HF 3966

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 03/05/2026 02:05 p.m.

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; authorizing certain transit and bicycle related parking
enforcement through use of transit obstruction camera systems; establishing a
penalty; providing for data practices; appropriating money; amending Minnesota
Statutes 2024, sections 13.6905, by adding a subdivision; 13.824, subdivisions 1,
2a; 169.011, by adding a subdivision; 169.04; 169.99, subdivision 1; proposing
coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 169.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13.6905, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 39. new text end

new text begin Transit obstruction camera data. new text end

new text begin Data related to transit obstruction cameras
are governed by section 169.355, subdivisions 11 to 13.
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. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13.824, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.

(b) "Automated license plate reader" means an electronic device mounted on a law
enforcement vehicle or positioned in a stationary location that is capable of recording data
on, or taking a photograph of, a vehicle or its license plate and comparing the collected data
and photographs to existing law enforcement databases for investigative purposes. Automated
license plate reader includes a device that is owned or operated by a person who is not a
government entity to the extent that data collected by the reader are shared with a law
enforcement agency. Automated license plate reader does not include a new text begin transit obstruction
camera system or a new text end traffic safety camera system.

(c) "Traffic safety camera system" has the meaning given in section 169.011, subdivision
85a.

new text begin (d) "Transit obstruction camera system" has the meaning given in section 169.011,
subdivision 87a.
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. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13.824, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

Limitations; certain camera systems.

A person must not use a new text begin transit
obstruction camera system or a new text end traffic safety camera system for purposes of this section.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.011, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 87a. new text end

new text begin Transit obstruction camera system. new text end

new text begin "Transit obstruction camera system"
means an electronic system of one or more cameras or other motor vehicle sensors that is
specifically designed to automatically produce recorded images of a motor vehicle stopped
or parked in violation of a law or conforming ordinance that regulates motor vehicle stopping
or parking, including related information technology for recorded image storage, retrieval,
and transmission.
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. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.04, is amended to read:

169.04 LOCAL AUTHORITY.

(a) The provisions of this chapter shall not be deemed to prevent local authorities, with
respect to streets and highways under their jurisdiction, and with the consent of the
commissioner, with respect to state trunk highways, within the corporate limits of a
municipality, or within the limits of a town in a county in this state now having or which
may hereafter have, a population of 500,000 or more, and a land area of not more than 600
square miles, and within the reasonable exercise of the police power from:

(1) regulating the standing or parking of vehicles new text begin , including through the use of a transit
obstruction camera system implemented under section 169.355 new text end ;

(2) regulating traffic by means of police officers or traffic-control signals;

(3) regulating or prohibiting processions or assemblages on the highways;

(4) designating particular highways as one-way roadways and requiring that all vehicles,
except emergency vehicles, when on an emergency run, thereon be moved in one specific
direction;

(5) designating any highway as a through highway and requiring that all vehicles stop
before entering or crossing the same, or designating any intersection as a stop intersection,
and requiring all vehicles to stop at one or more entrances to such intersections;

(6) restricting the use of highways as authorized in sections 169.80 to 169.88;

(7) regulating speed limits through the use of a speed safety camera system implemented
under section 169.147; and

(8) regulating traffic control through the use of a red light camera system implemented
under section 169.147.

(b) No ordinance or regulation enacted under paragraph (a), clause (4), (5), or (6), shall
be effective until signs giving notice of such local traffic regulations are posted upon and
kept posted upon or at the entrance to the highway or part thereof affected as may be most
appropriate.

(c) No ordinance or regulation enacted under paragraph (a), clause (3), or any other
provision of law shall prohibit:

(1) the use of motorcycles or vehicles utilizing flashing red lights for the purpose of
escorting funeral processions, oversize buildings, heavy equipment, parades or similar
processions or assemblages on the highways; or

(2) the use of motorcycles or vehicles that are owned by the funeral home and that utilize
flashing red lights for the purpose of escorting funeral processions.

