, including the provision of relocation assistance, services, payments and benefits to displaced persons.

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Reestablishment costs limit. new text end

new text begin For purposes of relocation benefits paid by the acquiring authority in accordance with this section, the provisions of Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 24, with respect to reimbursement of reestablishment expenses for nonresidential moves are applicable, except that the acquiring authority shall reimburse the displaced business for eligible expenses up to a maximum of $50,000. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from January 16, 2007. new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 117.52, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

Reestablishment costs limit.

For purposes of relocation benefits paid by the acquiring authority in accordance with this section, the provisions of Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, deleted text begin section 24.304deleted text end new text begin part 24new text end , with respect to reimbursement of reestablishment expenses for nonresidential moves are applicable, except that the acquiring authority shall reimburse the displaced business for new text begin eligiblenew text end expenses deleted text begin actually incurreddeleted text end up to a maximum of $50,000.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from January 16, 2007. new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 160.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 18b. new text end

new text begin Expressway. new text end

new text begin "Expressway" means a divided highway with partial control of access. new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 160.02, subdivision 19, is amended to read:

Subd. 19.

Freeway deleted text begin or expresswaydeleted text end .

"Freeway" deleted text begin or "expressway"deleted text end means a divideddeleted text begin , controlled-accessdeleted text end highway with deleted text begin four or more lanesdeleted text end new text begin full control of accessnew text end .

Sec. 6.

new text begin [160.2721] COMMERCIAL VEHICLE DRIVERS AT REST AREAS. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall allow a commercial motor vehicle operator who is subject to hours of service regulations under Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 395, to stop and park continuously, for a period of up to ten hours as necessary to comply with the hours of service regulations, at any Department of Transportation safety rest area or travel information center that has parking stalls designed to accommodate a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in section 169.01, subdivision 75. new text end

new text begin (b) Any clause or provision in a lease or other agreement for the operation of a Department of Transportation safety rest area or travel information center that purports to limit the requirements under paragraph (a) is void and without effect. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 160.80, is amended to read:

160.80 SIGN FRANCHISE PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.

Commissioner may establish program.

(a) The commissioner of transportation may establish a sign franchise program for the purpose of providing on the right-of-way of interstate and controlled-access trunk highways specific information on gas, food, camping, deleted text begin anddeleted text end lodging, new text begin and 24-hour pharmacies new text end for the benefit of the motoring public.

(b) The sign franchise program must include urban interstate highways.

Subd. 1a.

Eligibility criteria for business panels.

(a) To be eligible for a business panel on a logo sign panel, a business establishment must:

(1) be open for business;

(2) have a sign on site that both identifies the business and is visible to motorists;

(3) be open to everyone, regardless of race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability;

(4) not impose a cover charge or otherwise require customers to purchase additional products or services; and

(5) meet the appropriate criteria in paragraphs (b) to deleted text begin (e)deleted text end new text begin (f)new text end .

(b) Gas businesses must provide vehicle services including fuel and oil; restroom facilities and drinking water; continuous, staffed operation at least 12 hours a day, seven days a week; and public access to a telephone.

(c) Food businesses must serve at least two meals a day during normal mealtimes of breakfast, lunch, and dinner; provide a continuous, staffed food service operation at least ten hours a day, seven days a week except holidays as defined in section 645.44, subdivision 5, and except as provided for seasonal food service businesses; provide seating capacity for at least 20 people; and possess any required state or local licensing or approval. Seasonal food service businesses must provide a continuous, staffed food service operation at least ten hours a day, seven days a week, during their months of operation.

(d) Lodging businesses must include sleeping accommodations, provide public access to a telephone, and possess any required state or local licensing or approval.

(e) Camping businesses must include sites for camping, include parking accommodations for each campsite, provide sanitary facilities and drinking water, and possess any required state or local licensing or approval.

(f) new text begin 24-hour pharmacy businesses must be continuously operated 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and must have a state-licensed pharmacist present and on duty at all times.new text end

new text begin (g) new text end Businesses that do not meet the appropriate criteria in paragraphs (b) to (e) but that have a signed lease as of January 1, 1998, may retain the business panel until December 31, 2005, or until they withdraw from the program, whichever occurs first, provided they continue to meet the criteria in effect in the department's contract with the logo sign vendor on August 1, 1995. After December 31, 2005, or after withdrawing from the program, a business must meet the appropriate criteria in paragraphs (a) to (e) to qualify for a business panel.

deleted text begin (g)deleted text end new text begin (h)new text end Seasonal businesses must indicate to motorists when they are open for business by either putting the full months of operation directly on the business panel or by having a "closed" plaque applied to the business panel when the business is closed for the season.

deleted text begin (h)deleted text end new text begin (i)new text end The maximum distance that an eligible business in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington County can be located from the interchange is: for gas businesses, one mile; for food businesses, two miles; for lodging businessesnew text begin and 24-hour pharmaciesnew text end , three miles; and for camping businesses, ten miles.

deleted text begin (i)deleted text end new text begin (j)new text end The maximum distance that an eligible business in any other county can be located from the interchange shall not exceed 15 miles in either directionnew text begin , except the maximum distance that an eligible 24-hour pharmacy business can be located from the interchange shall not exceed three miles in either directionnew text end .

deleted text begin (j)deleted text end new text begin (k)new text end Logo sign panels must be erected so that motorists approaching an interchange view the panels in the following order: new text begin 24-hour pharmacy, new text end camping, lodging, food, gas.

deleted text begin (k)deleted text end new text begin (l)new text end If there is insufficient space on a logo sign panel to display all eligible businesses for a specific type of service, the businesses closest to the interchange have priority over businesses farther away from the interchange.

Subd. 2.

Franchises.

The commissioner may, by public negotiation or bid, grant one or more franchises to qualified persons to erect and maintain, on the right-of-way of interstate and controlled-access trunk highways, signs informing the motoring public of gas, food, lodging, deleted text begin anddeleted text end camping facilitiesnew text begin , and 24-hour pharmaciesnew text end . A franchisee shall furnish, install, maintain, and replace signs for the benefit of advertisers who provide gas, food, lodging, deleted text begin anddeleted text end camping facilitiesnew text begin , and 24-hour pharmaciesnew text end for the general public, and lease advertising space on the signs to operators of these facilities.

Subd. 3.

Costs.

All costs incurred under the program established by this section must be paid under agreements negotiated between a franchisee and an advertiser or advertisers, unless otherwise provided in the contract between the commissioner and the franchisee.

Subd. 4.

Contract requirements.

(a) All contracts made by the commissioner with a franchisee must provide for:

(1) a requirement that the franchisee obtain liability insurance in an amount the commissioner determines, jointly insuring the state and the franchisee against all liability for claims for damages occurring wholly or in part because of the franchise; and

(2) reasonable standards for the size, design, erection, and maintenance of service information signs and the advertising logos thereon.

(b) The commissioner may require additional terms and conditions, including but not limited to provisions on the renewal and termination of the agreement, and in the event of termination the rights of the state and franchisee relative to the franchisee's advertising contracts.

Subd. 5.

Restrictions.

The commissioner shall take no action under this section which will result in the loss to the state of any federal highway construction funds.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 161.14, subdivision 18, is amended to read:

Subd. 18.

Voyageur Highway.

The following route is named and designated the "Voyageur Highway":

(a) Beginning at a point on Trunk Highway No. 26 on the boundary line between the states of Minnesota and Iowa; thence northerly along Trunk Highway No. 26 to its junction with Trunk Highway No. 61; thence northwesterly along Trunk Highway No. 61 to its junction with Trunk Highway No. 10 in the city of St. Paul; thence extending in a general northwesterly direction along Trunk Highway No. 10 to its junction with Trunk Highway No. 371 at Little Falls; thence extending in a general northerly direction along Trunk Highway No. 371 to its junction with Trunk Highway No. 210 at Brainerd; thence northeasterly along Trunk Highway No. 210 to its junction with Trunk Highway No. 169 at Aitkin; thence in a general northerly direction along Trunk Highway No. 169 to its junction with Trunk Highway No. 2 at Grand Rapidsnew text begin , except that portion that is designated as the Jim Oberstar Causewaynew text end ; thence northwesterly along Trunk Highway No. 2 to its junction with Trunk Highway No. 71 at Bemidji; thence northeasterly along Trunk Highway No. 71 to its junction with Trunk Highway No. 11 at Pelland; thence northeasterly along Trunk Highway No. 11 to its junction with Trunk Highway No. 53 at International Falls; thence southeasterly along Trunk Highway No. 53 to its junction with deleted text begin Trunk Highway No. 61deleted text end new text begin Central Entrancenew text end at Duluthdeleted text begin ;deleted text end new text begin . Beginning at a point on Trunk Highway No. 61 at its junction with Interstate Highway 35 andnew text end thence northeasterly along Trunk Highway No. 61 to the boundary line between the state of Minnesota and the province of Ontario, Canada.

(b) The route of the Voyageur Highway designated and described in clause (a) is supplemented by legs or alternative routes described as follows:

Beginning at a point on Trunk Highway No. 1 at its junction with Trunk Highway No. 61 northerly of Silver Bay; thence northwesterly along Trunk Highway No. 1 to Ely; thence southwesterly along Trunk Highway No. 1 to its junction with Trunk Highway No. 169; thence southerly and westerly along Trunk Highway No. 169 to its junction with Trunk Highway No. 53, and there terminating.

Beginning at a point on Trunk Highway No. 11 at its junction with Trunk Highway No. 53 at International Falls; thence easterly along Trunk Highway No. 11 to its easterly terminus near Island View.

Beginning at a point on Trunk Highway No. 33 at its junction with Interstate Highway marked I-35 southerly of Cloquet, thence northerly along Trunk Highway No. 33 to its junction with Trunk Highway No. 53.

(c) The commissioner of transportation shall:

(1) adopt a suitable marking design of signs or informational plaques;

(2) effect the installation of such signs or plaques in public waysides or other public areas as approved and designated by the commissioner.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 161.14, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 57. new text end

new text begin Purple Heart Trail. new text end

new text begin Statutory Route No. 392, described in section 161.12 and marked on the effective date of this section as Interstate Highway 94, is designated in its entirety within Minnesota as the Purple Heart Trail. Subject to section 161.139, the commissioner shall adopt a suitable marking design to mark this highway and erect appropriate signs at each safety rest area located on the highway. new text end

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 161.14, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 58. new text end

new text begin Dallas Sams Memorial Highway. new text end

new text begin That portion of Legislative Route No. 2, signed as Trunk Highway 210 on the date of final enactment of this section, from the city of Motley to the city of Staples, is designated as the "Dallas Sams Memorial Highway." The commissioner of transportation shall adopt a suitable design to mark this highway and erect appropriate signs, subject to section 161.139. new text end

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 161.14, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 59. new text end

new text begin Walter F. Mondale Drive. new text end

new text begin Trunk Highway marked 53 from its intersection with Superior Street to its intersection with Central Entrance in the city of Duluth, as signed on the effective date of this section, is designated "Walter F. Mondale Drive." Subject to section 161.139, the commissioner of transportation shall adopt a suitable marking design to mark this highway and erect appropriate signs. new text end

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 161.14, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 60. new text end

new text begin Jim Oberstar Causeway. new text end

new text begin The causeway over Pokegama Lake on Trunk Highway 169 is designated the "Jim Oberstar Causeway." The commissioner of transportation shall adopt a suitable design to mark this highway and erect appropriate signs, subject to section 161.139. new text end

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 161.32, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Advertisement for bids.

The commissioner may conduct the work or any part of the work incidental to the construction and maintenance of the trunk highways by labor employed to do the work or by contract. In cases of construction work, the commissioner shall first advertise for bids for contracts, and if no satisfactory bids are received, may either reject all bids and readvertise, or do the work by labor employed to do the work. Except as provided in subdivision 3 or 4, when work is to be done under contract, the commissioner shall advertise for bids once each week for three successive weeks prior to the date the bids are to be received. The advertisement for bids must be published deleted text begin in a newspaper or other periodical of general circulation in the state and may be placeddeleted text end on the Internet. The plans and specifications for the proposed work must be on file in the commissioner's office prior to the first call for bids.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 161.32, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:

Subd. 1b.

Lowest responsible bidder; electronic bids.

Bidders may submit bids electronically in a form and manner required by the commissioner; however, the commissioner may require that all bids deleted text begin of $5,000,000 and overdeleted text end for trunk highway contracts must be submitted electronically.new text begin Notwithstanding section 13.591, subdivision 3, or any other law or rule to the contrary, bids are not required to be opened and read in public if the commissioner publishes the public data specified by section 13.591, subdivision 3, on a state Web site immediately after the deadline for receipt of bids has passed. Bids for federal-aid highway projects must be conducted in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations, title 23, section 635.new text end Trunk highway construction contracts, including design-build contracts, must be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, taking into consideration conformity with the specifications, the purpose for which the contract or purchase is intended, the status and capability of the vendor, and other considerations imposed in the call for bids. The commissioner may decide which is the lowest responsible bidder for all contracts and may use the principles of life-cycle costing, when appropriate, in determining the lowest overall bid. Any or all bids may be rejected. When competitive bids are required and all bids are rejected, new bids, if solicited, must be called for as in the first instance, unless otherwise provided by law.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 161.32, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Trunk highways damaged by spring breakup.

Contracts may be let for the repair and restoration of trunk highways damaged by spring breakup upon advertisement for bids deleted text begin and publication thereof in a newspaper or periodical of general circulationdeleted text end for a period of one week prior to the date such bids are to be received, and upon the mailing of such advertisements to all contractors who have filed a written request therefor.

Sec. 16.

new text begin [161.3203] CONTRACTS FOR WORK FOR TRUNK HIGHWAY. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Privatization transportation contracts. new text end

new text begin For purposes of this section, "privatization transportation contract" means an enforceable agreement, or combination or series of agreements, by which a private contractor agrees with the commissioner of transportation to provide work (1) that is incidental to the construction or improvement of trunk highways, or (2) for maintenance of trunk highways. A privatization transportation contract does not include a design-build contract as defined in section 161.3410, subdivision 3, contracts awarded pursuant to section 161.32, work related to utility relocation, utility relocation agreements, state aid agreements, municipal agreements, interagency agreements, joint powers agreements, partnership agreements, and grant agreements. Privatization transportation contracts also do not include contracts related to aerial photos, asbestos investigation or abatement, communications, computer and information technology, construction contract administration, cultural resource investigations, electronic communications, environmental investigations, expert witnesses, contaminated soil investigations and remediation, geographic information systems, hydraulic and geotechnical studies, intelligent transportation systems, management support, mapping and photogrammetrics, market research, medical analysis, planning, public relations, right-of-way appraisals or acquisitions and field title investigations, research, relocation services, special studies, traffic studies and modeling, and employee training, and does not include services by persons licensed under sections 326.02 to 326.15. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Applicability. new text end

new text begin This section applies to privatization transportation contracts in a total amount greater than $100,000. The requirements imposed by this section are in addition to, and do not supersede, the requirements of any other applicable section of law. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Review of contract costs. new text end

new text begin (a) Before entering into a privatization transportation contract, the commissioner of transportation shall prepare a comprehensive written estimate of the cost of having the same work provided in the most cost-effective manner by agency employees. The cost estimate must include all costs of having agency employees provide the work, including the cost of pension, insurance, and other employee benefits. The cost estimate is nonpublic data, as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 9, until the day after the deadline for receipt of responses under paragraph (b), when it becomes public data. new text end

new text begin (b) After soliciting and receiving responses, the commissioner shall publicly designate the responder to which it proposes to award the privatization contract. The commissioner shall prepare a comprehensive written estimate of the cost of the proposal based on the designated responder's bid, including the cost of a transition from public to private provision of the work, any additional unemployment and retirement benefits resulting from the transfer, and costs associated with monitoring the proposed contract. If the designated responder proposes to perform any or all of the desired services outside the state, the commissioner of transportation shall include in the cost estimate, as nearly as possible, any loss of sales and income tax revenue to the state. The cost estimate must not include trade secret data which is classified as nonpublic data under section 13.37, subdivision 2. new text end

new text begin (c) Before entering into a privatization transportation contract for $250,000 or more, the commissioner shall determine that: new text end

new text begin (1) the cost estimated under paragraph (b) will be lower than the cost estimated under paragraph (a); new text end

new text begin (2) the quality of the work to be provided by the designated responder is likely to equal or exceed the quality of services that could be provided by Department of Transportation employees; new text end

new text begin (3) the contract, together with other privatization transportation contracts to which the department is or has been party, will not reduce full-time equivalent positions within the department or result in layoffs; and new text end

new text begin (4) the proposed privatization contract is in the public interest. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Reports. new text end

new text begin Beginning in 2009, the commissioner shall provide, no later than September 1, an annual written report to the legislature, in compliance with sections 3.195 and 3.197, and shall submit the report to the chairs of the senate and house of representatives committees having jurisdiction over transportation. The report must list all privatization transportation contracts within the meaning of this section that were executed or performed, whether wholly or in part, in the previous fiscal year. The report must identify, with respect to each contract: the contractor; contract amount; duration; work, provided or to be provided; the comprehensive estimate derived under subdivision 3, paragraph (a); the comprehensive estimate derived under subdivision 3, paragraph (b); the actual cost to the agency of the contractor's performance of the contract; and for contracts of at least $250,000, a statement containing the commissioner's determinations under subdivision 3, paragraph (c). new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Short title. new text end

new text begin This section may be cited as the "Taxpayers' Transportation Accountability Act." new text end

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 161.53, is amended to read:

161.53 RESEARCH ACTIVITIES.

The commissioner may set aside in each fiscal year up to two percent of the total amount of all funds appropriated to the commissioner other than county state-aid and municipal state-aid highway funds for transportation research including public and private research partnerships. The commissioner shall spend this money for (1) research to improve the design, construction, maintenance, management, and environmental compatibility of transportation systems; (2) research on transportation policies that enhance energy efficiency and economic development; (3) programs for implementing and monitoring research results; and (4) development of transportation education and outreach activities. Of all funds appropriated to the commissioner other than state-aid funds, the commissioner shall spend new text begin at least new text end 0.1 percent, but not exceeding deleted text begin $800,000deleted text end new text begin $1,200,000new text end in any fiscal year, for research and related activities performed by the Center for Transportation Studies of the University of Minnesota. The center shall establish a technology transfer and training center for Minnesota transportation professionals.

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 164.06, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Extinguishing interest in abandoned road.

(a) After providing notice deleted text begin under section 366.01, subdivision 8deleted text end new text begin as required in paragraph (c)new text end , the town board may by resolution disclaim and extinguish a town interest in a town road without action under subdivision 1 if:

(1) the extinguishment is found by the town board to be in the public interest;

(2) the interest is not a fee interest;

(3) the interest was established more than 25 years earlier;

(4) the interest is not recorded or filed with the county recorder;

(5) no road improvement has been constructed on a right-of-way affected by the interest within the last 25 years; and

(6) no road maintenance on a right-of-way affected by the interest has occurred within the last 25 years.

(b) The resolution shall be filed with the county auditor and recorded with the county recorder.

new text begin (c) Not less than 30 days before the first meeting at which a resolution to disclaim and extinguish a town interest in a town road under this subdivision is discussed, the town board shall provide notice of the meeting by certified mail to each property owner abutting the road to be extinguished. A notice must also be posted as provided under section 366.01, subdivision 8. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 165.01, is amended to read:

165.01 DEFINITIONS.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Scope. new text end

For the purposes of this chapter, the terms defined in new text begin this section and new text end section 160.02 deleted text begin shalldeleted text end have the deleted text begin samedeleted text end meaningsnew text begin given themnew text end .

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin AASHTO manual. new text end

new text begin "AASHTO manual" means the Manual for Condition Evaluation of Bridges, published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. new text end

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 165.03, is amended to read:

165.03 STRENGTH OF BRIDGE; INSPECTION.

Subdivision 1.

Standards generally.

Each bridge, including a privately owned bridge, must conform to the strength, width, clearance, and safety standards imposed by the commissioner for the connecting highway or street. This subdivision applies to a bridge that is constructed after August 1, 1989, on any public highway or street. The bridge must have sufficient strength to support with safety the maximum vehicle weights allowed under sections 169.822 to 169.829 and must have the minimum width specified in section 165.04, subdivision 3.

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

new text begin Inspection. new text end

new text begin (a) Each bridge must be inspected annually, unless a longer interval not to exceed two years for bridges or four years for bridges classified as culverts is authorized by the commissioner. The commissioner's authorization must be based on factors including, but not limited to, the age and condition of the bridge, the rate of deterioration of the bridge, the type of structure, the susceptibility of the bridge to failure, and the characteristics of traffic on the bridge. The commissioner may require interim inspections at intervals of less than one year on bridges that are posted, bridges subjected to extreme scour conditions, bridges subject to significant substructure movement or settlement, and for other reasons as specified or inferred in the AASHTO manual. new text end

new text begin (b) The thoroughness of each inspection depends on such factors as age, traffic characteristics, state of maintenance, and known deficiencies. The evaluation of these factors is the responsibility of the engineer assigned the responsibility for inspection as defined by rule adopted by the commissioner of transportation. new text end

Subd. 2.

Inspection and inventory responsibilities; rules; forms.

