SF1501

SF1501 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Penalties increase for obstructing traffic access to a trunk highway or airport

AI Generated Summary

The legislative bill S.F. No. 1501 proposes to amend current Minnesota law to increase the penalties for intentionally obstructing traffic on trunk highways or near airports. Specifically, it aims to change public nuisance laws by making it a gross misdemeanor to deliberately interfere with or block traffic on freeways or on roads that provide access to or from airports. This heightened penalty will not apply to law enforcement, emergency responders, road or airport authorities, or utility workers performing their official duties. The bill defines "airport" as those that have control towers and provide airline services, and "freeway" as divided highways accessed solely via entrance and exit ramps.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
February 16, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
February 16, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Judiciary and Public Safety
February 26, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Author added

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Introduces a gross misdemeanor for obstructing traffic near airports and freeways."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends the public nuisance statute under section 609.74.",
      "modified": [
        "Previously ambiguous language about public nuisances is now specified for highway and airport property."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.74"
  }
]