The bill focuses on enhancing transportation funding and infrastructure in Minnesota, establishing a budget for various agencies, including the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Safety, for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It allocates significant funding for projects such as a new air traffic control tower at Duluth International Airport, grants for transportation management organizations, and statewide trunk highway corridor planning. The bill introduces a per-kilowatt hour tax on public electric vehicle charging and modifies the calculation of the electric vehicle surcharge. It also establishes a working group to analyze electricity as vehicle fuel and mandates various transportation studies and reports to ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the transfer of funds, technical changes, and specific appropriations for projects like the John A. Blatnik Bridge and priority trunk highway construction projects, which are designated as one-time appropriations. It allows the commissioner of transportation to transfer unencumbered balances among appropriations and requires reporting to legislative committees. The bill also establishes the "Empowering Small Minnesota Communities Program" to assist small communities with infrastructure projects and introduces new regulations for electric vehicle charging stations, including licensing requirements and a tax on electricity sold as vehicle fuel. Overall, the bill aims to improve transportation services while ensuring effective use of funds across Minnesota.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 4.076, 13.6905, 16A.88, 161.088, 161.115, 161.14, 161.178, 168.002, 168.013, 168.091, 168.27, 168.33, 168A.11, 168E.01, 168E.05, 169.011, 169.06, 169.686, 169.865, 169.974, 171.01, 171.05, 171.0605, 171.061, 171.0701, 171.0705, 171.071, 171.13, 171.17, 609.21, 171.2405, 171.301, 171.306, 174.07, 174.38, 174.49, 174.634, 289A.51, 296A.01, 296A.02, 296A.06, 296A.061, 296A.19, 296A.22, 297A.94, 297A.9915, 297A.993, 299A.55, 360.511, 360.55, 398A.04, 473.129, 473.13, 473.142, 473.1425, 473.386, 473.39, 473.408, 473.412, 473.4465, 473.452