(a) The commissioner of transportation shall adopt official inventory and bridge inspection report forms for use in making bridge inspections by the owners or highway authorities specified by this subdivision. deleted text begin Bridgedeleted text end Inspections deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be made at regular intervals, not to exceed two yearsnew text begin for bridges and not to exceed four years for culvertsnew text end , by the following owner or official:

(1) the commissioner of transportation for all bridges located wholly or partially within or over the right-of-way of a state trunk highway;

(2) the county highway engineer for all bridges located wholly or partially within or over the right-of-way of any county or deleted text begin townshipdeleted text end new text begin townnew text end road, or any street within a municipality deleted text begin whichdeleted text end new text begin thatnew text end does not have a city engineer regularly employed;

(3) the city engineer for all bridges located wholly or partially within or over the right-of-way of any street located within or along municipal limits;

(4) the commissioner of transportation in case of a toll bridge that is used by the general public and that is not inspected and certified under subdivision 6; provided, that the commissioner of transportation may assess the owner for the costs of deleted text begin suchdeleted text end new text begin thenew text end inspection;

(5) the owner of a bridge over a public highway or street or that carries a roadway designated for public use by a public authority, if not required to be inventoried and inspected under clause (1), (2), (3), or (4).

(b) The commissioner of transportation shall prescribe the standards for bridge inspection and inventory by rules. The owner or highway authority shall inspect and inventory in accordance with these standards and furnish the commissioner with such data as may be necessary to maintain a central inventory.

Subd. 3.

County inventory and inspection records and reports.

The county engineer shall maintain a complete inventory record of all bridges as set forth in subdivision 2, new text begin paragraph (a), new text end clause (2), with the inspection reports thereof, and shall certify annually to the commissioner, as prescribed by the commissioner, that inspections have been made at regular intervalsnew text begin ,new text end not to exceed two yearsnew text begin for bridges and not to exceed four years for culvertsnew text end . A report of the inspections deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be filed annually, on or before February 15 of each year, with the county auditor or town clerk, or the governing body of the municipality. The report deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end contain recommendations for the correction ofdeleted text begin ,deleted text end or legal posting of load limits on any bridge or structure that is found to be understrength or unsafe.

Subd. 4.

Municipal inventory and inspection records and reports.

The city engineer shall maintain a complete inventory record of all bridges as set forth in subdivision 2, new text begin paragraph (a), new text end clause (3), with the inspection reports thereof, and shall certify annually to the commissioner, as prescribed by the commissioner, that inspections have been made at regular intervalsnew text begin ,new text end not to exceed two yearsnew text begin for bridges and not to exceed four years for culvertsnew text end . A report of the inspections deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be filed annually, on or before February 15 of each year, with the governing body of the municipality. The report deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end contain recommendations for the correction ofdeleted text begin ,deleted text end or legal posting of load limits on any bridge or structure that is found to be understrength or unsafe.

Subd. 5.

Agreement.

Agreements may be made among the various units of governments, or between governmental units and qualified engineering personnel to carry out the responsibilities for the bridge inspections and reports, as established by subdivision 2.

Subd. 6.

Other bridges.

The owner of a toll bridge and the owner of a bridge described in subdivision 2, new text begin paragraph (a), new text end clause (5), shall certify to the commissioner, as prescribed by the commissioner, that inspections of the bridge have been made at regular intervalsnew text begin ,new text end not to exceed two yearsnew text begin for bridges and not to exceed four years for culvertsnew text end . The certification deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be accompanied by a report of the inspection. The report deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end contain recommendations for the correction of or legal posting of load limitations if the bridge is found to be understrength or unsafe.

Subd. 7.

Department of Natural Resources bridge.

(a) Notwithstanding subdivision 2, the commissioners of transportation and natural resources shall negotiate a memorandum of understanding that governs the inspection of bridges owned, operated, or maintained by the commissioner of natural resources.

(b) The memorandum of understanding must provide for:

(1) the inspection and inventory of bridges subject to federal law or regulations;

(2) the frequency of inspection of bridges described in paragraph (a); and

(3) who may perform inspections required under the memorandum of understanding.

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 168.011, subdivision 22, is amended to read:

Subd. 22.

Special mobile equipment.

"Special mobile equipment" means every vehicle not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property and only incidentally operated or moved over a highway, including but not limited to: ditch-digging apparatuses, moving dollies, pump hoists and other water well-drilling equipment registered under chapter 103I,new text begin vehicle-mounted concrete pumps with or without placement booms,new text end street-sweeping vehicles, and other machinery such as asphalt spreaders, bituminous mixers, bucket loaders, tractors other than truck-tractors, ditchers, leveling graders, finishing machines, motor graders, road rollers, scarifiers, truck-mounted log loaders, earth-moving carryalls, scrapers, power shovels, draglines, self-propelled cranes, and earth-moving equipment. The term does not include travel trailers, dump trucks, truck-mounted transit mixers, truck-mounted feed grinders, or other motor vehicles designed for the transportation of persons or property to which machinery has been attached.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2008, and expires December 31, 2010. new text end

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 168.013, subdivision 1e, is amended to read:

Subd. 1e.

Truck; tractor; combination; exceptions.

(a) On trucks and tractors except those in this chapter defined as farm trucks, on truck-tractor and semitrailer combinations except those defined as farm combinations, and on commercial zone vehicles, the tax based on total gross weight shall be graduated according to the Minnesota base rate schedule prescribed in this subdivision, but in no event less than $120.

Minnesota Base Rate Schedule

Scheduled taxes include five percent

surtax provided for in subdivision 14

TOTAL GROSS WEIGHT
IN POUNDS				TAX
A	0	-	1,500	$ . 15
B	1,501	-	3,000	20
C	3,001	-	4,500	25
D	4,501	-	6,000	35
E	6,001	-	deleted text begin 9,000 deleted text end new text begin 10,000 new text end	45
F	deleted text begin 9,001 deleted text end new text begin 10,001 new text end	-	12,000	70
G	12,001	-	15,000	105
H	15,001	-	18,000	145
I	18,001	-	21,000	190
J	21,001	-	26,000	270
K	26,001	-	33,000	360
L	33,001	-	39,000	475
M	39,001	-	45,000	595
N	45,001	-	51,000	715
O	51,001	-	57,000	865
P	57,001	-	63,000	1015
Q	63,001	-	69,000	1185
R	69,001	-	73,280	1325
S	73,281	-	78,000	1595
T	78,001	-	deleted text begin 81,000 deleted text end new text begin 80,000 new text end	1760

(b) For purposes of the Minnesota base rate schedule, for vehicles with six or more axles in the "S" and "T" categories, the base rates are $1,520 and $1,620 respectively.

(c) For each vehicle with a gross weight in excess of deleted text begin 81,000deleted text end new text begin 80,000 new text end pounds an additional tax of $50 is imposed for each ton or fraction thereof in excess of deleted text begin 81,000deleted text end new text begin 80,000 new text end pounds, subject to subdivision 12.

(d) new text begin For purposes of registration identification, for vehicles registered in the "O" category, the owner must declare at the time of registration whether the vehicle will carry a weight of 55,000 pounds or more and therefore be subject to the federal heavy vehicle use tax. For those owners who declare a weight less than 55,000 pounds, a distinctive weight sticker must be issued and the owner is restricted to a gross vehicle weight of less than 55,000 pounds.new text end

new text begin (e) new text end Truck-tractors except those herein defined as farm and commercial zone vehicles shall be taxed in accord with the foregoing gross weight tax schedule on the basis of the combined gross weight of the truck-tractor and any semitrailer or semitrailers which the applicant proposes to combine with the truck-tractor.

deleted text begin (e)deleted text end new text begin (f) new text end Commercial zone trucks include only trucks, truck-tractors, and semitrailer combinations which aredeleted text begin :deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) used by an authorized local cartage carrier operating under a permit issued under section and whose gross transportation revenue consists of at least 60 percent obtained solely from local cartage carriage, and are operated solely within an area composed of two contiguous cities of the first class and municipalities contiguous thereto as defined by section deleted text begin 221.011, subdivision 17deleted text end ; or deleted text end

deleted text begin (2)deleted text end operated by an interstate carrier registered under section 221.60, or by an authorized deleted text begin local cartage carrier or otherdeleted text end carrier receiving operating authority under chapter 221, and operated solely within a zone exempt from regulation pursuant to United States Code, title 49, section 13506.

deleted text begin (f)deleted text end new text begin (g) new text end The license plates issued for commercial zone vehicles shall be plainly marked. A person operating a commercial zone vehicle outside the zone or area in which its operation is authorized is guilty of a misdemeanor and, in addition to the new text begin misdemeanor new text end penalty deleted text begin therefordeleted text end , new text begin the registrar new text end shall deleted text begin havedeleted text end new text begin revokenew text end the registration of the vehicle as a commercial zone vehicle deleted text begin revoked by the registrardeleted text end and shall deleted text begin be required to reregisterdeleted text end new text begin require thatnew text end the vehicle new text begin be registered new text end at 100 percent of the full annual tax prescribed in the Minnesota base rate schedule, and no part of this tax deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin maynew text end be refunded during the balance of the registration year.

deleted text begin (g)deleted text end new text begin (h) new text end On commercial zone trucks the tax shall be based on the total gross weight of the vehicle and during each of the first eight years of vehicle life deleted text begin shall bedeleted text end new text begin isnew text end 75 percent of the Minnesota base rate schedule. During the ninth and succeeding years of vehicle life the tax deleted text begin shall bedeleted text end new text begin isnew text end 50 percent of the Minnesota base rate schedule.

deleted text begin (h)deleted text end new text begin (i) new text end On trucks, truck-tractors and semitrailer combinations, except those defined as farm trucks and farm combinations, and except for those commercial zone vehicles specifically provided for in this subdivision, the tax for each of the first eight years of vehicle life deleted text begin shall bedeleted text end new text begin isnew text end 100 percent of the tax imposed in the Minnesota base rate schedule, and during the ninth and succeeding years of vehicle life, the tax deleted text begin shall bedeleted text end new text begin isnew text end 75 percent of the Minnesota base rate prescribed by this subdivision.

deleted text begin (i)deleted text end new text begin (j) new text end For the purpose of registration, trailers coupled with a truck-tractor, semitrailer combination are semitrailers.

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 168.12, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Additional fee.

(a) In addition to any fee otherwise authorized or any tax otherwise imposed upon any vehicle, the payment of which is required as a condition to the issuance of any plate or plates, the commissioner shall impose the fee specified in paragraph (b) that is calculated to cover the cost of manufacturing and issuing the plate or plates, except for plates issued to disabled veterans as defined in section 168.031 and plates issued pursuant to section 168.124, 168.125, or 168.27, subdivisions 16 and 17, for passenger automobiles. The commissioner shall issue graphic design plates only for vehicles registered pursuant to section 168.017 and recreational vehicles registered pursuant to section 168.013, subdivision 1g.

(b) Unless otherwise specified or exempted by statute, the following plate and validation sticker fees apply for the original, duplicate, or replacement issuance of a plate in a plate year:

License Plate			Single		Double
	Regular and Disability	$	4.50	$	6.00
	Special	$	8.50	$	10.00
	Personalized (Replacement)	$	10.00	$	14.00
	Collector Category	$	13.50	$	15.00
	Emergency Vehicle Display	$	3.00	$	6.00
	Utility Trailer Self-Adhesive	$	2.50
Stickers
	Duplicate year	$	1.00	$	1.00
	International Fuel Tax Agreement	deleted text begin $ deleted text end	deleted text begin 2.50 deleted text end	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin 2.50 new text end

(c) For vehicles that require two of the categories above, the registrar shall only charge the higher of the two fees and not a combined total.

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 168.1255, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin World War II memorial donation matching account. new text end

new text begin Money remaining in the World War II memorial donation matching account after the state share of the construction costs of the World War II memorial has been paid in full is appropriated to the commissioner of veterans affairs for services and programs for veterans and their families. new text end

Sec. 25.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 168A.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

new text begin Commissioner. new text end

new text begin "Commissioner" means the commissioner of public safety. new text end

Sec. 26.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 168A.05, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Content of certificate.

Each certificate of title issued by the department shall contain:

(1) the date issued;

(2) the first, middle, and last namesdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin and new text end the dates of birthdeleted text begin , and addressesdeleted text end of all owners who are natural persons, new text begin and new text end the full names deleted text begin and addressesdeleted text end of all other owners;

(3) new text begin the residence address of the owner listed first if that owner is a natural person or the address if that owner is not a natural person;new text end

new text begin (4) new text end the names deleted text begin and addressesdeleted text end of any secured partiesnew text begin , and the address of the first secured party, listed new text end in the order of prioritynew text begin (i)new text end as shown on the application, ornew text begin (ii)new text end if the application is based on a certificate of title, as shown on the certificate, ornew text begin (iii)new text end as otherwise determined by the department;

deleted text begin (4)deleted text end new text begin (5)new text end any liens filed pursuant to a court order or by a public agency responsible for child support enforcement against the owner;

deleted text begin (5)deleted text end new text begin (6)new text end the title number assigned to the vehicle;

deleted text begin (6)deleted text end new text begin (7)new text end a description of the vehicle including, so far as the following data exists, its make, model, year, identifying number, type of body, whether new or used, and if a new vehicle, the date of the first sale of the vehicle for use;

deleted text begin (7)deleted text end new text begin (8)new text end with respect tonew text begin anew text end motor deleted text begin vehiclesdeleted text end new text begin vehiclenew text end subject to deleted text begin the provisions ofdeleted text end section 325E.15,new text begin (i)new text end the true cumulative mileage registered on the odometer ornew text begin (ii)new text end that the actual mileage is unknown if the odometer reading is known by the owner to be different from the true mileage;

deleted text begin (8)deleted text end new text begin (9)new text end with respect to deleted text begin vehiclesdeleted text end new text begin a vehiclenew text end subject to sections 325F.6641 and 325F.6642, the appropriate term "flood damaged," "rebuilt," "prior salvage," or "reconstructed";

deleted text begin (9)deleted text end new text begin (10)new text end with respect to a vehicle contaminated by methamphetamine production, if the registrar has received the certificate of title and notice described in section 152.0275, subdivision 2, paragraph (g), the term "hazardous waste contaminated vehicle"; deleted text begin anddeleted text end

deleted text begin (10) deleted text end new text begin (11) with respect to a vehicle subject to section 325F.665, the term "lemon law vehicle"; and new text end

new text begin (12) new text end any other data the department prescribes.

Sec. 27.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 168A.05, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Forms.

(a) The certificate of title shall contain forms:

(1) for assignment and warranty of title by the owner;

(2) for assignment and warranty of title by a dealer;

(3) to apply for a certificate of title by a transferee;

(4) to name a secured party; and

(5) to make the disclosure required by section 325F.6641.

(b) The certificate of title must also include a separate detachable deleted text begin postcarddeleted text end new text begin formnew text end entitled "Notice of Sale" that contains, but is not limited to, the vehicle's title number and vehicle identification number. The deleted text begin postcarddeleted text end new text begin formnew text end must include sufficient space for the owner to record the purchaser's name, address, and driver's license number, if any, and the date of sale. The notice of sale must include clear instructions regarding the owner's responsibility to complete and return the form, or to transmit the required information electronically in a form acceptable to the commissioner, pursuant to section 168A.10, subdivision 1.

Sec. 28.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 168A.10, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Assignment and warranty of title; mileage; notice of sale.

If an owner transfers interest in a vehicle other than by the creation of a security interest, the owner shall at the time of the delivery of the vehicle execute an assignment and warranty of title to the transferee and shall state the actual selling price in the space provided on the certificate. Within ten days of the date of sale, other than a sale by or to a licensed motor vehicle dealer, the owner shall: (1) complete, detach, and return to the department the deleted text begin postcarddeleted text end new text begin formnew text end on the certificate entitled "Notice of Sale," if one is provided, including the transferee's name, address, and driver's license number, if any, and the date of sale; or (2) transmit this information electronically in a form acceptable to the commissioner. With respect to motor vehicles subject to the provisions of section 325E.15, the transferor shall also, in the space provided therefor on the certificate, state the true cumulative mileage registered on the odometer or that the actual mileage is unknown if the odometer reading is known by the transferor to be different from the true mileage. The transferor shall cause the certificate and assignment to be delivered to the transferee immediately.

Sec. 29.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 168A.101, is amended to read:

168A.101 CANCELLATION OF MOTOR VEHICLE SALE.

Subdivision 1.

Required documentation.

If the parties cancel a purchase of a motor vehicle after the transfer of interest, they must submit within 90 days of the original purchase date the following items:

(1) deleted text begin the outstanding certificate of title with proper assignment; anddeleted text end new text begin a written claim for refund;new text end

(2) an affidavit correcting ownership signed by the partiesdeleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ; andnew text end

new text begin (3) the outstanding certificate of title, if available, with proper assignment. new text end

Subd. 2.

Refunds.

A party may be eligible for a refund of taxes deleted text begin and feesdeleted text end new text begin paid pursuant to chapter 297Bnew text end only if the items indicated in subdivision 1 are submitted within the 90-day time frame unless otherwise provided by law.new text begin No other taxes or fees paid may be refunded due to the cancellation of a motor vehicle sale.new text end

Sec. 30.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 168A.151, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Salvage titles.

(a) When an insurer, licensed to conduct business in Minnesota, acquires ownership of a late-model or high-value vehicle through payment of damages, the insurer shall immediately apply for a salvage certificate of title or shall stamp the existing certificate of title with the legend "SALVAGE CERTIFICATE OF TITLE" in a manner prescribed by the department. Within 48 hours of taking possession of a vehicle through payment of damages, an insurer must notify the department in a manner prescribed by the department.

(b) deleted text begin Any person who acquires a damaged motor vehicle with an out-of-state title and the cost of repairs exceeds the value of the damaged vehicle or a motor vehicle with an out-of-state salvage title or certificate, as proof of ownership, shall immediately apply for a salvage certificate of title.deleted text end new text begin A person shall immediately apply for a salvage certificate of title if the person acquires a damaged late-model or high-value motor vehicle with an out-of-state title and the vehicle:new text end

new text begin (1) is a vehicle that was acquired by an insurer through payment of damages;new text end

new text begin (2) is a vehicle for which the cost of repairs exceeds the value of the damaged vehicle; or new text end

new text begin (3) has an out-of-state salvage certificate of title as proof of ownership. new text end

new text begin (c) new text end A self-insured owner of a late-model or high-value vehicle who sustains damage by collision or other occurrence which exceeds 70 percent of its actual cash value shall immediately apply for a salvage certificate of title. Damage, for the purpose of this calculation, does not include the actual cost incurred to repair, replace, or reinstall inflatable safety restraints and other vehicle components that must be replaced due to the deployment of the inflatable safety restraints.

Sec. 31.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 168A.153, is amended to read:

168A.153 REPORT OF VEHICLE RECEIPTdeleted text begin ; SURRENDER OF CERTIFICATEdeleted text end .

Subdivision 1.

Older model vehicle.

A dealer who buys an older model vehicle to be dismantled or destroyed shall report to the department within 30 days including the vehicle's license plate number and identification number, and the seller's name and driver's license number.

Subd. 2.

Late-model or high-value vehicle.

A dealer who buys a late-model or high-value vehicle to be dismantled or destroyed shall notify the secured party, if any, and deleted text begin then surrender the certificate of title and a properly completed application for a salvage certificate of title to the department within ten daysdeleted text end new text begin the commissioner in the manner prescribed in subdivision 3. The dealer must then properly destroy the certificate of titlenew text end .

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Notification on vehicle to be dismantled or destroyed; service fee. new text end

new text begin Within the time frames prescribed in subdivisions 1 and 2 of acquiring a vehicle titled and registered in Minnesota, a dealer shall notify the registrar that the dealership purchased the vehicle to be dismantled or destroyed. The notification must be made electronically as prescribed by the registrar. The dealer may contract this service to a deputy registrar and the registrar may charge a fee not to exceed $7 per transaction to provide this service. new text end

Sec. 32.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 168B.04, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Unauthorized vehicles.

(a) Units of government and peace officers may take into custody and impound any unauthorized vehicle under section 169.041.

(b) A vehicle may also be impounded after it has been left unattended in one of the following public or private locations for the indicated period of time:

(1) in a public location not governed by section 169.041:

(i) on a highway and properly tagged by a peace officer, four hours;

(ii) located so as to constitute an accident or traffic hazard to the traveling public, as determined by a peace officer, immediately; deleted text begin ordeleted text end

(iii) new text begin located so as to constitute an accident or traffic hazard to the traveling public within the Department of Transportation's eight-county metropolitan district, as determined by an authorized employee of the department's freeway service patrol, immediately; or new text end

new text begin (iv) new text end that is a parking facility or other public property owned or controlled by a unit of government, properly posted, four hours; or

(2) on private property:

(i) that is single-family or duplex residential property, immediately;

(ii) that is private, nonresidential property, properly posted, immediately;

(iii) that is private, nonresidential property, not posted, 24 hours;

(iv) that is private, nonresidential property of an operator of an establishment for the servicing, repair, or maintenance of motor vehicles, five business days after notifying the vehicle owner by certified mail, return receipt requested, of the property owner's intention to have the vehicle removed from the property; or

(v) that is any residential property, properly posted, immediately.

Sec. 33.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 168D.06, is amended to read:

168D.06 FUEL LICENSE FEES.

License fees paid to the commissioner under the International Fuel Tax Agreement must be deposited in the deleted text begin highway user tax distribution funddeleted text end new text begin vehicle services operating account in the special revenue fund under section 299A.705new text end . The commissioner shall charge an annual fuel license fee of $15, and an annual application filing fee of $13 for quarterly reporting of fuel tax.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from August 1, 2005, for fees collected on or after that date. new text end

Sec. 34.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 168D.07, is amended to read:

168D.07 FUEL DECAL FEE.

