SF 180

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 01/29/2025 03:43 p.m.

A bill for an act
relating to public safety; authorizing an action for damages for highway obstruction;
imposing civil penalties; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 169.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [169.907] HIGHWAY OBSTRUCTION; CIVIL LIABILITY.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definition. new text end

new text begin For purposes of this section, "person" includes an individual,
private entity, state agency, or political subdivision.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Civil liability imposed. new text end

new text begin Whoever by an act or omission intentionally interferes
with, obstructs, or renders dangerous for passage any public highway is liable to an injured
person for damages arising from the injuries and reasonable attorney fees and costs.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Relationship to criminal law; election of remedy. new text end

new text begin If an act is a violation of
this section and section 609.74, clause (2), a state agency or political subdivision may elect
its remedy by commencing either an action under this section or criminal prosecution under
section 609.74, clause (2). A state agency or political subdivision may bring only one type
of action under this subdivision and is precluded from bringing the other type of action for
the same conduct.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Exemption. new text end

new text begin When carrying out duties imposed by law or contract, this section
does not apply to the actions of law enforcement or other emergency responders, road or
airport authorities, or utility officials or their agents, employees, or contractors.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2025, and applies to causes
of action accruing on or after that date.
new text end