<a id="pl.1.3"></a><var>1.3</var>railroad employees; amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections 169.781, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>subdivision 2; 221.0255.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.5"></a><var>1.5</var>BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.1.0"></a><a id="pl.1.6"></a><var>1.6</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.781, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Inspection required.</b> (a) It is unlawful for a person to operate or permit <br/>
<a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var>the operation, in violation of the requirements of paragraph (b), of:<br/>
<a id="pl.1.9"></a><var>1.9</var>    (1) a commercial motor vehicle registered in Minnesota or a spotter truck; or<br/>
<a id="pl.1.10"></a><var>1.10</var>    (2) special mobile equipment as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>168.002, subdivision 31</statute_ref>, and <br/>
<a id="pl.1.11"></a><var>1.11</var>which is self-propelled, if it is mounted on a commercial motor vehicle chassis, in <br/>
<a id="pl.1.12"></a><var>1.12</var>violation of the requirements of paragraph (b).; or<br/>
<a id="pl.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var>(3) a vehicle used to transport passengers by a motor carrier of railroad employees <br/>
<a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</var>under section 221.0255.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var>    (b) A vehicle described in paragraph (a):<br/>
<a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</var>    (1) must display a valid safety inspection decal issued by an inspector certified <br/>
<a id="pl.1.17"></a><var>1.17</var>by the commissioner; or<br/>
<a id="pl.1.18"></a><var>1.18</var>    (2) must carry (i) proof that the vehicle complies with federal motor vehicle <br/>
<a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</var>inspection requirements for vehicles in interstate commerce, and (ii) a certificate of <br/>
<a id="pl.1.20"></a><var>1.20</var>compliance with federal requirements issued by the commissioner under subdivision 9.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.2.0"></a><a id="pl.1.21"></a><var>1.21</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 221.0255, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var><b>221.0255 MOTOR CARRIER OF RAILROAD EMPLOYEES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.2.1"></a><var>2.1</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Definitions.</b> For purposes of this section, the following terms have <br/>
<a id="pl.2.2"></a><var>2.2</var>the meanings given:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var>(1) "conviction" has the meaning given in section 
<statute_ref>609.02</statute_ref>; and<br/>
<a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var>(2) "on-duty time" means all time from the time a driver begins to work, or is <br/>
<a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var>required to be in readiness to work, until the time the driver is relieved from work, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var>including: (i) driving time; (ii) time at a terminal, facility, or other property of a contract <br/>
<a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var>carrier; (iii) time on any public or private property waiting to be dispatched; (iv) time <br/>
<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var>spent in working hours by a driver while under employment or agreement with another <br/>
<a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var>employer who is not a motor carrier of railroad employees; and (v) time spent inspecting, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>servicing, conditioning, or attending a vehicle.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.11"></a><var>2.11</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Application.</b> (a) A motor carrier of railroad employees must meet the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.12"></a><var>2.12</var>requirements specified in this section, is subject to section 
         <statute_ref>221.291</statute_ref>, and is otherwise <br/>
<a id="pl.2.13"></a><var>2.13</var>exempt from the provisions of this chapter.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.14"></a><var>2.14</var>(b) The requirements of this section for a motor carrier of railroad employees or a <br/>
<a id="pl.2.15"></a><var>2.15</var>vehicle operator for a motor carrier of railroad employees apply in the same manner to any <br/>
<a id="pl.2.16"></a><var>2.16</var>entity that enters into an agreement with the carrier to transport railroad employees.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.17"></a><var>2.17</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Vehicle operator requirements.</b> (a) A vehicle operator for a motor carrier <br/>
<a id="pl.2.18"></a><var>2.18</var>of railroad employees who transports passengers must:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.19"></a><var>2.19</var>(1) have a valid driver's license under chapter 171; and<br/>
<a id="pl.2.20"></a><var>2.20</var>(2) submit to a physical examination. examinations that meet the requirements for <br/>
<a id="pl.2.21"></a><var>2.21</var>commercial motor vehicle operators under Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, sections <br/>
