The bill aims to enhance railroad safety in Minnesota by introducing new regulations regarding train length and insurance requirements for motor carriers transporting railroad employees. It establishes a maximum train length of 8,500 feet and outlines penalties for violations, which range from $1,000 to $25,000 depending on the number of offenses. Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to increase the minimum liability insurance requirement for motor carriers from $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 and introduces a new subdivision that imposes penalties for violations of these regulations, with fines ranging from $200 to $5,000 based on the severity of the offense.

The bill also includes provisions for the enforcement of these regulations by the commissioner of transportation, who may initiate civil actions in the county where violations occur. Fines collected from these penalties will be directed to the state rail safety inspection account. The new regulations and penalties will take effect on August 1, 2024, applying to any violations committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
1st Engrossment: 221.0255