HF 1290

1st Engrossment - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026) Posted on 04/10/2025 03:41pm

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; authorizing roadside signage for automatic external
defibrillators for qualifying locations; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 160.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [160.802] AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR WAYFINDING
SIGNS.
new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, "public access automatic external defibrillator" and
"public access AED" have the meaning given in section 403.51, subdivision 1, paragraph
(e).
new text end

new text begin (b) A location or business with an outdoor public access automatic external defibrillator
may request that a relevant road authority place appropriate directional signage on a road
under the road authority's jurisdiction that clearly identifies the location of the automatic
external defibrillator available for public use. The signage must promote the availability of
a public access AED by either symbol, text, or both.
new text end

new text begin (c) To qualify as a participant and request directional signage under this section, a
property owner, business, or entity with an outdoor public access AED must:
new text end

new text begin (1) meet all registration, notice, and inspection requirements provided in section 403.51;
new text end

new text begin (2) place the device in a recognizable and easily accessible location; and
new text end

new text begin (3) identify the device with conspicuous and visible signage on the premises.
new text end

new text begin (d) Within 180 days, and to the extent practicable within 60 days, of receiving a request
from a qualified participant under paragraph (c), the relevant road authority must determine
a suitable location and appropriate number of signs and must place directional signage as
provided under this section. To the extent practicable, directional signage indicating the
location of the public access AED must be placed between 200 and 300 feet prior to an
intersection or between 800 and 1,600 feet prior to an interchange. All costs associated with
installation, maintenance, and removal of signage must be paid by a qualified participant
to the relevant road authority.
new text end

new text begin (e) If a registered outdoor public access AED is removed or no longer operational, the
qualified participant must inform the relevant road authority immediately to remove the
directional signage as soon as practicable.
new text end

new text begin (f) The commissioner must maintain information on the department's website about
outdoor public access AED directional signage and best practices, including but not limited
to qualifications for a sign under this section; appropriate wayfinding techniques; device
registry information; and guidance for local road authorities on appropriate sign placement
and context.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective October 1, 2025.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS; MANUAL ON UNIFORM
TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES.
new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, "public access automatic external defibrillator" has the
meaning given in Minnesota Statutes, section 403.51, subdivision 1, paragraph (e).
new text end

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 169.06, subdivision
2, by September 1, 2025, the commissioner of transportation must develop appropriate text
and directional signage for locations with outdoor public access automatic external
defibrillators as a general service sign that meet the criteria of Minnesota Statutes, section
160.802. The commissioner may make any necessary revisions and additions to chapter 2I
of the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The commissioner must
design the sign to incorporate the universal symbol for an automatic external defibrillator
and consult with interested stakeholders to ensure best practices for the sign's placement,
ensure reliable and easy access by the public in the case of an emergency, and minimize
sign clutter and confusion.
new text end

new text begin (c) The requirements under paragraph (b) expire upon adoption of relevant additions
and revisions to the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices that pertain to
general service signs. The commissioner must notify the revisor of statutes, whether
electronically or in writing, of the expiration.
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