The commissioner shall issue a decal or other identification to indicate compliance with the International Fuel Tax Agreement. The commissioner shall establish a charge to cover the cost of issuing the decal or other identification according to section 16A.1285, subdivision 4a. Decal or other identification charges paid to the commissioner under this subdivision must be deposited in the deleted text begin highway user tax distribution funddeleted text end new text begin vehicle services operating account in the special revenue fund under section 299A.705new text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from August 1, 2005, for fees collected on or after that date. new text end

Sec. 35.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.01, subdivision 4c, is amended to read:

Subd. 4c.

Motorized foot scooter.

"Motorized foot scooter" means a device with handlebars designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator, and powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion, and that has deleted text begin either (1)deleted text end no more than two deleted text begin ten-inchdeleted text end new text begin 12-inchnew text end or smaller diameter wheels deleted text begin or (2)deleted text end new text begin and hasnew text end an engine or motor that is capable of a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour on a flat surface with not more than one percent grade in any direction when the motor is engaged. An electric personal assistive mobility device, a motorized bicycle, an electric-assisted bicycle, or a motorcycle is not a motorized foot scooter.

Sec. 36.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.01, subdivision 19, is amended to read:

Subd. 19.

Explosives.

"Explosives" deleted text begin means any chemical compound or mechanical mixture that is commonly used or intended for the purpose of producing an explosion and which contains any oxidizing and combustive units or other ingredients in such proportions, quantities, or packing that an ignition by fire, by friction, by concussion, by percussion, or by detonator of any part of the compound or mixture may cause such a sudden generation of highly heated gases that the resultant gaseous pressures are capable of producing destructible effects on contiguous objects or of destroying life or limbdeleted text end new text begin has the meaning given in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 173.50new text end .

Sec. 37.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.01, subdivision 20, is amended to read:

Subd. 20.

Flammable liquid.

"Flammable liquid" deleted text begin meansdeleted text end deleted text begin any liquid which has a flash point of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, or less, as determined by a tagliabue or equivalent closed cup test devicedeleted text end new text begin has the meaning given in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 173.120new text end .

Sec. 38.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.01, subdivision 78, is amended to read:

Subd. 78.

Recreational vehicle combination.

(a) "Recreational vehicle combination" means a combination of vehicles consisting of anew text begin full-sizenew text end pickup truck deleted text begin as defined in section 168.011, subdivision 29,deleted text end new text begin or a recreational truck-tractornew text end attached by means of a new text begin kingpin and new text end fifth-wheel coupling to a deleted text begin camper-semitrailerdeleted text end new text begin middle vehiclenew text end which has hitched to it a trailer deleted text begin carrying a watercraft as defined in section 86B.005, subdivision 18; off-highway motorcycle as defined in section 84.787, subdivision 7; motorcycle; motorized bicycle; snowmobile as defined in section 84.81, subdivision 3; all-terrain vehicle as defined in section 84.92, subdivision 8; motorized golf cart; or equestrian equipment or suppliesdeleted text end .

(b) For purposes of this subdivisiondeleted text begin :deleted text end new text begin ,new text end

deleted text begin (1)deleted text end a "new text begin kingpin and new text end fifth-wheel coupling" is a coupling between a deleted text begin camper-semitrailerdeleted text end new text begin middle vehiclenew text end and a towing new text begin full-sizenew text end pickup truck new text begin or a recreational truck-tractor new text end in which a portion of the weight of the deleted text begin camper-semitrailerdeleted text end new text begin towed middle vehiclenew text end is carried over or forward of the rear axle of the towing pickup.

deleted text begin (2) A "camper-semitrailer" is a trailer, other than a manufactured home as defined in deleted text end deleted text begin section deleted text end deleted text begin 327B.01, subdivision 13 deleted text end deleted text begin , designed for human habitation and used for vacation or deleted text end deleted text begin recreational purposes for limited periods. deleted text end

Sec. 39.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 93. new text end

new text begin Full-size pickup truck. new text end

new text begin "Full-size pickup truck" means any truck with a manufacturer's nominal rated carrying capacity of one ton or less and commonly known as or resembling a pickup truck. new text end

Sec. 40.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 94. new text end

new text begin Recreational truck-tractor. new text end

new text begin "Recreational truck-tractor" means a truck-tractor with a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 24,000 pounds, that is designed exclusively or adapted specifically to tow a semitrailer coupled by means of a fifth-wheel plate and kingpin assembly. new text end

Sec. 41.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 97. new text end

new text begin Valid license; valid driver's license. new text end

new text begin "Valid license," "valid driver's license," "valid Minnesota driver's license," "valid standard driver's license," or other similar term, has the meaning given in section 171.01, subdivision 49a. new text end

Sec. 42.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.041, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Towing authority.

For purposes of this section, "towing authority" meansnew text begin :new text end

new text begin (1) new text end any local authority authorized by section 169.04 to enforce the traffic laws, and deleted text begin also includesdeleted text end a private towing company authorized by a local authority deleted text begin to tow vehicles on behalf of that local authority.deleted text end new text begin ; ornew text end

new text begin (2) an authorized employee of the Department of Transportation's freeway service patrol within the department's eight-county metropolitan district. new text end

Sec. 43.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.041, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Towing order required.

A towing authority may not tow a motor vehicle from public property unless a peace officer or parking enforcement officer has prepared, in addition to the parking citation, a written towing report describing the motor vehicle and the reasons for towing. The report must be signed by the officer and the tow driver.new text begin Within the Department of Transportation's eight-county metropolitan district, an authorized employee of the department's freeway service patrol may order a tow from a trunk highway after preparing a written towing report provided by the Minnesota State Patrol. A citation need not be issued before the employee orders a tow.new text end

new text begin Except in cases where an accident or traffic hazard to the traveling public exists, the department employee shall ensure that if the tower requested to remove the vehicle by the owner arrives before the tower requested by the department, the tower requested by the owner is given the opportunity to actually conduct and complete all towing operations requested. new text end

Sec. 44.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.06, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Traffic-control signal.

(a) Whenever traffic is controlled by traffic-control signals exhibiting different colored lights, or colored lighted arrows, successively one at a time or in combination, only the colors Green, Red, and Yellow shall be used, except for special pedestrian signals carrying a word or legend. The traffic-control signal lights or colored lighted arrows indicate and apply to drivers of vehicles and pedestrians as follows:

(1) Green indication:

(i) Vehicular traffic facing a circular green signal may proceed straight through or turn right or left unless a sign at such place prohibits either turn. But vehicular traffic, including vehicles turning right or left, shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and to pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or adjacent crosswalk at the time this signal is exhibited.

(ii) Vehicular traffic facing a green arrow signal, shown alone or in combination with another indication, may cautiously enter the intersection only to make the movement indicated by the arrow, or other movement as permitted by other indications shown at the same time. Such vehicular traffic shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection.

(iii) Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian-control signal as provided in subdivision 6, pedestrians facing any green signal, except when the sole green signal is a turn arrow, may proceed across the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk. Every driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to such pedestrian, except that the pedestrian shall yield the right-of-way to vehicles lawfully within the intersection at the time that the green signal indication is first shown.

(2) Steady yellow indication:

(i) Vehicular traffic facing a new text begin steady new text end circular yellownew text begin or yellow arrownew text end signal is thereby warned that the related green movement is being terminated or that a red indication will be exhibited immediately thereafter when vehicular traffic must not enter the intersection, except for the continued movement allowed by any green arrow indication simultaneously exhibited.

(ii) Pedestrians facing a circular yellow signal, unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian-control signal as provided in subdivision 6, are thereby advised that there is insufficient time to cross the roadway before a red indication is shown and no pedestrian shall then start to cross the roadway.

deleted text begin (iii) Vehicular traffic facing a steady yellow arrow signal is thereby warned that the protected vehicular movement permitted by the corresponding prior green arrow indication is being terminated. deleted text end

(3) Steady red indication:

(i) Vehicular traffic facing a circular red signal alone must stop at a clearly marked stop line but, if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until a green indication is shown, except as follows: (A) the driver of a vehicle stopped as close as practicable at the entrance to the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then at the entrance to the intersection in obedience to a red or stop signal, and with the intention of making a right turn may make the right turn, after stopping, unless an official sign has been erected prohibiting such movement, but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic lawfully proceeding as directed by the signal at that intersection; or (B) the driver of a vehicle on a one-way street intersecting another one-way street on which traffic moves to the left shall stop in obedience to a red or stop signal and may then make a left turn into the one-way street, unless an official sign has been erected prohibiting the movement, but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic lawfully proceeding as directed by the signal at that intersection.

(ii) Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian-control signal as provided in subdivision 6, pedestrians facing a steady red signal alone shall not enter the roadway.

(iii) Vehicular traffic facing a steady red arrow signal, with the intention of making a movement indicated by the arrow, must stop at a clearly marked stop line but, if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection and must remain standing until a permissive signal indication permitting the movement indicated by the red arrow is displayed, except as follows: when an official sign has been erected permitting a turn on a red arrow signal, the vehicular traffic facing a red arrow signal indication is permitted to enter the intersection to turn right, or to turn left from a one-way street into a one-way street on which traffic moves to the left, after stopping, but must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic lawfully proceeding as directed by the signal at that intersection.

(b) In the event an official traffic-control signal is erected and maintained at a place other than an intersection, the provisions of this section are applicable except those which can have no application. Any stop required must be made at a sign or marking on the pavement indicating where the stop must be made, but in the absence of any such sign or marking the stop must be made at the signal.

(c) When a traffic-control signal indication or indications placed to control a certain movement or lane are so identified by placing a sign near the indication or indications, no other traffic-control signal indication or indications within the intersection controls vehicular traffic for that movement or lane.

Sec. 45.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.14, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Speed limits.

(a) Where no special hazard exists the following speeds shall be lawful, but any speeds in excess of such limits shall be prima facie evidence that the speed is not reasonable or prudent and that it is unlawful; except that the speed limit within any municipality shall be a maximum limit and any speed in excess thereof shall be unlawful:

(1) 30 miles per hour in an urban district or on a town road in a rural residential district;

(2) 65 miles per hour on noninterstatenew text begin expressways, as defined in section 160.02, subdivision 18b, and noninterstatenew text end freeways deleted text begin and expresswaysdeleted text end , as defined in section 160.02, subdivision 19;

(3) 55 miles per hour in locations other than those specified in this section;

(4) 70 miles per hour on interstate highways outside the limits of any urbanized area with a population of greater than 50,000 as defined by order of the commissioner of transportation;

(5) 65 miles per hour on interstate highways inside the limits of any urbanized area with a population of greater than 50,000 as defined by order of the commissioner of transportation;

(6) ten miles per hour in alleys; and

(7) 25 miles per hour in residential roadways if adopted by the road authority having jurisdiction over the residential roadway.

(b) A speed limit adopted under paragraph (a), clause (7), is not effective unless the road authority has erected signs designating the speed limit and indicating the beginning and end of the residential roadway on which the speed limit applies.

(c) For purposes of this subdivision, "rural residential district" means the territory contiguous to and including any town road within a subdivision or plat of land that is built up with dwelling houses at intervals of less than 300 feet for a distance of one-quarter mile or more.

(d) Notwithstanding section 609.0331 or 609.101 or other law to the contrary, a person who violates a speed limit established in this subdivision, or a speed limit designated on an appropriate sign under subdivision 4, 5, 5b, 5c, or 5e, by driving 20 miles per hour or more in excess of the applicable speed limit, is assessed an additional surcharge equal to the amount of the fine imposed for the speed violation, but not less than $25.

Sec. 46.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.34, is amended to read:

169.34 PROHIBITIONS; STOPPING, PARKING.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Prohibitions. new text end

(a) No person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or traffic-control device, in any of the following places:

(1) on a sidewalk;

(2) in front of a public or private driveway;

(3) within an intersection;

(4) within ten feet of a fire hydrant;

(5) on a crosswalk;

(6) within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection;

(7) within 30 feet upon the approach to any flashing beacon, stop sign, or traffic-control signal located at the side of a roadway;

(8) between a safety zone and the adjacent curb or within 30 feet of points on the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone, unless a different length is indicated by signs or markings;

(9) within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing;

(10) within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station and on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station within 75 feet of said entrance when properly signposted;

(11) alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when such stopping, standing, or parking would obstruct traffic;

(12) on the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street;

(13) upon any bridge or other elevated structure upon a highway or within a highway tunnel, except as otherwise provided by ordinance;

(14) at any place where official signs prohibit stopping.

(b) No person shall move a vehicle not owned by such person into any prohibited area or away from a curb such distance as is unlawful.

(c) No person shall, for camping purposes, leave or park a travel trailer on or within the limits of any highway or on any highway right-of-way, except where signs are erected designating the place as a campsite.

(d) No person shall stop or park a vehicle on a street or highway when directed or ordered to proceed by any peace officer invested by law with authority to direct, control, or regulate traffic.

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Violation; penalty for owner or lessee. new text end

new text begin (a) If a motor vehicle is stopped, standing, or parked in violation of subdivision 1, the owner of the vehicle, or for a leased motor vehicle the lessee of the vehicle, is guilty of a petty misdemeanor. new text end

new text begin (b) The owner or lessee may not be fined under paragraph (a) if (1) another person is convicted for, or pleads guilty to, that violation, or (2) the motor vehicle was stolen at the time of the violation. new text end

new text begin (c) Paragraph (a) does not apply to a lessor of a motor vehicle if the lessor keeps a record of the name and address of the lessee. new text end

new text begin (d) Paragraph (a) does not prohibit or limit the prosecution of a motor vehicle operator for violating subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin (e) A violation under paragraph (a) does not constitute grounds for revocation or suspension of the owner's or lessee's driver's license. new text end

Sec. 47.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.471, is amended to read:

169.471 TELEVISION; HEADPHONES.

Subdivision 1.

Television screen in vehicle.

No television screen shall be installed or used in any motor vehicle where deleted text begin it isdeleted text end new text begin images from the screen arenew text end visible to the driver while operating the motor vehicle except:

(1) video screens installed in law enforcement vehicles;

(2) closed-circuit video systems used exclusively to aid the driver's visibility to the new text begin front, new text end rearnew text begin ,new text end or sides of the vehicle; and

(3) video screens installed as part of a vehicle control system or used in intelligent vehicle highway applications.

Subd. 2.

Use of headphones in vehicle.

(a) No person, while operating a motor vehicle, shall wear headphones or earphones that are used in both ears simultaneously for purposes of receiving or listening to broadcasts or reproductions from radios, tape decks, or other sound-producing or transmitting devices.

(b) Paragraph (a) does not prohibit:

(1) the use of a hearing aid device by a person who needs the device; deleted text begin or deleted text end

(2) the use of a communication headset by a firefighter while operating a fire department emergency vehicle in response to an emergencynew text begin ; or new text end

new text begin (3) the use of a communication headset by an emergency medical services person while operating an ambulance subject to section 144E.101new text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 48.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.781, is amended to read:

169.781 ANNUAL COMMERCIAL VEHICLE INSPECTION; INSPECTORS, FEE, PENALTY.

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

For purposes of sections 169.781 to 169.783:

(a) "Commercial motor vehicle"new text begin :new text end

new text begin (1)new text end meansnew text begin a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used to transport passengers or property if the motor vehiclenew text end :

deleted text begin (1) a commercial motor vehicle as defined in section 169.01, subdivision 75, paragraph (a); anddeleted text end new text begin (i) has a gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds;new text end

deleted text begin (2) eachdeleted text end new text begin (ii) is anew text end vehicle in a combination of more than 26,000 poundsdeleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ;new text end

new text begin (iii) is a bus; or new text end

new text begin (iv) is of any size and is used in the transportation of hazardous materials that are required to be placarded under Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, parts 100-185; and new text end

deleted text begin "Commercial motor vehicle" deleted text end

new text begin (2)new text end does not include deleted text begin (1)deleted text end new text begin (i)new text end a school bus or Head Start bus displaying a certificate under section 169.451, deleted text begin (2)deleted text end new text begin or (ii)new text end a bus operated by the Metropolitan Council or by a local transit commission created in chapter 458Adeleted text begin , or (3) a motor vehicle that is required to be placarded under Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, parts 100-185deleted text end .

(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of public safety.

(c) "Owner" means a person who owns, or has control, under a lease of more than 30 days' duration, of one or more commercial motor vehicles.

deleted text begin (d) "Storage semitrailer" means a semitrailer that (1) is used exclusively to store property at a location not on a street or highway, (2) does not contain any load when moved on a street or highway, (3) is operated only during daylight hours, and (4) is marked on each side of the semitrailer "storage only" in letters at least six inches high. deleted text end

deleted text begin (e) "Building mover vehicle" means a vehicle owned or leased by a building mover as defined in section deleted text begin 221.81, subdivision 1deleted text end , paragraph (a), and used exclusively for moving buildings. deleted text end

Subd. 2.

Inspection required.

new text begin (a) new text end It is unlawful for a person to operate or permit the operation of:

(1) a commercial motor vehicle registered in Minnesota; or

(2) special mobile equipment as defined in section 168.011, subdivision 22, and which is self-propelled, if it is mounted on a commercial motor vehicle chassis,

deleted text begin unless the deleted text end new text begin in violation of the requirements of paragraph (b). new text end

new text begin (b) Anew text end vehicle deleted text begin displaysdeleted text end new text begin described in paragraph (a):new text end

new text begin (1) must displaynew text end a valid safety inspection decal issued by an inspector certified by the commissionerdeleted text begin , or the vehicle carries (1)deleted text end new text begin ; ornew text end

new text begin (2) must carry (i)new text end proof that the vehicle complies with federal motor vehicle inspection requirements for vehicles in interstate commerce, and deleted text begin (2)deleted text end new text begin (ii)new text end a certificate of compliance with federal requirements issued by the commissioner under subdivision 9.

Subd. 3.

Inspector certification; suspension and revocation; hearing.

(a) An inspection required by this section may be performed only by:

(1) an employee of the Department of Public Safety or Transportation who has been certified by the commissioner after having received training provided by the State Patrol; or

(2) another person who has been certified by the commissioner after having received training provided by the State Patrol or other training approved by the commissioner.

(b) A person who is not an employee of the Department of Public Safety or Transportation may be certified by the commissioner if the person is:

(1) an owner, or employee of the owner, of one or more commercial motor vehicles that are power units;

(2) a dealer licensed under section 168.27 and engaged in the business of buying and selling commercial motor vehicles, or an employee of the dealer; deleted text begin ordeleted text end

(3) engaged in the business of repairing and servicing commercial motor vehiclesnew text begin ; ornew text end

new text begin (4) employed by a governmental agency that owns commercial vehiclesnew text end .

(c) Certification of persons described in paragraph (b), clauses (1) to deleted text begin (3)deleted text end new text begin (4)new text end , is effective for two years from the date of certification. The commissioner may require biennial retraining of persons holding a certificate under paragraph (b) as a condition of renewal of the certificate. The commissioner may charge a fee of not more than $10 for each certificate issued and renewed. A certified person described in paragraph (b), clauses (1) to deleted text begin (3)deleted text end new text begin (4)new text end , may charge a reasonable fee for each inspection of a vehicle not owned by the person or the person's employer.

(d) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision 5, the standards adopted by the commissioner for commercial motor vehicle inspections under sections 169.781 to 169.783 deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be the standards prescribed in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 396.17, and in chapter III, subchapter B, appendix G.

(e) The commissioner may classify types of vehicles for inspection purposes and may issue separate classes of inspector certificates for each class. deleted text begin The commissioner shall issue separate categories of inspector certificates based on the following classifications:deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) a class of certificate that authorizes the certificate holder to inspect commercial motor vehicles without regard to ownership or lease; and deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) a class of certificate that authorizes the certificate holder to inspect only commercial motor vehicles the certificate holder owns or leases. deleted text end

deleted text begin The commissioner shall issue a certificate described in clause (1) only to a person described in paragraph (b), clause (2) or (3). deleted text end

(f) The commissioner, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, may suspend a certificate issued under paragraph (b) for failure to meet annual certification requirements prescribed by the commissioner or failure to inspect commercial motor vehicles in accordance with inspection procedures established by the State Patrol. The commissioner shall revoke a certificate issued under paragraph (b) if the commissioner determines after notice and an opportunity for a hearing that the certified person issued an inspection decal for a commercial motor vehicle when the person knew or reasonably should have known that the vehicle was in such a state of repair that it would have been declared out of service if inspected by an employee of the State Patrol. Suspension and revocation of certificates under this subdivision are not subject to sections 14.57 to 14.69.

Subd. 4.

Inspection report.

(a) A person performing an inspection under this section shall issue an inspection report to the owner of the commercial motor vehicle inspected. The report must include:

(1) the full name of the person performing the inspection, and the person's inspector certification number;

(2) the name of the owner of the vehicle and, if applicable, the United States Department of Transportation carrier number issued to the owner of the vehicle, or to the operator of the vehicle if other than the owner;

(3) the vehicle identification number and, if applicable, the license plate number of the vehicle;

(4) the date and location of the inspection;

(5) the vehicle components inspected and a description of the findings of the inspection, including identification of the components not in compliance with federal motor carrier safety regulations; and

(6) the inspector's certification that the inspection was complete, accurate, and in compliance with the requirements of this section.

