The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, specifically section 299A.55, to modify the allocation of assessments collected from railroad and pipeline companies for emergency preparedness activities. It establishes a railroad and pipeline safety account within the special revenue fund, which will now include funds collected under the new assessment structure. The annual assessment amount for railroad companies is reduced from $4,000,000 to $3,418,000, while pipeline companies will be assessed $582,000 based on the volume of hazardous substances transported. The bill also specifies that $560,000 will be allocated for environmental protection activities related to railroad discharge preparedness, and $1,500,000 will be directed to the grade crossing safety account.

Additionally, the bill introduces a requirement for the commissioner of public safety to report on the revenues and expenditures of the railroad and pipeline safety account to legislative committees. The remaining funds in the account will be appropriated to the commissioner of public safety for specified purposes. The effective date for these changes is set for the day following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 299A.55