HF4093 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Requirements for shelters left on ice overnight modified.
Related bill: SF4411
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill changes the safety rules for ice shelters by requiring reflective markings on shelters left on the ice overnight. The goal is to make these structures more visible to others, reducing the chance of accidents on the ice.
Main Provisions
- Applies to: fish houses, dark houses, and other shelters left on the ice overnight.
- Visibility requirement: these shelters must have reflective material on each side.
- Minimum reflective area: the reflective material must consist of at least two 144-square-inch panels.
- Placement: the reflective material must be visible on every side of the structure.
Effect on Existing Law
- The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97C.355 subdivision 7a, to add a specific, measurable visibility standard for ice shelters left overnight. It formalizes the requirement that such shelters be clearly marked with reflective material on all sides and sets a minimum total reflective area.
Significance and Practical Impact
- Safety focus: By increasing visibility of ice shelters, the measure aims to prevent collisions or accidental encounters on the ice.
- Clarity for users: Shelter owners will have a concrete standard (two 144-square-inch panels on each side) to follow.
Potential Considerations
- Enforcement details are not provided in the excerpt; it does not specify penalties or who is responsible for ensuring compliance.
- It does not indicate an effective date or any exemptions beyond the explicit scope.
Relevant Terms - fish house - dark house - shelter - ice - overnight - reflective material - reflective markings - visibility - Minnesota Statutes 97C.355 subdivision 7a
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 09, 2026 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Requires reflective material on each side of the fish house, dark house, or shelter left on the ice overnight.",
"Specifies the reflective material must have a total area of no less than two 144 square inches (i.e., at least 288 square inches) and be visible on each side of the structure."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97C.355, subdivision 7a, to modify the reflective-marking requirements for shelters left on the ice overnight.",
"modified": [
"Subd. 7a text is revised to establish new marking requirements for shelters left on the ice overnight."
]
},
"citation": "97C.355",
"subdivision": "7a"
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee