HF887

This bill, introduced by Representative Fogelman, seeks to amend the current legislation concerning the allocation of funds within Minnesota’s transportation sector. Specifically, it aims to prohibit the use of funds from the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund and the Trunk Highway Fund for various non-transportation related activities and programs.

The proposed changes in the bill include:

1. Prohibiting spending on:

   • Bureau of Criminal Apprehension laboratory
   • Explore Minnesota Tourism kiosks
   • Minnesota Safety Council
   • Driver education programs
   • Office of Emergency Medical Services
   • Mississippi River Parkway Commission
   • Excessive payments to the Department of Information Technology Services for trunk highway purposes
   • Personnel costs on behalf of the governor's office
   • The Office of Aeronautics, Office of Transit and Active Transportation, and Office of Passenger Rail within the Department of Transportation
   • Purchase and maintenance of soft body armor per section 299A.38
   • Tourist information centers
   • Parades, events, or event sponsorships
   • Installation, construction, expansion, or maintenance of public electric vehicle infrastructure
   • The Statewide Notification Center for Excavation Services pursuant to chapter 216D
   • Manufacturing license plates
   • Arts or cultural strategies in transportation project planning, design, or construction

2. The bill explicitly states that these prohibitions on spending will extend to all related expenses including payroll, services purchased, supplies, repairs, and equipment.

3. Additionally, the bill covers any successor entities or programs that are substantially similar to those listed, extending the prohibitions to future analogous initiatives.

The bill is currently referred to the Committee on Transportation Finance and Policy for further consideration. If enacted, it will redefine how certain funds are distributed and utilized within Minnesota’s transportation funding, focusing more strictly on direct transportation needs.