This bill aims to enhance public safety by increasing penalties for obstructing traffic on trunk highways, airports, and transit systems. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, specifically section 609.74, to classify the act of interfering with or obstructing traffic on freeways and airport property as a gross misdemeanor. The bill defines "airport" and "freeway" for clarity and exempts law enforcement and emergency responders from this classification when performing their duties. Additionally, it establishes an effective date of August 1, 2025, for these changes, applying to offenses committed on or after that date.

Furthermore, the bill modifies section 609.855, subdivision 2, by changing the terminology from "unlawful interference with a transit operator" to simply "a crime" for acts that obstruct transit vehicle operations. It also specifies that obstructive actions that restrict passenger access to transit vehicles can lead to penalties if a warning has been issued by an authorized transit representative. The potential sentences for violations are increased, with imprisonment terms extended and fines adjusted, also effective from August 1, 2025, for crimes committed thereafter.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.74, 609.855