(d) Ordinances or regulations enacted under paragraph (a), clauses (7) and (8), are
effective after August 1, 2025, and before August 1, 2029.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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

Sec. 6.

new text begin [169.355] TRANSIT OBSTRUCTION CAMERA SYSTEM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Public transportation" has the meaning given in section 174.22, subdivision 7.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Transit operator" means any entity that is engaged in public transportation, including
but not limited to the Metropolitan Council, a replacement service provider under section
473.388, and an entity that is eligible for assistance under the public transportation
participation program under section 174.24.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Transit vehicle" means a motor vehicle used in public transportation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Authority; implementation. new text end

new text begin (a) A transit operator may equip a transit vehicle
with a transit obstruction camera system as provided in this section.
new text end

new text begin (b) To implement use of a transit obstruction camera system, a transit operator must:
new text end

new text begin (1) coordinate with the appropriate local units of government on implementation and
enforcement, including but not limited to procedures for a transit operator to report a potential
violation under subdivision 6 and disseminate data from a transit obstruction camera system;
new text end

new text begin (2) notify the commissioners of transportation and public safety; and
new text end

new text begin (3) ensure compliance with the requirements under this section, including but not limited
to the standards under subdivision 3.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Transit obstruction camera system requirements. new text end

new text begin (a) A transit obstruction
camera system may be used to perform automated detection and record video or images to
identify a potential violation under subdivision 6 for review.
new text end

new text begin (b) By December 15, 2026, the commissioner, in coordination with the commissioner
of public safety, must establish transit obstruction camera system standards that include:
new text end

new text begin (1) a requirement that each camera must be mounted facing forward in a manner that is
primarily designed to identify a potential violation under subdivision 6; and
new text end

new text begin (2) recording and data requirements as specified in subdivision 12.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Public information and notice. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner and a transit operator
under this section must maintain information on their respective websites that, at a minimum:
new text end

new text begin (1) summarizes implementation of transit obstruction camera systems;
new text end

new text begin (2) identifies transit routes on which transit obstruction camera systems are used; and
new text end

new text begin (3) provides information and procedures for a person to contest a citation issued under
this section.
new text end

new text begin (b) A transit operator must implement a general public engagement and information
campaign before using transit obstruction camera systems under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Parking enforcement agents. new text end

new text begin (a) A local unit of government that coordinates
with a transit provider to implement camera-based parking enforcement under this section
must designate at least one parking enforcement agent.
new text end

new text begin (b) A parking enforcement agent who is not a licensed peace officer has the authority
to issue citations under this section only while engaged in job duties and otherwise has none
of the other powers and privileges reserved for peace officers.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Violations; penalty. new text end

new text begin Subject to subdivision 7, the owner or lessee of a motor
vehicle is guilty of a petty misdemeanor if:
new text end

new text begin (1) the motor vehicle is stopped, standing, or parked in violation of a law or conforming
ordinance that regulates motor vehicle stopping or parking;
new text end

new text begin (2) the violation is in:
new text end

new text begin (i) a bus stop zone as indicated by a traffic-control device;
new text end

new text begin (ii) a vehicle lane during a period in which motor vehicle operation is reserved for transit
buses, regardless of whether the lane is available for use by other vehicles in specified
circumstances; or
new text end

new text begin (iii) a bicycle lane;
new text end

new text begin (3) the violation under clause (2), item (i) or (ii), is committed during scheduled operating
hours of transit service at or along that location; and
new text end

new text begin (4) the violation is identified through the use of a transit obstruction camera system
implemented under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Violations; limitations. new text end

new text begin (a) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle is not subject
to a fine or conviction under subdivision 6 if:
new text end

new text begin (1) any of the conditions under section 169.14, subdivision 14, paragraph (a), clauses
(1) to (5), are met;
new text end

new text begin (2) the vehicle is stopped or parked as provided in section 169.342; or
new text end

new text begin (3) the vehicle owner provides a sworn statement to the court or prosecuting authority
that the violation occurred during the circumstances of a medical emergency for either the
driver or a passenger in the vehicle.
new text end

new text begin (b) The owner or lessee of a motor vehicle may not be issued citations under both
subdivision 6 and another section or ordinance for the same conduct.
new text end

new text begin (c) A fine or conviction under subdivision 6 does not constitute grounds for revocation
or suspension of a person's driver's license.
new text end

new text begin (d) A vehicle owner asserting a defense under paragraph (a), clause (3), must provide
an accompanying sworn statement from the physician responsible for treatment of the
underlying condition or emergency that necessitated medical attention.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Citations; warnings. new text end

