HF 5057

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 04/02/2024 01:20pm

A bill for an act
relating to motor vehicles; establishing the Lights On grant program; appropriating
money; 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 [169.515] LIGHTS ON GRANT PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Grant program established; purpose. new text end

new text begin The Lights On grant program is
established under this section to provide drivers on Minnesota roads with vouchers of up
to $250 to use at participating auto repair shops to repair or replace broken or malfunctioning
lighting equipment required under sections 169.49 to 169.51. Grant funds awarded under
this program are intended to increase safety on Minnesota roads by ensuring vehicle lights
are properly illuminated, offering drivers restorative solutions rather than punishment for
malfunctioning equipment, lessening the financial burden of traffic tickets on low-income
drivers, and improving police-community relations.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Eligibility. new text end

new text begin Counties, cities, towns, and local law enforcement agencies,
including law enforcement agencies of a federally recognized Tribe, as defined in United
States Code, title 25, section 5304(e), are eligible to apply for grants under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Application. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of public safety must develop application
materials and procedures for the Lights On grant program.
new text end

new text begin (b) The application must describe the type or types of intended vouchers, the amount of
money requested, and any other information deemed necessary by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (c) Applicants must submit an application under this section in the form and manner
prescribed by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (d) Applicants must describe how grant money will be used to provide and distribute
vouchers to drivers.
new text end

new text begin (e) Applicants must keep records of vouchers distributed and records of all expenses
associated with awarded grant money.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Grant criteria. new text end

new text begin Preference for grant awards must be given to applicants whose
proposals provide resources and vouchers to individuals residing in geographic areas that
have historically received underinvestment and have high poverty rates.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Reporting. new text end

new text begin By February 1 each year, grant recipients must submit a report to
the commissioner itemizing all expenditures made using grant money, the purpose of each
expenditure, and the disposition of each contact made with drivers with malfunctioning or
broken lighting equipment. The report must be in the form and manner prescribed by the
commissioner.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION; LIGHTS ON GRANT PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin (a) $1,200,000 in fiscal year 2025 is appropriated from the highway user tax distribution
fund to the commissioner of public safety for the Lights On grant program under Minnesota
Statutes, section 169.515. The commissioner, through the Office of Traffic Safety, must
contract with the Lights On! microgrant program to administer and operate the grant program.
new text end

new text begin (b) The base is $1,200,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each year thereafter. Any balance
at the end of the first fiscal year does not cancel and is available the second year. To the
extent practicable, the base must be adjusted for inflation at the end of each biennium.
new text end