<a id="pl.2.22"></a><var>2.22</var>391.41 to 391.45, or successor requirements; and<br/>
<a id="pl.2.23"></a><var>2.23</var>(3) perform pretrip and posttrip vehicle inspections.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.24"></a><var>2.24</var>(b) A vehicle operator may not communicate over or otherwise operate a handheld <br/>
<a id="pl.2.25"></a><var>2.25</var>cellular phone when the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.26"></a><var>2.26</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Motor carrier of railroad employees; requirements.</b> (c) (a) The motor<br/>
<a id="pl.2.27"></a><var>2.27</var> carrier of railroad employees must implement a policy that provides for annual training <br/>
<a id="pl.2.28"></a><var>2.28</var>and certification of the operator in:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.29"></a><var>2.29</var>    (1) safe operation of the vehicle transporting railroad employees;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.30"></a><var>2.30</var>    (2) knowing and understanding relevant laws, rules of the road, and safety policies;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.31"></a><var>2.31</var>    (3) handling emergency situations;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.32"></a><var>2.32</var>(4) proper use of seat belts;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.33"></a><var>2.33</var>    (5) performance of pretrip and posttrip vehicle inspections, and inspection record <br/>
<a id="pl.2.34"></a><var>2.34</var>keeping; and<br/>
<a id="pl.2.35"></a><var>2.35</var>(6) proper maintenance of required records.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.36"></a><var>2.36</var>(d) (b) The motor carrier of railroad employees must:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.1"></a><var>3.1</var>(1) perform confirm that the person is not disqualified under subdivision 6, by <br/>
<a id="pl.3.2"></a><var>3.2</var>performing a criminal background check or background investigation of the operator;, <br/>
<a id="pl.3.3"></a><var>3.3</var>which must include:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.4"></a><var>3.4</var>(i) a criminal history check of the state criminal records repository; and<br/>
<a id="pl.3.5"></a><var>3.5</var>(ii) if the operator has resided in Minnesota less than five years, a criminal history <br/>
<a id="pl.3.6"></a><var>3.6</var>check from each state of residence for the previous five years;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.7"></a><var>3.7</var>(2) annually verify the operator's driver's license;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.8"></a><var>3.8</var>(3) document meeting the requirements in this subdivision, and maintain the file<br/>
<a id="pl.3.9"></a><var>3.9</var> which must include maintaining at the carrier's business location;:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.10"></a><var>3.10</var>(i) a driver qualification file on each operator who transports passengers under <br/>
<a id="pl.3.11"></a><var>3.11</var>this section; and<br/>
<a id="pl.3.12"></a><var>3.12</var>(ii) records of pretrip and posttrip vehicle inspections as required under subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.3.13"></a><var>3.13</var>3, paragraph (a), clause (3);<br/>
<a id="pl.3.14"></a><var>3.14</var>(4) maintain liability insurance in a minimum amount of $5,000,000 regardless <br/>
<a id="pl.3.15"></a><var>3.15</var>of the seating capacity of the vehicle; and<br/>
<a id="pl.3.16"></a><var>3.16</var>(5) maintain uninsured and underinsured coverage in a minimum amount of <br/>
<a id="pl.3.17"></a><var>3.17</var>$1,000,000.; and<br/>
<a id="pl.3.18"></a><var>3.18</var>(6) ensure inspection of each vehicle operated under this section as provided under <br/>
<a id="pl.3.19"></a><var>3.19</var>section 169.781.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.20"></a><var>3.20</var>(c) A driver qualification file under paragraph (b), clause (3), must include:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.21"></a><var>3.21</var>(1) a copy of the operator's most recent medical examiner's certificate;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.22"></a><var>3.22</var>(2) a copy of the operator's current driver's license;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.23"></a><var>3.23</var>(3) documentation of annual license verification;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.24"></a><var>3.24</var>(4) documentation of annual training;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.25"></a><var>3.25</var>(5) documentation of any known violations of motor vehicle or traffic laws; and<br/>
<a id="pl.3.26"></a><var>3.26</var>(6) responses from previous employers, if required by the current employer.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.27"></a><var>3.27</var>(d) The driver qualification file must be retained for one year following the date of <br/>
<a id="pl.3.28"></a><var>3.28</var>separation of employment of the driver from the carrier. A record of inspection under <br/>
<a id="pl.3.29"></a><var>3.29</var>paragraph (b), clause (3), item (ii), must be retained for one year following the date of <br/>
<a id="pl.3.30"></a><var>3.30</var>inspection.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.31"></a><var>3.31</var>    (e) If a party contracts with the motor carrier on behalf of the railroad to transport <br/>
