The proposed bill in Minnesota modifies the procedures and standards for state-aid engineering and design variances, allowing local road authorities to adopt alternative roadway design standards without needing state-aid engineering variances, provided they pass a resolution. It introduces new subdivisions to Minnesota Statutes 2024, specifically sections 162.02 and 162.09, which detail the criteria for these alternative designs and the responsibilities of local subdivisions for compliance. The bill also establishes an advisory committee on design variances, mandates legislative notification for denied variance requests, and requires the commissioner to justify such denials.

Key changes include the commissioner evaluating variance requests based on specific criteria, especially for complete streets projects, and exempting political subdivisions from seeking variances for certain design modifications. The bill outlines a formal process for submitting variance requests, including project identification and impact analysis, and creates an advisory committee to review these requests. Additionally, it repeals certain existing rules related to variance requests and modifies the rulemaking process for evaluating them. The new provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, for applicable county and municipal state-aid roadway projects.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 162.02, 162.09, 162.155
1st Engrossment: 162.02, 162.09, 162.155