new text begin (a) A parking enforcement agent has the exclusive
authority to issue a citation to the owner or lessee of a motor vehicle for a violation under
subdivision 6.
new text end

new text begin (b) A parking enforcement agent may only issue a citation if:
new text end

new text begin (1) the violation is committed at least 60 days after the relevant transit operator has
started using transit obstruction camera systems; and
new text end

new text begin (2) the agent has inspected and verified recorded images provided by the transit
obstruction camera system.
new text end

new text begin (c) A parking enforcement agent must provide a warning for a violation under subdivision
6 committed before the date when citations are authorized under paragraph (b), clause (1).
new text end

new text begin (d) A citation may be issued through the United States mail if postmarked within: (1)
30 days of the violation for a vehicle registered in Minnesota; or (2) 60 days of the violation
for a vehicle registered outside of Minnesota. Section 168.346, subdivision 2, applies to a
private entity that provides citation mailing services under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Uniform citation. new text end

new text begin (a) There must be a uniform transit obstruction camera
citation issued throughout the state for a violation as provided under this section. The uniform
transit obstruction camera citation is in the form and has the effect of a summons and
complaint.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner of public safety must prescribe the detailed form of the uniform
transit obstruction camera citation. As appropriate, the citation design must conform with
the requirements for a uniform traffic ticket under section 169.99, subdivisions 1 and 1d.
The citation design must include:
new text end

new text begin (1) a brief overview of transit obstruction camera systems and implementation under
this section;
new text end

new text begin (2) a summary of the circumstances of the citation that includes identification of the
motor vehicle involved, the date and time of the violation, and the location where the
violation occurred;
new text end

new text begin (3) a copy of the recorded image or primary images used to identify a violation;
new text end

new text begin (4) a notification that the recorded images under clause (3) are evidence of a violation
under subdivision 6;
new text end

new text begin (5) a statement signed by the parking enforcement agent who issued the citation stating
that the agent has inspected the recorded images and determined that the violation occurred
with the specified motor vehicle;
new text end

new text begin (6) a summary of the limitations under subdivision 7;
new text end

new text begin (7) the total amount of the fine imposed;
new text end

new text begin (8) a notification that the person has the right to contest the citation;
new text end

new text begin (9) information on the process and procedures for a person to contest the citation; and
new text end

new text begin (10) a statement that payment of the fine constitutes a plea of guilty and failure to appear
in court is considered a plea of guilty as provided under section 169.91.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Third-party agreements. new text end

new text begin (a) A transit operator or local unit of government
may enter into agreements with a private entity for operations, services, or equipment under
this section. Payment under a contract with a private entity must not be based on the number
of violations, citations issued, or other similar means.
new text end

new text begin (b) A transit operator or local unit of government that enters into a third-party agreement
under this subdivision must perform a data practices audit of the private entity to confirm
compliance with the requirements under subdivisions 11 to 13 and chapter 13. An audit
must be undertaken at least every other year.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Data practices; general requirements. new text end

new text begin (a) All data collected by a transit
obstruction camera system are private data on individuals as defined in section 13.02,
subdivision 12, or nonpublic data as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 9, unless the data
are public under section 13.82, subdivision 2, 3, or 6, or are criminal investigative data
under section 13.82, subdivision 7.
new text end

new text begin (b) An agreement with a private entity pursuant to subdivision 10 is subject to section
13.05, subdivisions 6 and 11.
new text end

new text begin (c) A private entity must use the data gathered under this section only for purposes of
camera-based parking enforcement and must not share or disseminate the data with an entity
other than the appropriate transit provider or local unit of government, except pursuant to
a court order. Nothing in this subdivision prevents a private entity from sharing or
disseminating summary data, as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 19.
new text end

new text begin (d) Transit obstruction camera system data are not subject to subpoena, discovery, or
admission into evidence in any prosecution, civil action, or administrative process that is
not taken pursuant to this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin Data practices; transit obstruction camera system. new text end

new text begin A transit obstruction
camera system:
new text end

new text begin (1) is limited to collection of the following data:
new text end

new text begin (i) recorded video or images of the license plate of a motor vehicle;
new text end