(b) The owner must retain a copy of the inspection report for at least 14 months at a location in the state where the vehicle is domiciled or maintained. The inspector must maintain a copy of the inspection report for a period of 14 months following the inspection in a location in the state where the inspector conducts business. During this period the report must be available for inspection by an authorized federal, state, or local official.

(c) The commissioner shall prescribe the form of the inspection report and revise it as necessary to comply with state and federal law and regulations. The adoption of the report form is not subject to the Administrative Procedure Act.

Subd. 5.

Inspection decal.

deleted text begin (a)deleted text end A person inspecting a commercial motor vehicle shall issue an inspection decal for the vehicle if each inspected component of the vehicle complies with federal motor carrier safety regulations. The decal must state that in the month specified on the decal the vehicle was inspected and each inspected component complied with federal motor carrier safety regulations. The decal is valid for 12 months after the month specified on the decal. The commissioners of public safety and transportation shall make decals available, at a fee of not more than $2 for each decal, to persons certified to perform inspections under subdivision 3, paragraph (b).new text begin Decals are issued to inspectors by serial number and are not transferable unless approved by the commissioner.new text end

deleted text begin (b) Minnesota inspection decals may be affixed only to: deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) commercial motor vehicles bearing Minnesota-based license plates; or deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) special mobile equipment, within the meaning of subdivision 2, clause (2). deleted text end

deleted text begin (c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a person inspecting (1) a vehicle of less than 57,000 pounds gross vehicle weight and registered as a farm truck, (2) a storage semitrailer, or (3) a building mover vehicle must issue an inspection decal to the vehicle unless the vehicle has one or more defects that would result in the vehicle being declared out of service under the North American Uniform Driver, Vehicle, and Hazardous Materials Out-of-Service Criteria issued by the Federal Highway Administration and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. A decal issued to a vehicle described in clause (1), (2), or (3) is valid for two years from the date of issuance. A decal issued to such a vehicle must clearly indicate that it is valid for two years from the date of issuance. deleted text end

deleted text begin (d) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a commercial motor vehicle that (1) is registered as a farm truck, (2) is not operated more than 75 miles from the owner's home post office, and (3) was manufactured before 1979 that has a dual transmission system, is not required to comply with a requirement in an inspection standard that requires that the service brake system and parking brake system be separate systems in the motor vehicle. deleted text end

Subd. 6.

Record review; random inspection; audit.

Employees of the State Patrol and motor transportation representatives of the Department of Transportation may review records required to be kept under subdivision 4, paragraph (b), and conduct random vehicle inspections and audits at the facility of an owner of a commercial motor vehicle.

Subd. 7.

Disposition of revenues.

The commissioner shall pay all revenues received under this section to the commissioner of finance for deposit in the trunk highway fund.

Subd. 8.

Violation; misdemeanor.

A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.

Subd. 9.

Proof of federal inspection.

An owner of a commercial motor vehicle that is subject to and in compliance with federal motor vehicle inspection requirements for vehicles in interstate commerce may apply to the commissioner for a certificate of compliance with federal requirements. On payment of a fee equal to the fee for an inspection decal under subdivision 5, deleted text begin paragraph (a),deleted text end the commissioner shall issue the certificate to the applicant.new text begin This subdivision only applies to Minnesota-licensed vehicles that are not housed or maintained in Minnesota.new text end

Subd. 10.

Exemption.

This section does not apply to a vehicle operated by a motor carrier of passengers, as defined in section 221.011, subdivision 48, if the vehicle has been inspected under section 221.0252, subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (2), within the previous 12 months.

Sec. 49.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.782, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Driver; daily inspection report.

(a) The driver of a commercial motor vehicle shall report in writing at the completion of each day's work on each commercial motor vehicle the driver has operated. A person who owns one or more commercial motor vehicles and who employs drivers for those commercial motor vehicles must require each driver to new text begin submit a written new text end report as required deleted text begin indeleted text end new text begin bynew text end this section. The report must cover the following parts and accessories: service brakes, including trailer and semitrailer brake connections; parking (hand) brake; steering mechanism; lighting devices and reflectors; tires; horn; windshield wiper or wipers; rear vision mirror or mirrors; coupling devices; wheels and rims; and emergency equipment.

(b) The report must identify the vehicle and list any defect or deficiency discovered by or reported to the driver that would affect the safe operation of the vehicle or result in its mechanical breakdown. If no defect or deficiency is discovered by or reported to the driver, the report must so indicate. The driver must sign the report after completing it. In the case of a commercial motor vehicle operated by two drivers, the signature of one of the drivers satisfies the requirements of this subdivision if both drivers agree concerning the defects or deficiencies. If a driver operates more than one commercial motor vehicle during a day's work, a report must be prepared for each vehicle operated.

(c) Before operating or allowing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle on which a report has been prepared under this subdivision, the owner of the vehicle or the owner's agent must repair defects or deficiencies listed on the report that would deleted text begin be sufficient under inspection procedures established by the State Patrol to require the vehicle to be declared out of servicedeleted text end new text begin likely affect the safe operation of the vehiclenew text end . Before allowing the commercial motor vehicle to be operated again, the owner or the owner's agent must certify, on the report listing the defect or deficiency, that the defect or deficiency has been corrected or that correction is unnecessary. A motor carrier must keep the original vehicle inspection report for at least three months after the date of inspection. The report must be available for inspection by an authorized federal, state, or local official at any time during this period.

(d) A copy of the vehicle inspection report, including a certification of corrections resulting from the report, must be carried in the commercial motor vehicle, or in the power unit of a commercial motor vehicle combination, at all times when the vehicle or power unit is operated until the next inspection report is completed under this subdivision. The copy must be made available on demand todeleted text begin :deleted text end (1) a peace officerdeleted text begin ;deleted text end new text begin ,new text end (2) a person authorized under section 221.221deleted text begin ;deleted text end new text begin ,new text end and (3) a person described in section 299D.06.

Sec. 50.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.783, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Postcrash inspection.

new text begin (a) new text end A peace officer responding to an accident involving a commercial motor vehicle must immediately notify the State Patrol if the accident results in deleted text begin death, personal injury, or property damage to an apparent extent of more than $4,400.deleted text end new text begin :new text end

new text begin (1) a fatality; new text end

new text begin (2) bodily injury to a person who, as a result of the injury, immediately receives medical treatment away from the scene of the accident; or new text end

new text begin (3) one or more motor vehicles incurring disabling damage as a result of the accident, requiring the motor vehicles to be transported away from the scene by tow truck or other motor vehicle. new text end

new text begin (b) new text end It is a misdemeanor for a person to drive or cause to be driven a commercial motor vehicle after such an accident unless the vehicle:

(1) has been inspected by a state trooper or other person authorized to conduct inspections under section 169.781, subdivision 3, paragraph (a), who is an employee of the Department of Public Safety or Transportation, and the person inspecting the vehicle has determined that the vehicle may safely be operated; or

(2) a waiver has been granted under subdivision 2.

Sec. 51.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.81, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Length of single vehicle; exceptions.

(a) Statewide, no single vehicle may exceed deleted text begin 40deleted text end new text begin 45new text end feet in overall length, including load and front and rear bumpers, exceptdeleted text begin :deleted text end

deleted text begin (1)deleted text end mobile cranes, which may not exceed 48 feet in overall lengthdeleted text begin ;deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) buses, which may not exceed 45 feet in overall length; and deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) type A, B, or C motor homes as defined in section 168.011, subdivision 25, paragraph (c), which may not exceed 45 feet in overall lengthdeleted text end .

(b) Statewide, no semitrailer may exceed 48 feet in overall length, including bumper and load, but excluding non-cargo-carrying equipment, such as refrigeration units or air compressors, necessary for safe and efficient operation and located on the end of the semitrailer adjacent to the truck-tractor. However, statewide, a single semitrailer may exceed 48 feet, but not 53 feet, if the distance from the kingpin to the centerline of the rear axle group of the semitrailer does not exceed 43 feet.

(c) Statewide, no single trailer may have an overall length exceeding 45 feet, including the tow bar assembly but exclusive of rear bumpers that do not increase the overall length by more than six inches.

(d) For determining compliance with this subdivision, the length of the semitrailer or trailer must be determined separately from the overall length of the combination of vehicles.

(e) No semitrailer or trailer used in a three-vehicle combination may have an overall length in excess of 28-1/2 feet, exclusive of:

(1) non-cargo-carrying accessory equipment, including refrigeration units or air compressors and upper coupler plates, necessary for safe and efficient operation, located on the end of the semitrailer or trailer adjacent to the truck or truck-tractor;

(2) the tow bar assembly; and

(3) lower coupler equipment that is a fixed part of the rear end of the first semitrailer or trailer.

Sec. 52.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.81, subdivision 3c, is amended to read:

Subd. 3c.

Recreational vehicle combination.

Notwithstanding subdivision 3, a recreational vehicle combination may be operated without a permit if:

(1) the combination does not consist of more than three vehicles, and the towing rating of thenew text begin full-sizenew text end pickup truck new text begin or recreational truck-tractor new text end is equal to or greater than the total weight of all vehicles being towed;

(2) the combination does not exceed 70 feet in length;

(3) deleted text begin the middle vehicle in the combination does not exceed 28 feet in length;deleted text end

deleted text begin (4)deleted text end the operator of the combination is at least 18 years of age;

deleted text begin (5)deleted text end new text begin (4)new text end the trailernew text begin is onlynew text end carrying deleted text begin a watercraft, motorcycle, motorized bicycle, off-highway motorcycle, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, motorized golf cart,deleted text end new text begin watercraft, motorcycles, motorized bicycles, off-highway motorcycles, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, motorized golf carts,new text end or equestrian equipment or suppliesnew text begin , andnew text end meets all requirements of law;

deleted text begin (6)deleted text end new text begin (5)new text end the deleted text begin trailersdeleted text end new text begin vehiclesnew text end in the combination are connected to thenew text begin full-sizenew text end pickup trucknew text begin or recreational truck-tractornew text end and each other in conformity with section 169.82; and

deleted text begin (7)deleted text end new text begin (6)new text end the combination is not operated within the seven-county metropolitan area, as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 2, during the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 53.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.823, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Pneumatic-tired vehicle.

No vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with pneumatic tires shall be operated upon the highways of this state:

(1) where the gross weight on any wheel exceeds 9,000 pounds, except that on new text begin paved county state-aid highways, paved county roads, new text end designated local routesnew text begin ,new text end and state trunk highways the gross weight on any single wheel shall not exceed 10,000 poundsnew text begin unless posted to a lesser weight under section 169.87, subdivision 1new text end ;

(2) where the gross weight on any single axle exceeds 18,000 pounds, except that on new text begin paved county state-aid highways, paved county roads, new text end designated local routesnew text begin ,new text end and state trunk highways the gross weight on any single axle shall not exceed 20,000 poundsnew text begin unless posted to a lesser weight under section 169.87, subdivision 1new text end ;

(3) where the maximum wheel load:

(i) on the foremost and rearmost steering axles, exceeds 600 pounds per inch of tire width or the manufacturer's recommended load, whichever is less; or

(ii) on other axles, exceeds 500 pounds per inch of tire width or the manufacturer's recommended load, whichever is lessdeleted text begin . This item applies to new vehicles manufactured after August 1, 1991. For vehicles manufactured before August 2, 1991, the maximum weight per inch of tire width is 600 pounds per inch or the manufacturer's recommended load, whichever is less, until August 1, 1996. After July 31, 1996, this item applies to all vehicles regardless of date of manufacturedeleted text end ;

(4) where the gross weight on any axle of a tridem exceeds 15,000 pounds, except that for vehicles to which an additional axle has been added prior to June 1, 1981, the maximum gross weight on any axle of a tridem may be up to 16,000 pounds provided the gross weight of the tridem combination does not exceed 39,900 pounds where the first and third axles of the tridem are spaced nine feet apart;

(5) where the gross weight on any group of axles exceeds the weights permitted under sections 169.822 to 169.829 with any or all of the interior axles disregarded, and with an exterior axle disregarded if the exterior axle is a variable load axle that is not carrying its intended weight, and their gross weights subtracted from the gross weight of all axles of the group under consideration.

Sec. 54.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.824, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Gross vehicle weight of all axles.

(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 169.85, the gross vehicle weight of all axles of a vehicle or combination of vehicles deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin must new text end not exceed:

(1) 80,000 pounds for any vehicle or combination of vehicles on all deleted text begin statedeleted text end new text begin (i) new text end trunk highways as defined in section 160.02, subdivision 29, deleted text begin and for alldeleted text end new text begin (ii) new text end routes designated under section 169.832, subdivision 11new text begin , and (iii) paved nine-ton routesnew text end ;

(2) 88,000 pounds for any vehicle or combination of vehicles with six or more axles while exclusively engaged in hauling livestock on all state trunk highways other than interstate highways, if the vehicle has a permit under section 169.86, subdivision 5, paragraph (k);new text begin andnew text end

(3) 73,280 pounds for any vehicle or combination of vehicles with five axles or less on all routes, other than deleted text begin state trunk highways and routes that are designated under section 169.832, subdivision 11, except that a vehicle needing reasonable access to a terminal or facilities for food, fuel, repairs, and rest, located within three miles of a ten-ton route, may not exceed 80,000 pounds. "Terminal" means any location where freight either originates, terminates, or is handled in the transportation process, or where commercial motor carriers maintain operating facilities; anddeleted text end new text begin routes identified in clause (1).new text end

deleted text begin (4) 80,000 pounds for any vehicle or combination of vehicles with six or more axles on all routes, other than state trunk highways and routes that are designated under section deleted text begin 169.832, subdivision 11deleted text end . deleted text end

(b) deleted text begin The maximum weights specified in this section for five consecutive axles shall not apply to a four-axle ready-mix concrete truck which was equipped with a fifth axle prior to June 1, 1981. The maximum gross weight on four or fewer consecutive axles of vehicles excepted by this clause shall not exceed any maximum weight specified for four or fewer consecutive axles in this sectiondeleted text end new text begin Notwithstanding the maximum weight provisions of this section and section 169.85, and in order to promote the reduction of fuel use and emissions because of engine idling, the maximum gross vehicle weight limits and the axle weight limits for any motor vehicle subject to sections 169.80 to 169.88 and equipped with idle reduction technology must be increased by the amount of weight necessary to compensate for the weight of the idle reduction technology, not to exceed 400 pounds. At the request of an authorized representative of the Department of Transportation or the Department of Public Safety, the vehicle operator shall provide proof that the vehicle is equipped with this technology through documentation or demonstrationnew text end .

Sec. 55.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.8261, is amended to read:

169.8261 GROSS WEIGHT LIMITATIONS; FOREST PRODUCTS.

(a) A vehicle or combination of vehicles hauling raw or unfinished forest products, including wood chips, new text begin paper, pulp, oriented strand board, laminated strand lumber, hardboard, treated lumber, untreated lumber, or barrel staves, new text end by the most direct route to the nearest highway that has been designated under section 169.832, subdivision 11, may be operated on any highway with gross weights permitted under sections 169.822 to 169.829 without regard to load restrictions imposed on that highway, except that the vehicles must:

(1) comply with seasonal load restrictions in effect between the dates set by the commissioner under section 169.87, subdivision 2;

(2) comply with bridge load limits posted under section 169.84;

(3) be equipped and operated with six axles and brakesnew text begin on all wheelsnew text end ;

(4) not exceed 90,000 pounds gross weight, or deleted text begin 98,000deleted text end new text begin 99,000new text end pounds gross weight during the time when seasonal increases are authorized under section 169.826;

(5) not be operated on interstate and defense highways;

(6) obtain an annual permit from the commissioner of transportation;

(7) obey all road postings; and

(8) not exceed 20,000 pounds gross weight on any single axle.

(b) A vehicle operated under this section may exceed the legal axle weight limits listed in section 169.824 by not more than 12.5 percent; except that, the weight limits may be exceeded by not more than 22.5 percent during the time when seasonal increases are authorized under section 169.826, subdivision 1.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 56.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.829, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Tow truck.

Sections 169.822 to 169.828 do not apply to a tow truck or towing vehicle when towing a disabled new text begin or damagednew text end vehicle deleted text begin damaged in such manner that the towed vehicle cannot be towed from the rear anddeleted text end new text begin ,new text end when the movement is deleted text begin temporarydeleted text end new text begin urgent, and when the movement isnew text end for the purpose of deleted text begin takingdeleted text end new text begin removingnew text end the disabled vehicle new text begin from the roadwaynew text end to a place new text begin of safekeeping or to a placenew text end of repair.

Sec. 57.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.86, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Fee; proceeds deposited; appropriation.

The commissioner, with respect to highways under the commissioner's jurisdiction, may charge a fee for each permit issued. All such fees for permits issued by the commissioner of transportation shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the trunk highway fund. Except for those annual permits for which the permit fees are specified elsewhere in this chapter, the fees shall be:

(a) $15 for each single trip permit.

(b) $36 for each job permit. A job permit may be issued for like loads carried on a specific route for a period not to exceed two months. "Like loads" means loads of the same product, weight, and dimension.

(c) $60 for an annual permit to be issued for a period not to exceed 12 consecutive months. Annual permits may be issued for:

(1) motor vehicles used to alleviate a temporary crisis adversely affecting the safety or well-being of the public;

(2) motor vehicles which travel on interstate highways and carry loads authorized under subdivision 1a;

(3) motor vehicles operating with gross weights authorized under section 169.826, subdivision 1a;

(4) special pulpwood vehicles described in section 169.863;

(5) motor vehicles bearing snowplow blades not exceeding ten feet in width; deleted text begin anddeleted text end

(6) noncommercial transportation of a boat by the owner or user of the boatdeleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ; andnew text end

new text begin (7) motor vehicles carrying bales of agricultural products authorized under section 169.862. new text end

(d) $120 for an oversize annual permit to be issued for a period not to exceed 12 consecutive months. Annual permits may be issued for:

(1) mobile cranes;

(2) construction equipment, machinery, and supplies;

(3) manufactured homes and manufactured storage buildings;

(4) implements of husbandry when the movement is not made according to the provisions of paragraph (i);

(5) double-deck buses;

(6) commercial boat hauling; and

(7) three-vehicle combinations consisting of two empty, newly manufactured trailers for cargo, horses, or livestock, not to exceed 28-1/2 feet per trailer; provided, however, the permit allows the vehicles to be moved from a trailer manufacturer to a trailer dealer only while operating on twin-trailer routes designated under section 169.81, subdivision 3, paragraph (c).

(e) For vehicles which have axle weights exceeding the weight limitations of sections 169.822 to 169.829, an additional cost added to the fees listed above. However, this paragraph applies to any vehicle described in section 168.013, subdivision 3, paragraph (b), but only when the vehicle exceeds its gross weight allowance set forth in that paragraph, and then the additional cost is for all weight, including the allowance weight, in excess of the permitted maximum axle weight. The additional cost is equal to the product of the distance traveled times the sum of the overweight axle group cost factors shown in the following chart:

Overweight Axle Group Cost Factors

Weight (pounds)	Cost Per Mile For Each Group Of:
exceeding weight limitations on axles	Two consecutive axles spaced within 8 feet or less	Three consecutive axles spaced within 9 feet or less	Four consecutive axles spaced within 14 feet or less
0-2,000	.12	.05	.04
2,001-4,000	.14	.06	.05
4,001-6,000	.18	.07	.06
6,001-8,000	.21	.09	.07
8,001-10,000	.26	.10	.08
10,001-12,000	.30	.12	.09
12,001-14,000	Not permitted	.14	.11
14,001-16,000	Not permitted	.17	.12
16,001-18,000	Not permitted	.19	.15
18,001-20,000	Not permitted	Not permitted	.16
20,001-22,000	Not permitted	Not permitted	.20

The amounts added are rounded to the nearest cent for each axle or axle group. The additional cost does not apply to paragraph (c), clauses (1) and (3).

For a vehicle found to exceed the appropriate maximum permitted weight, a cost-per-mile fee of 22 cents per ton, or fraction of a ton, over the permitted maximum weight is imposed in addition to the normal permit fee. Miles must be calculated based on the distance already traveled in the state plus the distance from the point of detection to a transportation loading site or unloading site within the state or to the point of exit from the state.

(f) As an alternative to paragraph (e), an annual permit may be issued for overweight, or oversize and overweight, construction equipment, machinery, and supplies. The fees for the permit are as follows:

Gross Weight (pounds) of Vehicle		Annual Permit Fee
90,000	or less	$200
90,001	- 100,000	$300
100,001	- 110,000	$400
110,001	- 120,000	$500
120,001	- 130,000	$600
130,001	- 140,000	$700
140,001	- 145,000	$800

If the gross weight of the vehicle is more than 145,000 pounds the permit fee is determined under paragraph (e).

(g) For vehicles which exceed the width limitations set forth in section 169.80 by more than 72 inches, an additional cost equal to $120 added to the amount in paragraph (a) when the permit is issued while seasonal load restrictions pursuant to section 169.87 are in effect.

(h) $85 for an annual permit to be issued for a period not to exceed 12 months, for refuse-compactor vehicles that carry a gross weight of not more than: 22,000 pounds on a single rear axle; 38,000 pounds on a tandem rear axle; or, subject to section 169.828, subdivision 2, 46,000 pounds on a tridem rear axle. A permit issued for up to 46,000 pounds on a tridem rear axle must limit the gross vehicle weight to not more than 62,000 pounds.