<a id="pl.3.32"></a><var>3.32</var>the railroad employees, then the insurance requirements may be satisfied by either that <br/>
<a id="pl.3.33"></a><var>3.33</var>party or the motor carrier, so long as the motor carrier is a named insured or additional <br/>
<a id="pl.3.34"></a><var>3.34</var>insured under any policy.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.35"></a><var>3.35</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Vehicle; equipment.</b> (a) No vehicle operator may transport passengers in a <br/>
<a id="pl.3.36"></a><var>3.36</var>motor vehicle that does not meet the requirements of this subdivision.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.1"></a><var>4.1</var>(b) A motor vehicle used to transport passengers under this section must be designed <br/>
<a id="pl.4.2"></a><var>4.2</var>to transport ten or fewer persons, including the driver.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.3"></a><var>4.3</var>(c) A motor carrier of railroad employees shall maintain the following on a motor <br/>
<a id="pl.4.4"></a><var>4.4</var>vehicle used to transport passengers:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.5"></a><var>4.5</var>(1) tires that meet the same requirements as for a motor vehicle under Code of <br/>
<a id="pl.4.6"></a><var>4.6</var>Federal Regulations, title 49, section 393.75, or successor requirements;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.7"></a><var>4.7</var>(2) a full-size spare tire that is fully inflated;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.8"></a><var>4.8</var>(3) properly functioning seat belts for the driver and every passenger being <br/>
<a id="pl.4.9"></a><var>4.9</var>transported;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.10"></a><var>4.10</var>(4) a properly functioning heater, defroster, and air conditioner;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.11"></a><var>4.11</var>(5) a windshield, side windows, and a rear window that are clear of any obstructions, <br/>
<a id="pl.4.12"></a><var>4.12</var>including but not limited to electronic devices and otherwise conform with the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.13"></a><var>4.13</var>requirements of section 169.71;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.14"></a><var>4.14</var>(6) a working cellular telephone or two-way radio capable of contacting personnel of <br/>
<a id="pl.4.15"></a><var>4.15</var>the railroad that employs the passengers being transported;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.16"></a><var>4.16</var>(7) a global positioning system device capable of identifying the vehicle's current <br/>
<a id="pl.4.17"></a><var>4.17</var>location;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.18"></a><var>4.18</var>(8) an emergency road kit, which must at a minimum contain a blanket, flares or <br/>
<a id="pl.4.19"></a><var>4.19</var>reflective triangles, jumper cables, and a secured fire extinguisher;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.20"></a><var>4.20</var>(9) a safety glass hammer or belt cutter;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.21"></a><var>4.21</var>(10) a location for personal baggage storage, so that all baggage can be secured in a <br/>
<a id="pl.4.22"></a><var>4.22</var>manner that prevents entry into or flight within the vehicle cabin; and<br/>
<a id="pl.4.23"></a><var>4.23</var>(11) vehicle identification marking that:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.24"></a><var>4.24</var>(i) identifies the legal or a single trade name of the motor carrier and bears an <br/>
<a id="pl.4.25"></a><var>4.25</var>inscription as determined by the commissioner identifying the vehicle as used by a motor <br/>
<a id="pl.4.26"></a><var>4.26</var>carrier of railroad employees;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.27"></a><var>4.27</var>(ii) is located on both sides of the vehicle;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.28"></a><var>4.28</var>(iii) is in letters that contrast sharply in color with the background on which the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.29"></a><var>4.29</var>letters are placed; and<br/>
<a id="pl.4.30"></a><var>4.30</var>(iv) is readily legible during daylight hours from a distance of 50 feet when the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.31"></a><var>4.31</var>vehicle is stationary.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.32"></a><var>4.32</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Driver disqualification; reporting.</b> (e) (a) A person who sustains a <br/>
<a id="pl.4.33"></a><var>4.33</var>conviction of violating section 
         <statute_ref>169A.25</statute_ref>, 
         <statute_ref>169A.26</statute_ref>, 
         <statute_ref>169A.27</statute_ref>, or 
         <statute_ref>169A.31</statute_ref>, or whose driver's <br/>
<a id="pl.4.34"></a><var>4.34</var>license is revoked under sections 
         <statute_ref>169A.50</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>169A.53</statute_ref> of the implied consent law, or who <br/>
<a id="pl.4.35"></a><var>4.35</var>is convicted of or has their driver's license revoked under a similar statute or ordinance <br/>