new text begin (ii) recorded video or images of motor vehicles and areas surrounding the vehicles to
the extent necessary to identify a violation under subdivision 6;
new text end

new text begin (iii) system and infrastructure monitoring data:
new text end

new text begin (A) collected for purposes of transit system operations analysis, general transit research,
or monitoring the condition of transit or bicycle facilities, including but not limited to bus
stops and shelters; and
new text end

new text begin (B) from which an individual or unique vehicle is not identified or ascertainable; and
new text end

new text begin (iv) date, time, and vehicle location that correlates to the data collected under items (i)
to (iii);
new text end

new text begin (2) must not use biometric identification techniques, including but not limited to facial
recognition technology;
new text end

new text begin (3) must not retain data in a manner that makes any individual personally identifiable,
including but not limited to the motor vehicle operator or occupants; and
new text end

new text begin (4) may only retain the data specified in clause (1), items (i) and (ii), if the transit
obstruction camera system identifies a potential violation under subdivision 6 for review.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end

new text begin Data practices; destruction of data. new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding section 138.17,
and except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, data collected by a transit obstruction
camera system must be destroyed within 30 days of the date of collection unless the data
are criminal investigative data under section 13.82, subdivision 7, related to a parking
violation.
new text end

new text begin (b) Upon written request to a local unit of government from an individual who is the
subject of a pending criminal charge or complaint, along with the case or complaint number
and a statement that the data may be used as exculpatory evidence, data otherwise subject
to destruction under paragraph (a) must be preserved by the local unit of government until
the charge or complaint is resolved or dismissed.
new text end

new text begin (c) Upon written request from a program participant under chapter 5B, data collected
by a transit obstruction camera system related to the program participant must be destroyed
at the time of collection or upon receipt of the request, whichever occurs later, unless the
data are active criminal investigative data. The existence of a request submitted under this
paragraph is private data on individuals as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12.
new text end

new text begin (d) Notwithstanding section 138.17, data collected by a transit obstruction camera system
must be destroyed within three years of the resolution of a citation issued pursuant to this
section.
new text end

new text begin (e) The destruction requirements under this subdivision do not apply to:
new text end

new text begin (1) system and infrastructure monitoring data as provided under subdivision 12, clause
(1), item (iii);
new text end

new text begin (2) summary data, as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 19; and
new text end

new text begin (3) data that identifies the number of warnings or citations issued to an individual under
this section.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment, except
that subdivisions 6 and 7 are effective January 1, 2027. Subdivisions 6 and 7 apply to
violations committed on or after January 1, 2027.
new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.99, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Form.

(a) Except as provided in subdivision 3; section 169.147,
subdivision 8; new text begin section 169.355, subdivision 9; new text end and section 169.999, subdivision 3, there
shall be a uniform ticket issued throughout the state by the police and peace officers or by
any other person for violations of this chapter and ordinances in conformity thereto. Such
uniform traffic ticket shall be in the form and have the effect of a summons and complaint.
Except as provided in paragraph (b), the uniform ticket shall state that if the defendant fails
to appear in court in response to the ticket, an arrest warrant may be issued. The uniform
traffic ticket shall consist of four parts, on paper sensitized so that copies may be made
without the use of carbon paper, as follows:

(1) the complaint, with reverse side for officer's notes for testifying in court, driver's
past record, and court's action, printed on white paper;

(2) the abstract of court record for the Department of Public Safety, which shall be a
copy of the complaint with the certificate of conviction on the reverse side, printed on yellow
paper;

(3) the police record, which shall be a copy of the complaint and of the reverse side of
copy (1), printed on pink paper; and

(4) the summons, with, on the reverse side, such information as the court may wish to
give concerning the Traffic Violations Bureau, and a plea of guilty and waiver, printed on
off-white tag stock.

(b) If the offense is a petty misdemeanor, the uniform ticket must state that a failure to
appear will be considered a plea of guilty and waiver of the right to trial, unless the failure
to appear is due to circumstances beyond the person's control.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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

Sec. 8. new text begin APPROPRIATION; TRANSIT OBSTRUCTION CAMERA SYSTEMS.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of
transportation to implement the transit obstruction camera system requirements under
Minnesota Statutes, section 169.355. This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end