(i) For vehicles exclusively transporting implements of husbandry, an annual permit fee of $24. A vehicle operated under a permit authorized by this paragraph may be moved at the discretion of the permit holder without prior route approval by the commissioner if:

(1) the total width of the transporting vehicle, including load, does not exceed 14 feet;

(2) the vehicle is operated only between sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset, and is not operated at any time after 12:00 noon on Sundays or holidays;

(3) the vehicle is not operated when visibility is impaired by weather, fog, or other conditions that render persons and other vehicles not clearly visible at 500 feet;

(4) the vehicle displays at the front and rear of the load or vehicle a pair of flashing amber lights, as provided in section 169.59, subdivision 4, whenever the overall width of the vehicle exceeds 126 inches; and

(5) the vehicle is not operated on a trunk highway with a surfaced roadway width of less than 24 feet unless such operation is authorized by the permit.

A permit under this paragraph authorizes movements of the permitted vehicle on an interstate highway, and movements of 75 miles or more on other highways.

(j) $300 for a motor vehicle described in section 169.8261. The fee under this paragraph must be deposited as follows:

(1) in fiscal years 2005 through 2010:

(i) the first $50,000 in each fiscal year must be deposited in the trunk highway fund for costs related to administering the permit program and inspecting and posting bridges;

(ii) all remaining money in each fiscal year must be deposited in a bridge inspection and signing account in the special revenue fund. Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner for:

(A) inspection of local bridges and identification of local bridges to be posted, including contracting with a consultant for some or all of these functions; and

(B) erection of weight-posting signs on local bridges; and

(2) in fiscal year 2011 and subsequent years must be deposited in the trunk highway fund.

(k) Beginning August 1, 2006, $200 for an annual permit for a vehicle operating under authority of section 169.824, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (2).

Sec. 58.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.86, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Tow truck. new text end

new text begin A tow truck or towing vehicle, when towing a disabled or damaged vehicle to a place of repair or to a place of safekeeping, may exceed the length and weight limitations of this chapter, subject to a $300 annual permit fee and other conditions the commissioner may prescribe. new text end

Sec. 59.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.862, is amended to read:

169.862 PERMIT FOR WIDE LOAD OF BALED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT.

Subdivision 1.

Annual permit authority; restrictions.

deleted text begin (a)deleted text end The commissioner of transportation with respect to highways under the commissioner's jurisdiction, and local authorities with respect to highways under their jurisdiction, may issue an annual permit to enable a vehicle carrying deleted text begin rounddeleted text end bales of hay, straw, or cornstalks, with a total outside width of the vehicle or the load not exceeding deleted text begin 11-1/2deleted text end new text begin 12new text end feet, new text begin and a total height of the loaded vehicle not exceeding 14-1/2 feet, new text end to be operated on public streets and highways.

deleted text begin (b) The commissioner of transportation and local authorities may issue an annual permit to enable a vehicle, having a maximum width of 102 inches, carrying a first haul of square bales of straw, each bale having a minimum size of four feet by four feet by eight feet, with a total outside width of the load not exceeding 12 feet, to be operated on public streets and highways between August 1 and March 1 within 35 miles of the border between this state and the state of North Dakota. deleted text end

deleted text begin (c) The commissioner of transportation and local authorities may issue an annual permit to enable a vehicle carrying square bales of hay, each with an outside dimension of not less than three feet by four feet by seven feet, with a total height of the loaded vehicle not exceeding 15 feet, to be operated on those public streets and highways designated in the permit. deleted text end

Subd. 2.

Additional restrictions.

Permits issued under this section are governed by the applicable provisions of section 169.86 except as otherwise provided herein and, in addition, carry the following restrictions:

(a) The vehicles may not be operated between sunset and sunrise, when visibility is impaired by weather, fog, or other conditions rendering persons and vehicles not clearly visible at a distance of 500 feet, or on Sunday from noon until sunset, or on the days the following holidays are observed: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

(b) The vehicles may not be operated on interstate highways.

(c) The vehicles may not be operated on a trunk highway with a pavement less than 24 feet wide.

(d) A vehicle operated under the permit must be equipped with a retractable or removable mirror on the left side so located that it will reflect to the driver a clear view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle.

(e) A vehicle operated under the permit must display red, orange, or yellow flags, 18 inches square, as markers at the front and rear and on both sides of the load. The load must be securely bound to the transporting vehicle.

(f) Farm vehicles not for hire carrying round baled hay less than 20 miles are exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit. All other requirements of this section apply to vehicles transporting round baled hay.

deleted text begin The fee for the permit is $24. deleted text end

Sec. 60.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.864, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Special three-unit vehicle permit.

The commissioner may issue a permit for a vehicle that meets the following requirements:

(1) is a combination of vehicles, including a truck-tractor and a semitrailer drawing one additional semitrailer, which may be equipped with an auxiliary dolly, and no semitrailer used in the three-vehicle combination has an overall length in excess of 28-1/2 feet;

(2) has a maximum gross vehicle weight of 108,000 pounds;

(3) complies with the axle weight limits in section 169.824 or with the federal bridge formula for axle groups not described in that section;

(4) complies with the tire weight limits in section 169.823 or the tire manufacturers' recommended load, whichever is less;

(5) is operated only in this state on Trunk Highway marked 2 between Grand Rapids and the port of Duluth; on Trunk Highway marked 169 between Grand Rapids and its junction with Trunk Highway marked 53; new text begin on Trunk Highway marked 194 between Trunk Highway marked 2 and Trunk Highway marked 53;new text end and on Trunk Highway marked 53 between Virginia and the port of Duluth; and

(6) the seasonal weight increases authorized under section 169.826, subdivision 1, do not apply.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 61.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.864, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Special two-unit vehicle permit.

The commissioner may issue a permit for a vehicle that meets the following requirements:

(1) is a combination of vehicles consisting of a truck-tractor and a single semitrailer that may exceed 48 feet, but not 53 feet, if the distance from the kingpin to the centerline of the rear axle group of the semitrailer does not exceed 43 feet;

(2) has a maximum gross vehicle weight of 90,000 poundsnew text begin or 97,000 pounds if the truck has seven axlesnew text end ;

(3) has a maximum gross vehicle weight of 98,000 pounds during the time when seasonal weight increases authorized under section 169.826, subdivision 1, are in effect;

(4) complies with the axle weight limits in section 169.824 or with the federal bridge formula for axle groups not described in that section;

(5) complies with the tire weight limits in section 169.823 or the tire manufacturers' recommended load, whichever is less; and

(6) is operated only on the highways specified in subdivision 1, clause (5).

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 62.

new text begin [169.865] SPECIAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS PERMITS. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Six-axle vehicles. new text end

new text begin (a) A road authority may issue an annual permit authorizing a vehicle or combination of vehicles with a total of six axles to haul raw or unprocessed agricultural products and be operated with a gross vehicle weight of up to: new text end

new text begin (1) 90,000 pounds; and new text end

new text begin (2) 99,000 pounds during the period set by the commissioner under section 169.826, subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (4), a vehicle or combination of vehicles operated under this subdivision and transporting only sealed intermodal containers may be operated on an interstate highway if allowed by the United States Department of Transportation. new text end

new text begin (c) The fee for a permit issued under this subdivision is $300. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Seven-axle vehicles. new text end

new text begin (a) A road authority may issue an annual permit authorizing a vehicle or combination of vehicles with a total of seven axles to haul raw or unprocessed agricultural products and be operated with a gross vehicle weight of up to: new text end

new text begin (1) 97,000 pounds; and new text end

new text begin (2) 99,000 pounds during the period set by the commissioner under section 169.826, subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin (b) Drivers of vehicles operating under this subdivision must comply with driver qualification requirements adopted under section 221.0314, subdivisions 2 to 5, and Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, parts 40 and 382. new text end

new text begin (c) The fee for a permit issued under this subdivision is $500. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Requirements; restrictions. new text end

new text begin (a) A vehicle or combination of vehicles operating under this section: new text end

new text begin (1) is subject to axle weight limitations under section 169.824, subdivision 1; new text end

new text begin (2) is subject to seasonal load restrictions under section 169.87; new text end

new text begin (3) is subject to bridge load limits posted under section 169.84; new text end

new text begin (4) may only be operated on trunk highways other than interstate highways, and on local roads designated under section 169.832, subdivision 11; new text end

new text begin (5) may not be operated with loads that exceed the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating as affixed to the vehicle, or other certification of gross vehicle weight rating complying with Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, parts 567.4 to 567.7; new text end

new text begin (6) must be issued a permit from each road authority having jurisdiction over a road on which the vehicle is operated, if required; new text end

new text begin (7) must comply with the requirements of section 169.851, subdivision 4; and new text end

new text begin (8) must have brakes on all wheels. new text end

new text begin (b) The percentage allowances for exceeding gross weights if transporting unfinished forest products under section 168.013, subdivision 3, paragraph (b), or for the first haul of unprocessed or raw farm products or unfinished forest products under section 168.013, subdivision 3, paragraph (d), clause (3), do not apply to a vehicle or combination of vehicles operated under this section. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Deposit of revenues; appropriation. new text end

new text begin (a) Revenue from the permits issued under this section must be deposited: new text end

new text begin (1) in fiscal years 2008 through 2011, in the bridge inspection and signing account in the special revenue fund; and new text end

new text begin (2) in fiscal year 2012 and subsequent years, in the trunk highway fund. new text end

new text begin (b) The revenue in the bridge inspection and signing account under this section is annually appropriated to the commissioner for: new text end

new text begin (1) inspection of local bridges and identification of local bridges to be posted, including contracting with a consultant for some or all of these functions; and new text end

new text begin (2) erection of weight posting signs on local bridges. new text end

Sec. 63.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 171.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 49a. new text end

new text begin Valid license; valid driver's license. new text end

new text begin "Valid license," "valid driver's license," "valid Minnesota driver's license," "valid standard driver's license," or other similar term, means any operator's license, provisional license, temporary license, limited license, permit, or other license to operate a motor vehicle issued or issuable under the laws of this state by the commissioner, or by another state or jurisdiction if specified, that is: new text end

new text begin (1) not expired, suspended, revoked, or canceled; and new text end

new text begin (2) not disqualified for the class of vehicle being operated. new text end

Sec. 64.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 171.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

License required; duplicate identification restricted.

new text begin (a) new text end Except when expressly exempted, a person shall not drive a motor vehicle upon a street or highway in this state unless the person has a deleted text begin licensedeleted text end valid new text begin license new text end under this chapter for the type or class of vehicle being driven.

new text begin (b)new text end The department shall not issue a driver's license to a person unless and until the person's license from any jurisdiction has been invalidated. The department shall provide to the issuing department of any jurisdiction, information that the licensee is now licensed in Minnesota. A person is not permitted to have more than one valid driver's license at any time. The department shall not issue to a person to whom a current Minnesota identification card has been issued a driver's license, other than a limited license, unless the person's Minnesota identification card has been invalidated. This subdivision does not require invalidation of a tribal identification card as a condition of receiving a driver's license.

Sec. 65.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 171.14, is amended to read:

171.14 CANCELLATION.

new text begin (a) new text end The commissioner deleted text begin shall have authority todeleted text end new text begin maynew text end cancel any driver's license upon determination thatnew text begin (1)new text end the licensee was not entitled to the issuance deleted text begin thereof hereunder, or thatdeleted text end new text begin of the license, (2)new text end the licensee failed to give the required or correct information in the application, deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin (3) the licenseenew text end committed any fraud or deceit in making deleted text begin suchdeleted text end new text begin thenew text end applicationdeleted text begin . The commissioner may also cancel the driver's license of anydeleted text end new text begin , or (4) thenew text end person deleted text begin whodeleted text end , at the time of the cancellation, would not have been entitled to receive a license under deleted text begin the provisions ofdeleted text end section 171.04.

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall cancel the driver's license of a person described in paragraph (a), clause (3), for 60 days or until the required or correct information has been provided, whichever is longer. new text end

Sec. 66.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 174.01, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Transportation goals.

The goals of the state transportation system are as follows:

(1) to provide safe transportation for users throughout the state;

(2) to provide multimodal and intermodal transportation that enhances mobility and economic development and provides access to all persons and businesses in Minnesota while ensuring that there is no undue burden placed on any community;

(3) to provide a reasonable travel time for commuters;

(4) to provide for the economical, efficient, and safe movement of goods to and from markets by rail, highway, and waterway;

(5) to encourage tourism by providing appropriate transportation to Minnesota facilities designed to attract tourists;

(6) to provide transit services throughout the state to meet the needs of transit users;

(7) to promote productivity through system management and the utilization of technological advancements;

(8) to maximize the new text begin long-term new text end benefits received for each state transportation investment;

(9) to provide funding for transportation that, at a minimum, preserves the transportation infrastructure;

(10) to ensure that the planning and implementation of all modes of transportation are consistent with the environmental and energy goals of the state;

(11) to new text begin promote and new text end increase new text begin the use of new text end high-occupancy deleted text begin vehicle usedeleted text end new text begin vehicles and low-emission vehiclesnew text end ;

(12) to provide an air transportation system sufficient to encourage economic growth and allow all regions of the state the ability to participate in the global economy;

(13) to increase transit use deleted text begin in the urban areasdeleted text end new text begin statewidenew text end by giving highest priority to the transportation modes with the greatest peoplenew text begin -new text end moving capacitynew text begin and lowest long-term economic and environmental costnew text end ; deleted text begin anddeleted text end

(14) to promote and increase bicycling as an energy-efficient, nonpolluting, and healthful new text begin form of new text end transportation deleted text begin alternative.deleted text end new text begin ;new text end

new text begin (15) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the state's transportation sector; and new text end

new text begin (16) accomplish these goals with minimal impact on the environment. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 67.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 174.02, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

Mission; efficiency; legislative report, recommendations.

It is part of the department's mission that within the department's resources the commissioner shall endeavor to:

(1) prevent the waste or unnecessary spending of public money;

(2) use innovative fiscal and human resource practices to manage the state's resources and operate the department as efficiently as possible;

(3) new text begin minimize the degradation of air and water quality;new text end

new text begin (4) new text end coordinate the department's activities wherever appropriate with the activities of other governmental agencies;

deleted text begin (4)deleted text end new text begin (5)new text end use technology where appropriate to increase agency productivity, improve customer service, increase public access to information about government, and increase public participation in the business of government;

deleted text begin (5)deleted text end new text begin (6)new text end utilize constructive and cooperative labor-management practices to the extent otherwise required by chapters 43A and 179A;

deleted text begin (6)deleted text end new text begin (7)new text end report to the legislature on the performance of agency operations and the accomplishment of agency goals in the agency's biennial budget according to section 16A.10, subdivision 1; and

deleted text begin (7)deleted text end new text begin (8)new text end recommend to the legislature appropriate changes in law necessary to carry out the mission and improve the performance of the department.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 68.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 174.03, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Statewide transportation plan; priorities; schedule of expenditures.

In order to best meet the present and future transportation needs of the public, to insure a strong state economy, to make most efficient use of public and private funds, new text begin to lessen adverse environmental impacts of the transportation sector, new text end and to promote the more efficient use of energy and other resources for transportation purposes, the commissioner shall:

(1) three months after notification that the department is ready to commence operations and prior to the drafting of the statewide transportation plan, hold public hearings as may be appropriate solely for the purpose of receiving suggestions for future transportation alternatives and priorities for the state. The Metropolitan Council, regional development commissions, and port authorities shall appear at the hearings and submit information concerning transportation-related planning undertaken and accomplished by these agencies. Other political subdivisions may appear and submit such information at the hearings. These hearings shall be completed no later than six months from the date of the commissioner's notification;

(2) develop, adopt, revise, and monitor a statewide transportation plan, taking into account the suggestions and information submitted at the public hearings held pursuant to clause (1). The plan shall incorporate all modes of transportationnew text begin including bicycle commutation and recreationnew text end and provide for the interconnection and coordination of different modes of transportation. The commissioner shall evaluate deleted text begin alternativedeleted text end new text begin allnew text end transportation programs and facilities proposed for inclusion in the plan in terms of economic costs and benefits, safety aspects, impact on present and planned land uses, environmental effects, energy efficiency, national transportation policies and priorities, and availability of federal and other financial assistance;

(3) based upon the statewide transportation plan, develop statewide transportation priorities and schedule authorized public capital improvements and other authorized public transportation expenditures pursuant to the priorities;

(4) complete the plan and priorities required by this subdivision no later than July 1, 1978. Upon completion of the plan and priorities, the commissioner shall prepare and periodically revise, as necessary, the schedule of authorized public transportation expenditures. The plan, priorities, and schedule are exempt from the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 69.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 174.03, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Highway construction training. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of transportation shall utilize the maximum feasible amount of all federal funds available to this state under United States Code, title 23, section 140, paragraph (b), to develop, conduct, and administer highway construction training, including skill improvement programs. new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner of transportation must report by February 1 of each odd-numbered year to the house of representatives and senate committees having jurisdiction over transportation policy and finance concerning the commissioner's compliance with paragraph (a). The report must, with respect to each of the two previous calendar years: new text end

new text begin (1) describe the highway construction training and skill improvement programs the commissioner has conducted and administered; new text end

new text begin (2) analyze the results of the commissioner's training programs; new text end

new text begin (3) state the amount of federal funds available to this state under United States Code, title 23, section 140, paragraph (b); and new text end

new text begin (4) identify the amount spent by the commissioner in conducting and administering the programs. new text end

Sec. 70.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 174.03, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Disadvantaged business enterprise program. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall include in each contract that is funded at least in part by federal funds, a sanction for each contractor who does not meet the established project disadvantaged business enterprise goal or demonstrate good faith effort to meet the goal. new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner of transportation shall report by February 1 of each odd-numbered year to the house of representatives and senate committees having jurisdiction over transportation policy and finance concerning the commissioner's disadvantaged business enterprise program. The report must, with respect to each of the two previous calendar years: new text end

new text begin (1) state the department's annual overall goal, compared with the percentage attained; new text end

new text begin (2) explain the methodology, applicable facts, and public participation used to establish the overall goal; new text end

new text begin (3) describe good faith efforts to meet the goal, if the goal was not attained; new text end

new text begin (4) describe actions to address overconcentration of disadvantaged business enterprises in certain types of work; new text end

new text begin (5) state the number of contracts that included disadvantaged business enterprise goals, the number of contractors that met established disadvantaged business enterprise goals, and sanctions imposed for lack of good faith effort; and new text end

new text begin (6) describe contracts with no disadvantaged business enterprise goals, and, of those, state number of contracts and amount of each contract with targeted groups under section 16C.16. new text end

Sec. 71.

new text begin [174.185] PAVEMENT LIFE-CYCLE COST ANALYSIS. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply. new text end

new text begin (a) "Life-cycle cost" is the sum of the cost of the initial pavement project and all anticipated costs for maintenance, repair, and resurfacing over the life of the pavement. Anticipated costs must be based on Minnesota's actual or reasonably projected maintenance, repair, and resurfacing schedules, and costs determined by the Department of Transportation district personnel based upon recently awarded local projects and experience with local material costs. new text end

new text begin (b) "Life-cycle cost analysis" is a comparison of life-cycle costs among competing paving materials using equal design lives and equal comparison periods. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Required analysis. new text end

new text begin For each project in the reconditioning, resurfacing, and road repair funding categories, the commissioner shall perform a life-cycle cost analysis and shall document the lowest life-cycle costs and all alternatives considered. The commissioner shall document the chosen pavement strategy and, if the lowest life cycle is not selected, document the justification for the chosen strategy. A life-cycle cost analysis is required for projects to be constructed after July 1, 2011. For projects to be constructed prior to July 1, 2011, when feasible, the department will use its best efforts to perform life-cycle cost analyses. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall report annually to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house of representatives committees with jurisdiction over transportation finance beginning on January 1, 2012, the results of the analyses required in subdivision 2. new text end

Sec. 72.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 174.30, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Vehicle and equipment inspectionnew text begin , rulesnew text end ; decalnew text begin ; complaint contact informationnew text end .

(a) The commissioner shall inspect or provide for the inspection of vehicles at least annually. In addition to scheduled annual inspections and reinspections scheduled for the purpose of verifying that deficiencies have been corrected, unannounced inspections of any vehicle may be conducted.

(b) On determining that a vehicle or vehicle equipment is in a condition that is likely to cause an accident or breakdown, the commissioner shall require the vehicle to be taken out of service immediately. The commissioner shall require that vehicles and equipment not meeting standards be repaired and brought into conformance with the standards and shall require written evidence of compliance from the operator before allowing the operator to return the vehicle to service.

(c) The commissioner shall provide in the rules procedures for inspecting vehicles, removing unsafe vehicles from service, determining and requiring compliance, and reviewing driver qualifications.

(d) The commissioner shall design a distinctive decal to be issued to special transportation service providers with a current certificate of compliance under this section. A decal is valid for one year from the last day of the month in which it is issued. A person who is subject to the operating standards adopted under this section may not provide special transportation service in a vehicle that does not conspicuously display a decal issued by the commissioner.

new text begin (e) Special transportation service providers shall prominently display in each vehicle all contact information for the submission of complaints regarding the transportation services provided to that individual. All vehicles providing service under section 473.386 shall display contact information for the Metropolitan Council. All other special transportation service vehicles shall display contact information for the commissioner of transportation. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2008. new text end

Sec. 73.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 174.30, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9.

deleted text begin Complaint data;deleted text end new text begin Complaints; report; data new text end classification.

