This bill focuses on enhancing work zone safety and modifying requirements for provisional driver's licenses in Minnesota. It introduces a new subdivision to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 161.32, which mandates that the commissioner include a bid item for flagging hours in live traffic contracts where work zone flaggers are present and traffic lanes are open. Additionally, it establishes a work zone and first responder safety course that must be completed by provisional license applicants, which includes best practices for safety in work zones and the rights and responsibilities of vehicle operators. The bill also requires the inclusion of work zone safety information in the driver's manual and initiates a billboard design contest aimed at educating youth about work zone safety.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the requirements for obtaining a provisional driver's license by stipulating that applicants must complete the aforementioned safety course and clarifies the conditions under which a provisional license may be issued. Specifically, it changes the language regarding convictions for certain violations, ensuring that individuals with prior serious offenses are not eligible for a provisional license. The effective dates for these provisions vary, with some set to take effect on August 1, 2025, and others on August 1, 2026, while the driver's manual updates are effective immediately following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 161.32, 171.055, 171.0701, 171.0705