The bill aims to enhance rail safety in Minnesota by increasing the number of state rail safety inspectors from six to ten. This change is reflected in the amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 219.015, subdivision 2, where the language specifying the number of inspectors is updated. Additionally, the bill includes a technical correction and clarifies the responsibilities of the commissioner regarding the state rail safety inspection program, which encompasses various duties such as assessing common carriers and managing the inspection account.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the process for assessing railroad companies to cover the costs associated with the expanded state rail safety inspection program. The assessment will be calculated based on the route miles operated by the carriers in Minnesota, ensuring that the costs are allocated proportionally. The funds collected from these assessments will be deposited into a dedicated state rail safety inspection account, which is established to support the program's administration and related expenses. The effective date of the new provisions will be the day following the final enactment of the bill.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 218.041, 219.015