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall investigate all complaints over which the commissioner has jurisdiction regarding special transportation service providers regulated under this section. new text end

new text begin (b) By January 15, 2009, and in every subsequent odd-numbered year by January 15, the commissioner shall submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees having jurisdiction over transportation policy and finance. The report must identify each complaint investigated by the commissioner under paragraph (a), including, but not limited to, any findings and steps taken for resolution of the complaint. new text end

new text begin (c) new text end When information is furnished to the Department of Transportation that alleges a violation of this section, an operating standard adopted under this section, or section 174.315, the following data are classified as confidential data or protected nonpublic data:

(1) names of complainants;

(2) complaint letters; and

(3) other unsolicited data when furnished by a person who is not the subject of the data and who is not a department employee.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2008. new text end

Sec. 74.

new text begin [174.56] REPORT ON MAJOR HIGHWAY PROJECTS. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Report required. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of transportation shall submit a report on January 15, 2009, and on January 15 of each year thereafter, on the status of major highway projects under construction or planned during the year of the report and for the ensuing 15 years. For purposes of this section, a "major highway project" is a highway project that has a total cost for all segments that the commissioner estimates at the time of the report to be at least (1) $25,000,000 in the metropolitan highway construction district, or (2) $10,000,000 in any nonmetropolitan highway construction district. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Report contents. new text end

new text begin For each major highway project the report must include: new text end

new text begin (1) a description of the project sufficient to specify its scope and location; new text end

new text begin (2) a history of the project, including, but not limited to, previous official actions by the department or the appropriate area transportation partnership, or both, the date on which the project was first included in the state transportation improvement plan, the cost of the project at that time, the dates of environmental approval, the dates of municipal approval, the date of final geometric layout, and the date of establishment of any construction limits; new text end

new text begin (3) the project's priority listing or rank within its construction district, if any, as well as the reasons for that listing or rank, the criteria used in prioritization or rank, any changes in that prioritization or rank since the project was first included in a department work plan, and the reasons for those changes; and new text end

new text begin (4) past and potential future reasons for delay in letting or completing the project. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Department resources. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall prepare and submit the report with existing department staff and resources. new text end

Sec. 75.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 218.041, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Investigative powers.

In the exercise of powers granted in this chapter, the commissioner may:

(1) subpoena books, papers, or accounts kept by any regulated business within or without the state, or compel production of verified copies;

(2) prepare all forms or blanks for obtaining information that the commissioner may deem necessary or useful for the proper exercise of the authority and duties of the commissioner in connection with regulated businesses, and prescribe the time and manner within which the blanks and forms must be completed and filed;

(3) inspect, at all reasonable times, and copy the books, records, memoranda, correspondence, or other documents and records of any business under the commissioner's jurisdiction; deleted text begin anddeleted text end

(4) examine, under oath, any officer, agent, or employee of a business under the commissioner's jurisdiction concerning any matter within the commissioner's jurisdictionnew text begin ; andnew text end

new text begin (5) assess common carriers, administer the state rail safety inspection account, and perform other duties on behalf of the state rail safety inspector under section 219.015new text end .

Sec. 76.

new text begin [219.015] STATE RAIL SAFETY INSPECTOR. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of transportation shall establish a position of state rail safety inspector in the Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The commissioner shall apply to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) of the United States Department of Transportation to participate in the Federal State Rail Safety Partnership Program for training and certification of an inspector under authority of United States Code, title 49, sections 20103, 20105, 20106, and 20113, and Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 212. The state rail safety inspector shall inspect mainline track, secondary track, and yard and industry track; inspect railroad right-of-way, including adjacent or intersecting drainage, culverts, bridges, overhead structures, and traffic and other public crossings; inspect yards and physical plants; review and enforce safety requirements; review maintenance and repair records; and review railroad security measures. To the extent delegated by the commissioner, the inspector may issue citations for violations of this chapter, or to ensure railroad employee and public safety and welfare. new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall annually assess railroad companies that are (1) defined as common carriers under section 218.011, (2) classified by federal law or regulation as Class I Railroads or Class I Rail Carriers, and (3) operating in this state, by a division of equal proportion between carriers, assessed in equal amounts for 365 days of the calendar year. The commissioner shall assess all start-up or re-establishment costs, and all related costs of initiating the state rail safety inspector program beginning July 1, 2008. The state rail inspector duties must begin and be assessed on January 1, 2009. The assessments must be deposited in a special account in the special revenue fund, to be known as the state rail safety inspection account. Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner and may be expended to cover the costs incurred for the establishment and ongoing responsibilities of the state rail safety inspector. new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner may exempt a common carrier not federally classified as Class I from violations for a period of up to two years if the common carrier applies for participation in a work site safety coaching program, such as the "MNSharp" program administered by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, and the commissioner determines such participation to be preferred enforcement for safety or security violations. new text end

new text begin (d) Any person aggrieved by an assessment levied under this section may appeal within 90 days any assessment, violation, or administrative penalty to the Office of Administrative Hearings, with further appeal and review by the district court. new text end

Sec. 77.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 221.031, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Vehicle identification rule.

(a) The following carriers shall display the carrier's name deleted text begin and addressdeleted text end on the power unit of each vehicle:

(1) motor carriers, regardless of the weight of the vehicle, except that this requirement does not apply to a limousine as defined in section 168.011, subdivision 35, that is equipped with "LM" license plates;

(2) interstate and intrastate private carriers operating vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds; and

(3) vehicles providing transportation described in section 221.025 with a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds except those providing transportation described in section 221.025, clauses (1), (3), and (4).

Vehicles described in clauses (2) and (3) that are operated by farmers or farm employees and have four or fewer axles are not required to comply with the vehicle identification rule of the commissioner.

(b) Vehicles subject to this subdivision must show the name or "doing business as" name of the carrier operating the vehicle deleted text begin and the community and abbreviation of the state in which the carrier maintains its principal office or in which the vehicle is customarily baseddeleted text end . If the carrier operates a leased vehicle, it may show its name and the name of the lessor on the vehicle, if the lease relationship is clearly shown. If the name of a person other than the operating carrier appears on the vehicle, the words "operated by" must immediately precede the name of the carrier.

(c) The name deleted text begin and addressdeleted text end must be in letters that contrast sharply in color with the background, be readily legible during daylight hours from a distance of 50 feet while the vehicle is stationary, and be maintained in a manner that retains the legibility of the markings. The name deleted text begin and addressdeleted text end may be shown by use of a removable device if that device meets the identification and legibility requirements of this subdivision.

Sec. 78.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 221.0314, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9.

Hours of service of driver.

Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 395, is incorporated by reference, except that paragraphs (a), (c), (d), (f), (h), (i), (k), deleted text begin (l),deleted text end (m), and (n) of section 395.1 and section 395.13 of that part are not incorporated. In addition, cross-references to sections or paragraphs not incorporated in this subdivision are not incorporated by reference. The requirements of Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 395, do not apply to drivers of lightweight vehicles.

Sec. 79.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 221.0314, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin Hazardous materials safety permits. new text end

new text begin A person who transports the hazardous materials designated in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 385.403, shall comply with this section and with the provisions of Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 385, subpart E, which is incorporated by reference. new text end

Sec. 80.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 221.033, subdivision 2d, is amended to read:

Subd. 2d.

Age of driver under federal materials-of-trade regulation.

A driver of a self-propelled or towed motor vehicle transporting no hazardous material other than materials of trade, as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 171.8, new text begin when engaged in intrastate transportation, new text end must be at least 18 years of age. This subdivision does not apply unless the transportation conforms to the requirements of Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 173.6.

Sec. 81.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 221.037, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Required to provide information.

A person who generates, stores, treats, transports, disposes of, or otherwise handles or has handled hazardous materials, hazardous substances, or hazardous waste shall (1) give to transportation representatives and hazardous material specialists of the department information relating to the materials, substances, or waste, or (2) permit them access to and copying of records new text begin and safety permits new text end relating to new text begin any or all of new text end the materials, substances, or wastedeleted text begin , or bothdeleted text end .

Sec. 82.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 221.091, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Local licensing of small vehicle passenger service.

A city that licenses and regulates small vehicle passenger service must do so by ordinance. The ordinance must, at a minimum, provide for driver qualifications, insurance, vehicle safety, and periodic vehicle inspections. A city that has adopted an ordinance complying with this subdivision may enforce the registration requirement in section 221.021. new text begin A person who provides small vehicle passenger service to an individual for the purpose of obtaining nonemergency medical care and who receives reimbursement under section 256B.0625, subdivision 17, for providing the service, must comply with the rules of the commissioner adopted under section 174.30.new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2008. new text end

Sec. 83.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 221.141, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Financial responsibility of carriers.

(a) No motor carrier and no interstate carrier shall operate a vehicle until it has obtained and has in effect the minimum amount of financial responsibility required by this section. Policies of insurance, surety bonds, other types of security, and endorsements must be continuously in effect and must remain in effect until canceled. Before providing transportation, the motor carrier or interstate carrier shall secure and cause to be filed with the commissioner and maintain in full effect, a certificate of insurance in a form required by the commissioner, evidencing public liability insurance in the amount prescribed. The insurance must cover injuries and damage to persons or property resulting from the operation or use of motor vehicles, regardless of whether each vehicle is specifically described in the policy. This insurance does not apply to injuries or death to the employees of the motor carrier or to property being transported by the carrier.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the insurance required of a motor carrier of passengers must be at least that amount required of interstate carriers under Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 387.33, as amended.

new text begin (c) This section does not apply to a charitable organization exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code when the transportation furthers the charitable organization's charitable mission. The charitable organization must comply with the insurance requirements of section 65B.48. new text end

Sec. 84.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 221.231, is amended to read:

221.231 RECIPROCAL AGREEMENT.

The commissioner may enter into reciprocal agreements with the regulatory bodies of other states and the provinces of the Dominion of Canadadeleted text begin , whereby the payment of the fees provided in section 221.60 may be waived in whole or in part fordeleted text end new text begin regardingnew text end motor carriers having an established place of business in that state or province; provided that reciprocal privileges are extended under the agreement to motor carriers of this state.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 85.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 221.60, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

deleted text begin Proceduredeleted text end new text begin Registration requirednew text end .

deleted text begin A motor carrier may transport persons or property for deleted text end deleted text begin hire in interstate commerce in Minnesota only if it first: deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) complies with section 221.141; deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) either registers with the commissioner the federal operating authority that it intends to exercise, or registers and describes the transportation it performs under an exemption contained in United States Code, title 49; and deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) purchases an interstate identification stamp or an interstate registration trip permit for each vehicle to be used in interstate transportation in Minnesotadeleted text end new text begin A foreign or domestic motor carrier, motor private carrier, leasing company, broker, or freight forwarder, as defined in United States Code, title 49, section 13102, may operate in interstate commerce in Minnesota only if it first complies with the Unified Carrier Registration Agreement authorized by United States Code, title 49, section 14504a, enacted pursuant to the Unified Carrier Registration Act of 2005, and the rules, regulations, and directives adopted thereunder, including registering with a base state and paying all required feesnew text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 86.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 221.60, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Commissioner's authority. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of transportation is authorized to take all necessary actions to enter into the Unified Carrier Registration Agreement in accordance with United States Code, title 49, section 14504a, and shall implement and administer the agreement and the rules and regulations adopted thereunder, including directives of the Unified Carrier Registration Plan board of directors as authorized by United States Code, title 49, section 14504a, subsection (d)(2). new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 87.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 222.50, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Expenditures.

(a) The commissioner may expend money from the rail service improvement account for the following purposes:

(1) to make transfers as provided under section 222.57 or to pay interest adjustments on loans guaranteed under the state rail user and rail carrier loan guarantee program;

(2) to pay a portion of the costs of capital improvement projects designed to improve rail service deleted text begin including construction or improvement of short segments of rail line such as side track, team track, and connections between existing lines, and construction and improvement of loading, unloading, storage, and transfer facilitiesdeleted text end of a rail usernew text begin or a rail carriernew text end ;

(3) new text begin to pay a portion of the costs of rehabilitation projects designed to improve rail service of a rail user or a rail carrier;new text end

new text begin (4) new text end to acquire, maintain, manage, and dispose of railroad right-of-way pursuant to the state rail bank program;

deleted text begin (4)deleted text end new text begin (5) new text end to provide for aerial photography survey of proposed and abandoned railroad tracks for the purpose of recording and reestablishing by analytical triangulation the existing alignment of the inplace track;

deleted text begin (5)deleted text end new text begin (6) new text end to pay a portion of the costs of acquiring a rail line by a regional railroad authority established pursuant to chapter 398A;

deleted text begin (6)deleted text end new text begin (7) new text end to pay the state matching portion of federal grants for rail-highway grade crossing improvement projects.

(b) All money derived by the commissioner from the disposition of railroad right-of-way or of any other property acquired pursuant to sections 222.46 to 222.62 shall be deposited in the rail service improvement account.

Sec. 88.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 222.63, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Disposition permitted.

(a) The commissioner may lease any rail line or right-of-way held in the state rail bank or enter into an agreement with any person for the operation of any rail line or right-of-way for any of the purposes set forth in subdivision 2 in accordance with a fee schedule to be developed by the commissioner.

(b) The commissioner may convey any rail line or right-of-way, for consideration or for no consideration and upon other terms as the commissioner may determine to be in the public interest, to any other state agency or to a governmental subdivision of the state having power by law to utilize it for any of the purposes set forth in subdivision 2.

(c) The commissioner may convey a portion of previously acquired rail bank right-of-way to a state agency or governmental subdivision when the commissioner determines that:

(1) the portion to be conveyed is in excess of that needed for the purposes stated in subdivision 2;

(2) the conveyance is upon terms and conditions agreed upon by both the commissioner and the state agency or governmental subdivision;

(3) after the sale, the rail bank corridor will continue to meet the future public and commercial transportation and transmission needs of the state; and

(4) the conveyance will not reduce the width of the rail bank corridor to less than deleted text begin 50deleted text end new text begin 100new text end feet.

(d) The commissioner may lease previously acquired state rail bank right-of-way to a state agency or governmental subdivision or to a private entity for nontransportation purposes when:

(1) the portion to be leased is in excess of that needed for the purposes stated in subdivision 2;

(2) the lease will not reduce the useable width of the rail bank corridor to less than deleted text begin 50deleted text end new text begin 100new text end feet;

(3) the cost of the lease is based on the fair market value of the portion to be leased, as determined by appraisal;

(4) the lease allows the commissioner to terminate the lease on 90 days' written notice to the lessee; and

(5) the lease prohibits the construction or erection of any permanent structure within the deleted text begin 50-footdeleted text end new text begin 100-footnew text end rail bank corridor and requires any structure erected on the leased property to be removed and the land restored to its original condition on 90 days' written notice to the lessee.

(e) Proceeds from a sale or lease must be deposited in the rail bank maintenance account described in subdivision 8.

Sec. 89.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 222.63, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Rail bank property use; petty misdemeanors. new text end

new text begin (a) Except for the actions of road authorities and their agents, employees, and contractors, and of utilities, in carrying out their duties imposed by permit, law, or contract, and except as otherwise provided in this section, it is unlawful to perform any of the following activities on rail bank property: new text end

new text begin (1) obstruct any trail; new text end

new text begin (2) deposit snow or ice; new text end

new text begin (3) remove or place any earth, gravel, or rock without authorization; new text end

new text begin (4) obstruct or remove any ditch-draining device, or drain any harmful or dangerous materials; new text end

new text begin (5) erect a fence, or place or maintain any advertising, sign, or memorial; new text end

new text begin (6) remove, injure, displace, or destroy right-of-way markers or reference or witness monuments or markers placed to preserve section or quarter-section corners defining rail bank property limits; new text end

new text begin (7) drive upon any portion of rail bank property, except at approved crossings, and except where authorized for snowmobiles, emergency vehicles, maintenance vehicles, or other vehicles authorized to use rail bank property; new text end

new text begin (8) deface, mar, damage, or tamper with any structure, work, material, sign, marker, paving, guardrail, drain, or any other rail bank appurtenance; or new text end

new text begin (9) park, overhang, or abandon any unauthorized vehicle or implement of husbandry on, across, or over the limits of rail bank property. new text end

new text begin (b) Unless a greater penalty is provided elsewhere in statute, any violation of this subdivision is a petty misdemeanor. new text end

new text begin (c) The cost to remove, repair, or perform any other corrective action necessitated by a violation of this subdivision may be charged to the violator. new text end

Sec. 90.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 299A.705, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Vehicle services operating account.

(a) The vehicle services operating account is created in the special revenue fund, consisting of all money from the vehicle services fees specified in chapters 168 deleted text begin anddeleted text end new text begin ,new text end 168Anew text begin , and 168D,new text end and any other money otherwise donated, allotted, appropriated, or legislated to this account.

(b) Funds appropriated are available to administer vehicle services as specified in chapters 168 deleted text begin anddeleted text end new text begin ,new text end 168Anew text begin , and 168D,new text end and section 169.345, including:

(1) designing, producing, issuing, and mailing vehicle registrations, plates, emblems, and titles;

(2) collecting title and registration taxes and fees;

(3) transferring vehicle registration plates and titles;

(4) maintaining vehicle records;

(5) issuing disability certificates and plates;

(6) licensing vehicle dealers;

(7) appointing, monitoring, and auditing deputy registrars; and

(8) inspecting vehicles when required by law.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from August 1, 2005, for fees collected on or after that date. new text end

Sec. 91.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 299F.60, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Money penalty.

Any person who violates any provision of sections 299F.56 to 299F.641, or any rule issued thereunder, deleted text begin shall bedeleted text end new text begin is new text end subject to a civil penalty to be imposed by the commissioner not to exceed deleted text begin $10,000deleted text end new text begin $100,000 new text end for each deleted text begin suchdeleted text end violation for each day that deleted text begin suchdeleted text end new text begin the new text end violation persists, except that the maximum civil penalty deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin must new text end not exceed deleted text begin $500,000deleted text end new text begin $1,000,000 new text end for any related series of violations.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2008, and applies to violations committed on or after that date. new text end

Sec. 92.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 299J.16, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Civil penalty.

(a) A pipeline operator who violates section 299J.07, subdivision 1, or 299J.15, or the rules of the commissioner implementing those sections, shall forfeit and pay to the state a civil penalty in an amount to be determined by the court, up to deleted text begin $10,000deleted text end new text begin $100,000 new text end for each day that the operator remains in violation, subject to a maximum of deleted text begin $500,000deleted text end new text begin $1,000,000 new text end for a related series of violations.

(b) The penalty provided under this subdivision may be recovered by an action brought by the attorney general at the request of the commissioner, in the name of the state, in connection with an action to recover expenses of the director under section 299J.13, subdivision 4:

(1) in the District Court of Ramsey County; or

(2) in the county of the defendant's residence.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2008, and applies to violations committed on or after that date. new text end

Sec. 93.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 325F.665, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 14. new text end

new text begin Title branding. new text end

new text begin (a) Upon transfer and application for title of all vehicles subject to this section, the registrar of motor vehicles shall record the term "lemon law vehicle" on the certificate of title and all subsequent certificates of title for that vehicle. new text end

new text begin (b) For vehicles with out-of-state titles that bear the term "lemon law vehicle," or any similar term, the registrar of motor vehicles shall record the term "lemon law vehicle" on the first Minnesota certificate of title and all subsequent Minnesota certificates of title issued for that vehicle. new text end

new text begin (c) The designation of "lemon law vehicle" on a certificate of title must be made by the registrar of motor vehicles in a clear and conspicuous manner, in a color different from all other writing on the certificate of title. new text end

Sec. 94.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 473.1466, is amended to read:

473.1466 new text begin TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM new text end PERFORMANCE deleted text begin AUDIT; TRANSITdeleted text end EVALUATION.

(a) deleted text begin In 1997 and every four years thereafter, the council shall provide for an independent entity selected through a request for proposal process conducted nationwide to dodeleted text end new text begin Prior to each major revision of the transportation policy plan, the council must carry out new text end a performance deleted text begin auditdeleted text end new text begin evaluation new text end of the deleted text begin commutingdeleted text end new text begin metropolitan new text end area's transportation system as a whole. The performance deleted text begin auditdeleted text end new text begin evaluation new text end mustnew text begin :new text end

new text begin (1) new text end evaluate the deleted text begin commutingdeleted text end area's ability to meet the deleted text begin region's needsdeleted text end new text begin need new text end for effective and efficient transportation of goods and peopledeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;new text end

new text begin (2) new text end evaluate deleted text begin futuredeleted text end trends and their impacts on the deleted text begin region'sdeleted text end new text begin area's new text end transportation systemdeleted text begin , anddeleted text end new text begin ;new text end

new text begin (3) assess the region's success in meeting the currently adopted regional transportation benchmarks; and new text end

new text begin (4) include an evaluation of the regional transit system, including a comparison with peer metropolitan regions with regard to key operating and investment measurements. new text end

new text begin (b) The council must update the evaluation of the regional transit system every two years. new text end

new text begin (c) The council shall use the results of the performance evaluation to new text end make recommendations for improving the systemnew text begin in each revision of the transportation policy plannew text end . deleted text begin The performance audit must recommend performance-funding measures.deleted text end

deleted text begin (b) In 1999 and every four years thereafter, the council must evaluate the performance of the metropolitan transit system's operation in relationship to the regional transit performance standards developed by the council. deleted text end

new text begin (d) The council must conduct a peer review of the performance evaluation using at least two nationally recognized transportation and transit consultants. new text end

new text begin (e) The council must submit the performance evaluation to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees and divisions with jurisdiction over transportation finance and policy. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to each revision of the transportation policy plan after the 2008 revision. new text end

Sec. 95.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 473.166, is amended to read:

473.166 CONTROLLED ACCESS; deleted text begin TRANSIT FIXED-GUIDEWAY;deleted text end APPROVAL.

Before acquiring land for or constructing a controlled access highway deleted text begin or transit fixed-guidewaydeleted text end in the area, the state Transportation Department or local government unit proposing the acquisition or construction shall submit to the council a statement describing the proposed project. The statement must be in the form and detail required by the council. The council shall review the statement to ascertain its consistency with its policy plan and the development guide. No project may be undertaken unless the council determines that it is consistent with the policy plan. This approval is in addition to the requirements of any other statute, ordinance or rule.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 96.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 473.386, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Service objectives.