<a id="pl.5.1"></a><var>5.1</var>of another state, may not operate a vehicle under this subdivision for five years from the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.2"></a><var>5.2</var>date of conviction.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.3"></a><var>5.3</var>    (b) A person who sustains a conviction of a moving offense violation in violation of <br/>
<a id="pl.5.4"></a><var>5.4</var>chapter 169 within three years of the first of three other moving offenses violations may not <br/>
<a id="pl.5.5"></a><var>5.5</var>operate a vehicle under this subdivision for one year from the date of the last conviction.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.6"></a><var>5.6</var>    (c) A person who has ever been convicted of a disqualifying offense as defined in <br/>
<a id="pl.5.7"></a><var>5.7</var>section 
         <statute_ref>171.3215, subdivision 1</statute_ref>, paragraph (c), may not operate a vehicle under this <br/>
<a id="pl.5.8"></a><var>5.8</var>subdivision.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.9"></a><var>5.9</var>(f) (d) An operator who sustains a conviction as described in paragraph (e) (a)<br/>
<a id="pl.5.10"></a><var>5.10</var> while employed by the carrier shall report the conviction to the carrier within ten days of <br/>
<a id="pl.5.11"></a><var>5.11</var>the date of the conviction.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.12"></a><var>5.12</var>    Subd. 7. <b>Testing.</b> (g) A carrier must implement a mandatory alcohol and controlled <br/>
<a id="pl.5.13"></a><var>5.13</var>substance testing program as provided under sections 
         <statute_ref>181.950</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>181.957</statute_ref> that consists of <br/>
<a id="pl.5.14"></a><var>5.14</var>preemployment testing, postaccident testing, random testing, reasonable suspicion testing, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.15"></a><var>5.15</var>return-to-duty testing, and follow-up testing.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.16"></a><var>5.16</var>    Subd. 8. <b>Hours of service.</b> (h) (a) A motor carrier of railroad employees shall not <br/>
<a id="pl.5.17"></a><var>5.17</var>allow or require a driver to drive or remain on duty for more than: ten hours after eight <br/>
<a id="pl.5.18"></a><var>5.18</var>consecutive hours off duty; 15 hours of combined on-duty time and drive time since last <br/>
<a id="pl.5.19"></a><var>5.19</var>obtaining eight consecutive hours of off-duty time; or 70 hours of on-duty and drive time <br/>
<a id="pl.5.20"></a><var>5.20</var>in any period of eight consecutive days. After 24 hours off duty, a driver begins a new <br/>
<a id="pl.5.21"></a><var>5.21</var>seven consecutive day period and on-duty time is reset to zero.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.22"></a><var>5.22</var>(i) (b) An operator who encounters an emergency and cannot, because of that <br/>
<a id="pl.5.23"></a><var>5.23</var>emergency, safely complete a transportation assignment within the ten-hour maximum <br/>
<a id="pl.5.24"></a><var>5.24</var>driving time permitted under paragraph (h) (a), may drive for not more than two additional <br/>
<a id="pl.5.25"></a><var>5.25</var>hours in order to complete that transportation assignment or to reach a place offering <br/>
<a id="pl.5.26"></a><var>5.26</var>safety for the occupants of the vehicle and security for the transport motor vehicle, if the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.27"></a><var>5.27</var>transportation assignment reasonably could have been completed within the ten-hour <br/>
<a id="pl.5.28"></a><var>5.28</var>period absent the emergency.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.29"></a><var>5.29</var>(j) (c) A carrier shall maintain and retain for a period of six months accurate time <br/>
<a id="pl.5.30"></a><var>5.30</var>records that show the time the driver reports for duty each day;, the total number of hours <br/>
<a id="pl.5.31"></a><var>5.31</var>of on-duty time for each driver for each day;, the time the driver is released from duty <br/>
<a id="pl.5.32"></a><var>5.32</var>each day;, and the total number of hours driven each day.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.33"></a><var>5.33</var>(k) For purposes of this subdivision, the following terms have the meanings given:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.34"></a><var>5.34</var>(1) "conviction" has the meaning given in section 
<statute_ref>609.02</statute_ref>; and<br/>
<a id="pl.6.1"></a><var>6.1</var>(2) "on-duty time" means all time at a terminal, facility, or other property of a <br/>
<a id="pl.6.2"></a><var>6.2</var>contract carrier or on any public property waiting to be dispatched. On-duty time includes <br/>
<a id="pl.6.3"></a><var>6.3</var>time spent inspecting, servicing, or conditioning the vehicle.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.4"></a><var>6.4</var>    Subd. 9. <b>Inspection authority.</b> Representatives of the Department of Transportation <br/>
<a id="pl.6.5"></a><var>6.5</var>and the State Patrol have the authority to enter, at a reasonable time and place, any vehicle <br/>
<a id="pl.6.6"></a><var>6.6</var>or facility of the carrier for purposes of random inspections, safety reviews, audits, or <br/>
<a id="pl.6.7"></a><var>6.7</var>accident investigations.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.8"></a><var>6.8</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2014.<br/>