The council shall implement a special transportation service, as defined in section 174.29, in the metropolitan area. The service has the following objectives:

(a) to provide greater access to transportation for the elderly, people with disabilities, and others with special transportation needs in the metropolitan area;

(b) to develop an integrated system of special transportation service providing transportation tailored to meet special individual needs in the most cost-efficient manner; and

(c) to use existing public, private, and private nonprofit providers of service deleted text begin wherever possibledeleted text end new text begin when feasible and cost-efficientnew text end , to supplement rather than replace existing service, and to increase the productivity of all special transportation vehicles available in the area.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 97.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 473.386, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Service contracts; management; transportation accessibility advisory committee.

(a) The council may contract for services necessary for the provision of special transportation. Transportation service provided under a contract must specify the service to be provided, the standards that must be met, and the rates for operating and providing special transportation services.

(b) The council shall establish management policies for the service and may contract with a service administrator for day-to-day administration and management of the service. Any contract must delegate to the service administrator clear authority to administer and manage the delivery of the service pursuant to council management policies and must establish performance and compliance standards for the service administrator. The council may provide directly day to day administration and management of the service and may own or lease vehicles used to provide the service.

(c) The council shall ensure that the service administrator establishes a system for registering and expeditiously responding to complaints by users, informing users of how to register complaints, and requiring providers to report on incidents that impair the safety and well-being of users or the quality of the service.

new text begin (d) new text end The council shall deleted text begin annuallydeleted text end report deleted text begin to the commissioner of transportation and the legislature on complaints and provider reports, the response of the service administrator, and steps taken by the council and the service administrator to identify causes and provide remedies to recurring problemsdeleted text end new text begin on its special transportation services as part of the program evaluation provided for in section 473.13, subdivision 1anew text end .

deleted text begin (d) Each year before renewing contracts with providers and the service administrator, the council shall provide an opportunity for the transportation accessibility advisory committee, users, and other interested persons to testify before the council concerning providers, contract terms, and other matters relating to council policies and procedures for implementing the service. deleted text end

(e) new text begin The council shall provide, on an annual basis, an opportunity for users and other interested persons to provide testimony to the council concerning services provided under this section.new text end

new text begin (f) new text end The council shall establish a Transportation Accessibility Advisory Committeenew text begin consisting of 15 members and a chair to advise the council on management policies for the council's special transportation servicenew text end . The Transportation Accessibility Advisory Committee must include elderly and disabled persons, other users of special transportation service, deleted text begin representatives of persons contracting to provide special transportation services,deleted text end and representatives of appropriate agencies for elderly and disabled persons deleted text begin to advise the council on management policies for the servicedeleted text end . At least half the Transportation Accessibility Advisory Committee members must be deleted text begin disabled or elderly persons or the representatives of disabled or elderlydeleted text end personsnew text begin who are both ADA-certified and users of public transit in the metropolitan areanew text end . Two of the appointments to the Transportation Accessibility Advisory Committee shall be made by the Council on Disability in consultation with the chair of the Metropolitan Council.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 98.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 473.386, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

Eligibility new text begin application and verification; penalty for fraudulent new text end certification.

new text begin If the council requires a person to be certified as eligible for special transportation services, an applicant for certification must submit an application form and the applicant's eligibility must be verified by a type of professional specified by the council. new text end The council shall deleted text begin include the notice of penalty for fraudulent certification, and require the person certifying the applicant to sign the eligibility certification form and the applicant to sign the application form, as provided in section 174.295.deleted text end new text begin :new text end

new text begin (1) require the applicant to sign the application form and certify that the application information is accurate; and new text end

new text begin (2) require the person verifying the applicant's eligibility to sign the eligibility verification form and certify that the verifying information is accurate. new text end

new text begin The penalty provided for in section 174.295, subdivision 4, applies to the certifications by the applicant and the person verifying the applicant's eligibility. The council must include a notice of the penalty for fraudulent certification in the application form and the eligibility verification form. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 99.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 473.386, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Duties of council.

In implementing the special transportation service, the council shall:

(a) encourage participation in the service by public, private, and private nonprofit providers of special transportation currently receiving capital or operating assistance from a public agency;

(b) new text begin when feasible and cost-efficient, new text end contract with public, private, and private nonprofit providers that have demonstrated their ability to effectively provide service at a reasonable cost;

(c) encourage individuals using special transportation to use the type of service most appropriate to their particular needs;

(d) deleted text begin ensure that all persons providing special transportation service receive equitable treatment in the allocation of the ridership;deleted text end

deleted text begin (e)deleted text end encourage shared rides to the greatest extent practicable;

deleted text begin (f)deleted text end new text begin (e) new text end encourage public agencies that provide transportation to eligible individuals as a component of human services and educational programs to coordinate with this service and to allow reimbursement for transportation provided through the service at rates that reflect the public cost of providing that transportation;

deleted text begin (g)deleted text end new text begin (f) new text end establish criteria to be used in determining individual eligibility for special transportation services;

deleted text begin (h)deleted text end new text begin (g) new text end consult with the Transportation Accessibility Advisory Committee in a timely manner before changes are made in the provision of special transportation servicesdeleted text begin , including, but not limited to, changes in policies affecting the matters subject to hearing under subdivision 2deleted text end ;

deleted text begin (i)deleted text end new text begin (h) new text end provide for effective administration and enforcement of council policies and standards;

deleted text begin (j) annually evaluate providers of special transportation service to ensure compliance with the standards established for the program;deleted text end and

deleted text begin (k)deleted text end new text begin (i) new text end ensure that, taken as a whole including contracts with public, private, and private nonprofit providers, the geographic coverage area of the special transportation service is continuous within the boundaries of the transit taxing district, as defined as of March 1, 2006, in section 473.446, subdivision 2.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 100.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 473.399, is amended to read:

473.399 new text begin TRANSIT WAYS; new text end LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT AND COMMUTER RAIL deleted text begin PLANNINGdeleted text end new text begin IN THE METROPOLITAN AREAnew text end .

Subdivision 1.

General requirements.

(a) new text begin The council must identify in its transportation policy plan those heavily traveled corridors where development of a transit way may be feasible and cost-effective. Modes of providing service in a transit way may include bus rapid transit, light rail transit, commuter rail, or other available systems or technologies that improve transit service.new text end

new text begin (b) After the completion of environmental studies and receipt of input from the governing body of each statutory and home rule charter city, county, and town in which a transit way is proposed to be constructed, the council must designate the locally preferred alternative transit mode with respect to the corridor. new text end

new text begin (c) new text end The council shall deleted text begin adopt a plan todeleted text end ensure thatnew text begin anynew text end light rail transit facilitiesnew text begin that are designated as the locally preferred alternative and that are to be constructednew text end in the metropolitan area will be acquired, developed, owned, and capable of operation in an efficient, cost-effective, and coordinated manner in coordination with buses and other transportation modes and facilities. deleted text begin The plan may be developed and adopted in phases corresponding to phasing of construction of light rail. The council may incorporate into its plan appropriate elements of the plans of regional railroad authorities in order to avoid duplication of effort.deleted text end

deleted text begin (b) The light rail transit plan or first phase of the plan required by this section must be adopted by the council before the commissioner of transportation may begin deleted text end

new text begin (d)new text end Construction of light rail transit facilitiesnew text begin in a particular transit corridor may not commence unless and until that mode is designated as the locally preferred alternative for that corridor by the councilnew text end . deleted text begin Following adoption of the plan, the commissioner of transportation shall act in conformity with the plan. The commissioner shall prepare or amend the final design plans as necessary to make the plans consistent with the light rail transit plan.deleted text end

deleted text begin (c) Throughout the development and implementation of the plan, the council shall contract for or otherwise obtain engineering services to assure that the plan adequately addresses the technical aspects of light rail transit. deleted text end

Subd. 1a.

Integrated transportation system.

The commissioner of transportation and the Metropolitan Council shall ensure that deleted text begin thedeleted text end light rail transit and commuter rail facilities are planned, designed, and implemented: (1) to move commuters and transit users into and out of, as well as within, the metropolitan area, and (2) to ensure that rail transit lines will interface with each other and other transportation facilities and services so as to provide a unified, integrated, and efficient multimodal transportation system.

Subd. 4.

Expenditure of state funds.

No state funds may be expended by the Metropolitan Council to studynew text begin a particularnew text end light rail transit or commuter railnew text begin facilitynew text end unless the funds are appropriated in legislation that identifiesnew text begin thenew text end route, including the origin and destination.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 101.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 473.3993, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Application.

The definitions in this section apply to deleted text begin section 473.3994deleted text end new text begin sections 473.3993 to 473.3997new text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 102.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 473.3993, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Final design plan.

"Final design plan" means a light rail transit plan that includes the items in the preliminary design plan and the preliminary engineering plan for the facilities proposed but with greater detail and specificity needed for construction. The final design plan must include, at a minimum:

(1) final plans for the physical design of facilities, including the right-of-way definition; environmental impacts and mitigation measures; intermodal coordination with bus operations and routes; and civil engineering plans for vehicles, track, stations, parking, and access, including disability access; and

(2) final plans for civil engineering for electrification, communication, and other similar facilities; operational rules, procedures, and strategies; capital costs; ridership; operating costs and revenues, and sources of funds for operating subsidies; financing for construction and operation; an implementation method; and other similar matters.

The final design plan must be stated with sufficient particularity and detail to allow the proposer to begin the acquisition and construction of operable facilities. If a design-build implementation method is proposed, instead of civil engineering plans the final design plan must state detailed design criteria and performance standards for the facilities.

deleted text begin The commissioner of transportation may use deleted text end deleted text begin a design-build method of project deleted text end deleted text begin development and construction deleted text end deleted text begin for deleted text end deleted text begin light rail transit. deleted text end deleted text begin Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the deleted text end deleted text begin commissioner may award a deleted text end deleted text begin design-build deleted text end deleted text begin contract deleted text end deleted text begin on the basis of requests for proposals or requests for qualifications deleted text end deleted text begin without bids. "Design-build method of project development and construction" means a deleted text end deleted text begin project delivery system in which a single contractor is responsible for both the design and deleted text end deleted text begin construction of the project and bids the design and construction together. deleted text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 103.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 473.3993, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Responsible authority. new text end

new text begin "Responsible authority" means either the Metropolitan Council or the state of Minnesota acting through the commissioner of transportation, as designated by the governor under section 473.3994, subdivision 1a, for a particular light rail transit facility. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 104.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 473.3994, is amended to read:

473.3994 LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT; DESIGN PLANS.

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

new text begin Designation of responsible authority. new text end

new text begin For each proposed light rail transit facility in the metropolitan area, the governor must designate either the Metropolitan Council or the state of Minnesota acting through the commissioner of transportation as the entity responsible for planning, designing, acquiring, constructing, and equipping the facility. Notwithstanding such designation, the commissioner and the council may enter into one or more cooperative agreements with respect to the planning, designing, acquiring, constructing, or equipping of a particular light rail transit facility that provide for the parties to exercise their respective authorities in support of the project in a manner that best serves the project and the public. new text end

Subd. 2.

Preliminary design plans; public hearing.

Before final design plans are prepared for a light rail transit facilitynew text begin in the metropolitan areanew text end , the deleted text begin commissioner of transportationdeleted text end new text begin responsible authoritynew text end and the regional railroad authority or authorities in whose jurisdiction the line or lines are located must hold a public hearing on the physical design component of the preliminary design plans. The deleted text begin commissioner of transportationdeleted text end new text begin responsible authoritynew text end and the regional railroad authority or authorities in whose jurisdiction the line or lines are located must provide appropriate public notice of the hearing and publicity to ensure that affected parties have an opportunity to present their views at the hearing. The deleted text begin commissionerdeleted text end new text begin responsible authoritynew text end shall summarize the proceedings and testimony and maintain the record of a hearing held under this section, including any written statements submitted.

Subd. 3.

Preliminary design plans; local approval.

At least 30 days before the hearing under subdivision 2, the deleted text begin commissioner of transportationdeleted text end new text begin responsible authoritynew text end shall submit the physical design component of the preliminary design plans to the governing body of each statutory and home rule charter city, county, and town in which the route is proposed to be located. The city, county, or town shall hold a public hearing. Within 45 days after the hearing under subdivision 2, the city, county, or town shall review and approve or disapprove the plans for the route to be located in the city, county, or town. A local unit of government that disapproves the plans shall describe specific amendments to the plans that, if adopted, would cause the local unit to withdraw its disapproval. Failure to approve or disapprove the plans in writing within 45 days after the hearing is deemed to be approval, unless an extension of time is agreed to by the city, county, or town and the deleted text begin commissioner of transportationdeleted text end new text begin responsible authoritynew text end .

Subd. 4.

Preliminary design plans; council referral.

If the governing body of one or more cities, counties, or towns disapproves the preliminary design plans within the period allowed under subdivision 3, the deleted text begin commissioner of transportation may refer the plans, along with any comments of local jurisdictions, to the Metropolitan Council. Thedeleted text end council shall hold a hearing on the plans, giving the commissioner of transportation,new text begin if the responsible authority,new text end any disapproving local governmental units, and other persons an opportunity to present their views on the plans. The council may conduct independent study as it deems desirable and may mediate and attempt to resolve disagreements about the plans. Within deleted text begin 90deleted text end new text begin 60new text end days after the deleted text begin referraldeleted text end new text begin hearingnew text end , the council shall review the plans deleted text begin submitted by the commissioner of transportation and the councildeleted text end new text begin andnew text end shall decide what amendments to the plans, if any, must be made to accommodate the objections presented by the disapproving local governmental units. deleted text begin The commissioner shall make thedeleted text end Amendments to the plansnew text begin as decided by the council must be madenew text end before continuing the planning and designing process.

Subd. 5.

Final design plans.

(a) If the final design plans incorporate a substantial change from the preliminary design plans with respect to location, length, or termini of routes; general dimension, elevation, or alignment of routes and crossings; location of tracks above ground, below ground, or at ground level; or station locations, before beginning construction, the deleted text begin commissionerdeleted text end new text begin responsible authoritynew text end shall submit the changed component ofnew text begin thenew text end final design plans to the governing body of each statutory and home rule city, county, and town in which the changed component is proposed to be located. Within 60 days after the submission of the plans, the city, county, or town shall review and approve or disapprove the changed component located in the city, county, or town. A local unit of government that disapproves the change shall describe specific amendments to the plans that, if adopted, would cause the local unit to withdraw its disapproval. Failure to approve or disapprove the changed plans in writing within the time period is deemed to be approval, unless an extension is agreed to by the city, county, or town and the deleted text begin commissionerdeleted text end new text begin responsible authoritynew text end .

(b) If the governing body of one or more cities, counties, or towns disapproves the changed plans within the period allowed under paragraph (a), the deleted text begin commissioner may refer the plans, along with any comments of local jurisdictions, to the Metropolitan Council. Thedeleted text end council shall review the final design plans under the same procedure and with the same effect as provided in subdivision 4 for preliminary design plans.

Subd. 7.

Council review.

new text begin If the commissioner is the responsible authority, new text end before proceeding with construction of a light rail transit facility, the commissioner must submit preliminary and final design plans to the Metropolitan Council. The council must review the plans for consistency with the council's development guide and approve the plans.

Subd. 8.

Metropolitan significance.

This section does not diminish or replace the authority of the council under section 473.173.

Subd. 9.

Light rail transit operating costs.

(a) Before submitting an application for federal assistance for light rail transit facilities in the metropolitan area, the deleted text begin applicant must provide to thedeleted text end Metropolitan Council deleted text begin estimatesdeleted text end new text begin must prepare an estimatenew text end of the amount of operating subsidy which will be required to operate light rail transit in the corridor to which the federal assistance would be applied. The deleted text begin information provided to the councildeleted text end new text begin estimatenew text end must indicate the amount of operating subsidy estimated to be required in each of the first ten years of operation of the light rail transit facility.new text begin If the commissioner of transportation is the responsible authority, the commissioner must provide information requested by the council that is necessary to make the estimate.new text end

(b) The council must review and evaluate the deleted text begin information provideddeleted text end new text begin estimate developednew text end under paragraph (a) with regard to the effect of operating the light rail transit facility on the currently available mechanisms for financing transit in the metropolitan area.

Subd. 10.

Corridor Management Committee.

new text begin The responsible authority must establish new text end a Corridor Management Committee deleted text begin shall be establisheddeleted text end to advise the deleted text begin commissioner of transportationdeleted text end new text begin responsible authoritynew text end in the design and construction of light rail transit in each corridor to be constructed. The Corridor Management Committeenew text begin for each corridornew text end shall consist of the following members:

(1) one member appointed by each city and county in which the corridor is located;

(2) the commissioner of transportation or a designee of the commissioner;

(3) two members appointed by the Metropolitan Council, one of whom shall be designated as the chair of the committee;

(4) one member appointed by the Metropolitan Airports Commission, if the designated corridor provides direct service to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport; and

(5) one member appointed by the president of the University of Minnesota, if the designated corridor provides direct service to the university.

The Corridor Management Committee shall advise the deleted text begin commissioner of transportationdeleted text end new text begin responsible authoritynew text end on issues relating to deleted text begin the alternatives analysis,deleted text end environmental review, preliminary design, preliminary engineering, final design, implementation method, and construction of light rail transitnew text begin in the corridornew text end .

Subd. 13.

Dispute resolution.

In the event of a dispute between any of the parties arising from the parties' respective authority and responsibility under this section, the dispute shall be submitted to the Metropolitan Council for final resolution by any party to the dispute. The Metropolitan Council shall establish deleted text begin by July 1, 1993,deleted text end a process to ensure a prompt and speedy resolution of the dispute. This process shall allow the parties to provide evidence and testimony in support of their positions.

new text begin Subd. 14. new text end

new text begin Transfer of facility after construction. new text end

new text begin If the commissioner of transportation is the responsible authority for a particular light rail transit facility, the commissioner must transfer to the Metropolitan Council all facilities constructed and all equipment and property acquired in developing the facility upon completion of construction. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 105.

new text begin [473.3995] LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT; DESIGN-BUILD METHOD. new text end

new text begin (a) A responsible authority may use a design-build method of project development and construction for light rail transit. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a responsible authority may award a design-build contract on the basis of requests for proposals or requests for qualifications without bids. "Design-build method of project development and construction" means a project delivery system in which a single contractor is responsible for both the design and construction of the project and bids the design and construction together. new text end

new text begin (b) If a responsible authority utilizes a design-build method of project development and construction for light rail transit, the requirements and procedures in sections 161.3410 to 161.3426 apply to the procurement, subject to the following conditions and exceptions: new text end

new text begin (1) if the Metropolitan Council is the responsible authority for a particular light rail transit project, when used in sections 161.3410 to 161.3426, (i) the terms "commissioner," "Minnesota Department of Transportation," "department," "state agencies," and "road authority" refer to the Metropolitan Council, and (ii) the term "state" refers to the Metropolitan Council except in references to state law or in references to the state as a geographical location; new text end

new text begin (2) the provisions of section 161.3412, subdivisions 3 and 4, are not applicable to the procurement; and new text end

new text begin (3) if any federal funds are used in developing or constructing the light rail transit project, any provisions in sections 161.3410 to 161.3426 that are inconsistent with, or prohibited by, any federal law, regulation, or other requirement are not applicable to the procurement. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 106.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 473.3997, is amended to read:

473.3997 FEDERAL FUNDING; LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT.

(a) Upon completion of the alternatives analysis and draft environmental impact statementnew text begin , and selection of the locally preferred alternative,new text end for deleted text begin the central corridor transit improvement projectdeleted text end new text begin each light rail transit facilitynew text end , the deleted text begin council, the commissioner of transportation, and the affected regional rail authoritiesdeleted text end new text begin responsible authoritynew text end may prepare deleted text begin a jointdeleted text end new text begin annew text end application for federal assistance fornew text begin thenew text end light rail transit deleted text begin facilities in the metropolitan areadeleted text end new text begin facilitynew text end . new text begin If the commissioner is the responsible authority, new text end the application must be reviewed and approved by the Metropolitan Council before it is submitted by deleted text begin the council anddeleted text end the commissioner. In reviewing the application the council must consider the deleted text begin information submitted to itdeleted text end new text begin operating cost estimate developednew text end under section 473.3994, subdivision 9.

(b) deleted text begin Until the application described in paragraph (a) is submitteddeleted text end new text begin Except for the designated responsible authority for a particular light rail transit facilitynew text end , no political subdivision in the metropolitan area may on its own apply for federal assistance for light rail transit planning or construction.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 107.

new text begin [473.3999] LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT CONSTRUCTION IN METROPOLITAN AREA; COUNCIL AUTHORITY. new text end

new text begin The Metropolitan Council may exercise the powers granted in this chapter and in other applicable law, as necessary, to plan, design, acquire, construct, and equip light rail transit facilities in the metropolitan area as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 2. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 108.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 473.4051, is amended to read:

473.4051 LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT OPERATION.

The council shall operatenew text begin allnew text end light rail transit facilities and servicesnew text begin located in the metropolitan areanew text end upon completion of construction of the facilities and the commencement of revenue service using the facilities. The deleted text begin commissioner of transportation and thedeleted text end council may not allow the commencement of revenue service until after an appropriate period of acceptance testing to ensurenew text begin safe andnew text end satisfactory performance. In assuming the operation of the system, the council must comply with section 473.415. The council shall coordinate operation of the light rail transit system with bus service to avoid duplication of service on a route served by light rail transit and to ensure the widest possible access to light rail transit lines in both suburban and urban areas by means of a feeder bus system.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 109.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 473.407, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Authorization.

The council may appoint peace officers, as defined in section 626.84, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), and establish a law enforcement agency, as defined in section 626.84, subdivision 1, paragraph (f), known as the Metropolitan Transit Police, to police its transit property and routes, to carry out investigations, and to make arrests under sections 629.30 and 629.34. The jurisdiction of the law enforcement agency is limited to offenses relating to council transit property, equipment, employees, and passengers. new text begin The jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Transit Police shall include traffic lanes designed for bus or transit use, freeway or expressway shoulders in the seven-county metropolitan area used by authorized transit buses and metro mobility buses under section 169.306, and high-occupancy vehicle lanes used by transit buses. Upon request from, or under an agreement with, any law enforcement agency and subject to the availability of its personnel and other resources, the Metropolitan Transit Police may exercise general law enforcement agency authority to assist any law enforcement agency in implementing or carrying out law enforcement activities, programs, or initiatives. If the commissioner of transportation contracts with the Metropolitan Council for operation of commuter rail facilities under section 174.90, the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Transit Police extends to offenses relating to the operation, property, facilities, equipment, employees, and passengers of the commuter rail facilities located in and outside of the metropolitan area.new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 110.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 473.408, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Charitable organization discount passes. new text end

new text begin The council may offer passes, including tokens, for regular route bus service for sale to charitable organizations, described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, at a special discount. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 111.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 473.408, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Youth discount passes. new text end

new text begin (a) The council may offer passes, including tokens, for regular route bus service to charitable organizations, described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, free of charge. Any passes provided under this subdivision must be: new text end

new text begin (1) distributed to and used solely by a person who is under 16 years of age; and new text end

new text begin (2) restricted to use on a bus that is not operating at full capacity at the time of use of the bus pass. new text end

new text begin (b) The council may establish additional requirements and terms of use of the passes, including but not limited to charging a fee to the charitable organization for any printing or production costs, restricting times of bus pass use to certain or nonpeak hours of operation, and establishing oversight and auditing of the charitable organization with regard to bus pass distribution and use. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 112.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 609.531, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

For the purpose of sections 609.531 to 609.5318, the following terms have the meanings given them.

(a) "Conveyance device" means a device used for transportation and includes, but is not limited to, a motor vehicle, trailer, snowmobile, airplane, and vessel and any equipment attached to it. The term "conveyance device" does not include property which is, in fact, itself stolen or taken in violation of the law.

(b) "Weapon used" means a dangerous weapon as defined under section 609.02, subdivision 6, that the actor used or had in possession in furtherance of a crime.

(c) "Property" means property as defined in section 609.52, subdivision 1, clause (1).

(d) "Contraband" means property which is illegal to possess under Minnesota law.

(e) "Appropriate agency" means the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Minnesota Division of Driver and Vehicle Services, the Minnesota State Patrol, a county sheriff's department, the Three Rivers Park District park rangers, the Department of Natural Resources Division of Enforcement, the University of Minnesota Police Department, the Department of Corrections' Fugitive Apprehension Unit, or a citynew text begin , metropolitan transit, new text end or airport police department.

(f) "Designated offense" includes:

(1) for weapons used: any violation of this chapter, chapter 152, or chapter 624;

(2) for driver's license or identification card transactions: any violation of section 171.22; and

(3) for all other purposes: a felony violation of, or a felony-level attempt or conspiracy to violate, section 325E.17; 325E.18; 609.185; 609.19; 609.195; 609.21; 609.221; 609.222; 609.223; 609.2231; 609.24; 609.245; 609.25; 609.255; 609.282; 609.283; 609.322; 609.342, subdivision 1, clauses (a) to (f); 609.343, subdivision 1, clauses (a) to (f); 609.344, subdivision 1, clauses (a) to (e), and (h) to (j); 609.345, subdivision 1, clauses (a) to (e), and (h) to (j); 609.352; 609.42; 609.425; 609.466; 609.485; 609.487; 609.52; 609.525; 609.527; 609.528; 609.53; 609.54; 609.551; 609.561; 609.562; 609.563; 609.582; 609.59; 609.595; 609.631; 609.66, subdivision 1e; 609.671, subdivisions 3, 4, 5, 8, and 12; 609.687; 609.821; 609.825; 609.86; 609.88; 609.89; 609.893; 609.895; 617.246; 617.247; or a gross misdemeanor or felony violation of section 609.891 or 624.7181; or any violation of section 609.324.

(g) "Controlled substance" has the meaning given in section 152.01, subdivision 4.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 113.

Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 1, article 4, section 39, the effective date, is amended to read:

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective deleted text begin the latter of August 1, 2006, or the date on which the commissioner determines that building permits have been issued for the construction of a new pulp and paper manufacturing facility at Grand Rapidsdeleted text end new text begin on the effective date of 2007 House File 1351, article 1, sections 60 and 61, as amendednew text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 114.

Laws 2008, chapter 152, article 6, section 7, is amended to read:

Sec. 7.

[398A.10] TRANSIT FUNDING.

Subdivision 1.

Capital costs.

A county regional railroad authority may not contribute more than ten percent of the capital costs of a light rail transit or commuter rail project.new text begin This subdivision does not apply to a light rail transit project for which a county regional railroad authority commits to providing an amount greater than ten percent of the capital costs, if the commitment (1) is made before October 2, 2008, (2) is made as part of an application for federal funds, and (3) is adjusted by the county regional railroad authority to meet the requirements of this subdivision as part of the next scheduled federal funding application for the project.new text end

Subd. 2.

Operating and maintenance costs.

A county regional railroad authority may not contribute any funds to pay the operating and maintenance costs for a light rail transit or commuter rail project. If a county regional railroad authority is contributing funds for operating and maintenance costs on a light rail transit or commuter rail project on the date of the enactment of this act, the authority may continue to contribute funds for these purposes until January 1, 2009.

Subd. 3.

Application.

This section only applies deleted text begin ifdeleted text end new text begin tonew text end a county new text begin that new text end has imposed the metropolitan transportation sales and use tax under section 297A.992.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

deleted text begin This section is effective the day after the metropolitan transportation area sales tax is imposed under Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.992, subdivision 2. deleted text end new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2008. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 115.

new text begin LEGISLATIVE INTENT CONCERNING TRUCK WEIGHT INCREASES. new text end

new text begin It is the intent of the legislature to study, during the 2010 legislative session, the effects of the sections in this chapter that increase allowable size, weight, or load limits on state or local roads or bridges, and to modify statutes as necessary to achieve the goals of promoting mobility while protecting infrastructure. new text end

Sec. 116.

new text begin CULKIN SAFETY REST AREA. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of transportation shall reopen without delay the Culkin safety rest area, located on marked Interstate Highway 35. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 117.

new text begin CREDIT CARD PAYMENT STUDY; PROPOSAL. new text end

new text begin (a) By February 1, 2009, the commissioner of public safety shall submit a proposal to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house of representatives committees with jurisdiction over transportation finance. The proposal must identify a method that allows the Department of Public Safety, its deputy registrars, and driver's license agents to collect by credit or debit card, motor vehicle registration taxes under Minnesota Statutes, section 168.013; motor vehicle certificates of title and related document fees under Minnesota Statutes, section 168A.29; motor vehicle sales tax under Minnesota Statutes, sections 297B.02 and 297B.025; and driver's license and Minnesota identification card fees under Minnesota Statutes, section 171.06. new text end

new text begin (b) The proposal must identify the total estimated statewide cost of the processing fees paid to either a vendor, financial institution, or credit card company. The proposal must consider options to finance the acceptance fees through either (1) state fee increases necessary to finance (i) the costs of credit and debit card processing fees paid to a processing vendor, (ii) the administrative costs of the department to implement the acceptance of credit and debit cards, including hardware and software costs of the department, its deputy registrars, and agents, and (iii) associated ongoing administrative cost increases, or (2) an agreement with a vendor that allows the addition of a convenience fee to each transaction to be paid directly by customers who choose to utilize credit or debit cards. new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner of public safety, with the assistance of the commissioners of finance and administration, shall develop a request for proposals from vendors, to be issued by January 1, 2010, to implement the acceptance of credit and debit payments by the Department of Public Safety, its deputy registrars, and agents. The department shall consult deputy registrars and driver's license agents in developing the request for proposals. new text end

Sec. 118.

new text begin STUDY OF TRANSPORTATION LONG-RANGE SOLUTIONS. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of transportation shall conduct a study in consultation with other state agencies and key stakeholders to evaluate the current and long-range needs of the state's transportation system, and investigate possible strategies to meet these needs. new text end

new text begin (b) The study must include, but is not limited to: new text end

new text begin (1) evaluation of the current needs of the state's highway systems, bridges, and transit; new text end

new text begin (2) analysis and quantification of the needs for the next 20 years of the state's highway systems, bridges, and transit; new text end

new text begin (3) comparison of estimates of revenues raised by current transportation funding sources, with long-term needs of the state's transportation system; new text end

new text begin (4) identification of options for maintenance and improvement of the state's transportation system with specific reference to the effects of potential increases in vehicle fuel economy, availability of alternative modes of transportation, and extreme fuel price volatility on future transportation revenues; new text end

new text begin (5) analysis of alternative pricing options utilized in other states and countries, and their potential for use, public acceptance, alleviation of congestion, and revenue generation in this state; and new text end

new text begin (6) identification of options for road-use pricing, other alternative financing mechanisms with particular consideration of key environmental impacts such as air quality, water quality, and greenhouse gas emissions, and estimates of implementation costs, user costs, and revenue. new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner shall report the results of the study to the legislature no later than November 1, 2009. new text end

Sec. 119.

new text begin STUDY AND REPORT ON SPEED LIMITS. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of transportation shall report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over transportation and local government by January 30, 2009, on speed limits on local roads. The commissioner shall consult with local governments and solicit input from local governments before issuing the report. The report must include, at a minimum: new text end

new text begin (1) whether the current statutory speed limit of 30 miles per hour in urban districts and rural residential districts is appropriate, or if there are locations where the appropriate speed limit is 25 miles per hour; new text end

new text begin (2) whether the current statutory speed limit of 55 miles per hour in rural residential districts within a city is appropriate, or if there are locations where the appropriate speed limit is 30 miles per hour; and new text end

new text begin (3) whether the current definitions of urban district, rural residential district, and residential roadway are appropriate, or whether and how they should be changed. new text end

Sec. 120.

new text begin RAIL TRANSIT FEASIBILITY STUDY. new text end

new text begin The Metropolitan Council may conduct a study of the feasibility of the use of light rail or commuter rail transit in a corridor aligned on marked Interstate Highway 394 or between marked Interstate Highway 394 and marked Trunk Highway 55, from downtown Minneapolis to Ridgedale Drive in Minnetonka, with the alternative of extending to Wayzata. The study must include consideration of the feasibility of combining the Southwest Rail Transit Corridor with the Interstate Highway 394 Corridor between downtown Minneapolis and a point of divergence west of downtown. The Metropolitan Council may hire a consultant to assist in the study and report. new text end

Sec. 121.

new text begin REPORT ON INTERNET-BASED DRIVER EDUCATION. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of public safety shall submit a report on Internet-based driver education for the instruction permit component by February 15, 2009, to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees having jurisdiction over transportation finance and policy. The report must review and analyze current findings and studies on the feasibility, effectiveness, and impacts of Internet-based driver education programs for the instruction permit component, including program effectiveness for persons under age 18. new text end

Sec. 122.

new text begin NULLIFICATION OF EXPEDITED TOWN ROAD EXTINGUISHMENT. new text end

new text begin (a) Any extinguishment of town interest in a town road under Minnesota Statutes, section 164.06, subdivision 2, is hereby nullified if: new text end

new text begin (1) the interest was not recorded or filed with the county recorder but was recorded or filed with the county auditor prior to 1972; new text end

new text begin (2) the state or a political subdivision has constructed a road or bridge improvement on a right-of-way affected by the interest; new text end

new text begin (3) the affected road was the only means of access to a property; new text end

new text begin (4) the extinguishment took place within the last ten years; and new text end

new text begin (5) a person whose only access to property was lost because of the extinguishment files a petition of a nullification with the town board stating that the person's property became landlocked because of the extinguishment and that the road satisfies all of the requirements of paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (4). A copy of the road order found filed or recorded with the county auditor must be attached to the petition. The town shall file the petition with the county auditor and record it with the county recorder. new text end

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, sections 164.08, subdivision 1, and 541.023, for any nullification under paragraph (a), the affected road is hereby deemed to be a cartway. No additional damages or other payments may be required other than those paid at the time the fee interest was originally acquired and the order filed with the county auditor. A cartway created by this paragraph may be converted to a private driveway under Minnesota Statutes, section 164.08, subdivision 2. new text end

new text begin (c) For purposes of this section, "affected road" means the road in which the town board extinguished its interest. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 123.

new text begin WILLMAR AIRPORT. new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding any law, rule, or agreement to the contrary, the commissioner of transportation may enter into an agreement with the city of Willmar to allow funds granted by the state to the city for land acquisition purposes at its former airport to instead be used by June 30, 2012, as the state's share of funds for aeronautical purposes at the city's new airport. new text end

new text begin (b) Funds not spent pursuant to paragraph (a) by June 30, 2012, must be paid to the commissioner of transportation and deposited in the state airports fund. new text end

Sec. 124.

new text begin AIRPORT ZONING EXCEPTION. new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding any other law, rule, or ordinance to the contrary, the Eveleth-Virginia Municipal Airport Board of Adjustment must grant a variance to a property owner who resides in Safety Zone A of the Eveleth-Virginia Municipal Airport for the construction of, reconstruction of, remodeling of, or expansion of a structure in accordance with St. Louis County Ordinance 46, provided that the structure must not exceed the height restrictions imposed by the airport ordinance. new text end

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding any other law, rule, or ordinance to the contrary, Safety Zone A of the Eveleth-Virginia Municipal Airport shall not include any residential building lot riparian to the east shore of St. Mary's Lake, St. Louis County provided such residential building lot was in existence on January 1, 1978. new text end

Sec. 125.

new text begin APPLICATION. new text end

new text begin Sections 94 to 111 apply in the counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 126.

new text begin REPEALER. new text end

new text begin (a) new text end new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 221.60, subdivisions 2, 3, 3a, 4, 5, and 6; 221.601; and 221.602, new text end new text begin are repealed. new text end

new text begin (b) new text end new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 168A.05, subdivision 5a; and 325E.0951, subdivision 3a, new text end new text begin are repealed. new text end

new text begin (c) Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 473.1465; and 473.3994, subdivision 13, new text end new text begin are repealed. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin Paragraph (a) is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

A.C.
Adler
Alfa Romeo
Alvis	Speed 20, 25, and 4.3 litre.
Amilcar
Aston Martin
Auburn	All 8-cylinder and 12-cylinder models.
Audi
Austro-Daimler
Avions Voisin 12
Bentley
Blackhawk
B.M.W.	Models 327, 328, and 335 only.
Brewster (Heart-front Ford)
Bugatti
Buick	1931 through 1942: series 90 only.
Cadillac	All 1925 through 1935.
	All 12's and 16's.
	1936-1948: Series 63, 65, 67,
	70, 72, 75, 80, 85 and 90 only.
	1938-1947: 60 special only.
	1940-1947: All 62 Series.
Chrysler	1926 through 1930: Imperial 80.
	1929: Imperial L.
	1931 through 1937: Imperial Series CG,
	CH, CL, and CW.
	All Newports and Thunderbolts.
	1934 CX.
	1935 C-3.
	1936 C-11.
	1937 through 1948: Custom Imperial,
	Crown Imperial Series C-15, C-20, C-24,
	C-27, C-33, C-37, and C-40.
Cord
Cunningham
Dagmar	Model 25-70 only.
Daimler
Delage
Delahaye
Doble
Dorris
Duesenberg
du Pont
Franklin	All models except 1933-34 Olympic Sixes.
Frazer Nash
Graham	1930-1931: Series 137.
Graham-Paige	1929-1930: Series 837.
Hispano Suiza
Horch
Hotchkiss
Invicta
Isotta Fraschini
Jaguar
Jordan	Speedway Series 'Z' only.
Kissel	1925, 1926 and 1927: Model 8-75.
	1928: Model 8-90, and 8-90 White Eagle.
	1929: Model 8-126, and 8-90 White Eagle.
	1930: Model 8-126.
	1931: Model 8-126.
Lagonda
Lancia
La Salle	1927 through 1933 only.
Lincoln	All models K, L, KA, and KB.
	1941: Model 168H.
	1942: Model 268H.
Lincoln Continental	1939 through 1948.
Locomobile	All models 48 and 90.
	1927: Model 8-80.
	1928: Model 8-80.
	1929: Models 8-80 and 8-88.
Marmon	All 16-cylinder models.
	1925: Model 74.
	1926: Model 74.
	1927: Model 75.
	1928: Model E75.
	1931: Model 88, and Big 8.
Maybach
McFarlan
Mercedes Benz	All models 2.2 litres and up.
Mercer
M.G.	6-cylinder models only.
Minerva
Nash	1931: Series 8-90.
	1932: Series 9-90,
	Advanced 8, and Ambassador 8.
	1933-1934: Ambassador 8.
Packard	1925 through 1934: All models.
	1935 through 1942: Models 1200,
	1201, 1202, 1203, 1204, 1205, 1207,
	1208, 1400, 1401, 1402, 1403, 1404,
	1405, 1407, 1408, 1500, 1501, 1502,
	1506, 1507, 1508, 1603, 1604, 1605,
	1607, 1608, 1705, 1707, 1708, 1806,
	1807, 1808, 1906, 1907, 1908, 2006,
	2007, and 2008 only.
	1946 and 1947: Models 2106 and
	2126 only.
Peerless	1926 through 1928: Series 69.
	1930-1931: Custom 8.
	1932: Deluxe Custom 8.
Pierce Arrow
Railton
Renault	Grand Sport model only.
Reo	1930-1931: Royale Custom 8, and
	Series 8-35 and 8-52 Elite 8.
	1933: Royale Custom 8.
Revere
Roamer	1925: Series 8-88, 6-54e, and 4-75.
	1926: Series 4-75e, and 8-88.
	1927-1928: Series 8-88.
	1929: Series 8-88, and 8-125.
	1930: Series 8-125.
Rohr
Rolls Royce
Ruxton
Salmson
Squire
Stearns Knight
Stevens Duryea
Steyr
Studebaker	1929-1933: President, except model 82.
Stutz
Sunbeam
Talbot
Triumph	Dolomite 8 and Gloria 6.
Vauxhall	Series 25-70 and 30-98 only.
Voisin
Wills Saint Claire

Office of the Revisor of Statutes

Minnesota Session Laws - 2008, Regular Session

Resources

Chapter 287

CHAPTER 287--H.F.No. 3486

ARTICLE 1

TRANSPORTATION POLICY

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 117.041, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Geotechnical investigation before eminent domain proceedings. new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 117.51, is amended to read:

117.51 COOPERATION WITH FEDERAL AUTHORITIESnew text begin ; REESTABLISHMENT COSTS LIMITnew text end .

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Cooperation with federal authorities. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Reestablishment costs limit. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 117.52, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

Reestablishment costs limit.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 160.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 18b. new text end

new text begin Expressway. new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 160.02, subdivision 19, is amended to read:

Subd. 19.

Freeway deleted text begin or expresswaydeleted text end .

Sec. 6.

new text begin [160.2721] COMMERCIAL VEHICLE DRIVERS AT REST AREAS. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 160.80, is amended to read:

160.80 SIGN FRANCHISE PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.

Commissioner may establish program.

Subd. 1a.

Eligibility criteria for business panels.

Subd. 2.

Franchises.

Subd. 3.

Costs.

Subd. 4.

Contract requirements.

Subd. 5.

Restrictions.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 161.14, subdivision 18, is amended to read:

Subd. 18.

Voyageur Highway.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 161.14, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 57. new text end

new text begin Purple Heart Trail. new text end

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 161.14, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 58. new text end

new text begin Dallas Sams Memorial Highway. new text end

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 161.14, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 59. new text end

new text begin Walter F. Mondale Drive. new text end

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 161.14, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 60. new text end

new text begin Jim Oberstar Causeway. new text end

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 161.32, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Advertisement for bids.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 161.32, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:

Subd. 1b.

Lowest responsible bidder; electronic bids.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 161.32, subdivision 4, is amended to read: