SF1639

Purpose

• This bill aims to authorize the placement of automated license plate readers (ALPR) within Minnesota trunk highway rights-of-way and to create a process for local governments to obtain permits to do so. It also updates how land in interstate or trunk highway rights-of-way can be used, clarifying allowed purposes and necessary approvals.

Main provisions

• Subdivision 1 — Limited use

  • The transportation commissioner may arrange, in the public interest, limited use of land that is owned as interstate or trunk highway rights-of-way.
  • The use may be for highway purposes and for certain aesthetic purposes, but not for permanent buildings—except for structures needed to provide information to travelers under advertising agreements described in sections 160.272 to 160.276.
  • The commissioner must secure any required approval from the appropriate federal agency.

• Subdivision 2 — Automated license plate readers (ALPR)

  • ALPR is defined as described in section 13.824 subdivision 1.
  • The commissioner may establish a process to issue a permit for a local unit of government to place ALPR within trunk highway rights-of-way.
  • The permit process may include requirements determined necessary to protect public safety and ensure the proper function of the trunk highway.

Significance and intended effect

• The bill explicitly adds authority to deploy ALPR cameras in trunk highway rights-of-way and creates a formal permit pathway for local governments to do so.
• It ties ALPR deployment to safety, proper highway operation, and compliance with any applicable federal approvals.

Key definitions and references (as used in the bill)

• Automated license plate reader (ALPR)
• ALPR cameras
• trunk highway rights-of-way
• interstate rights-of-way
• local unit of government
• public safety
• highway purposes
• aesthetic purposes
• permanent buildings
• section 13.824
• Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 161.434

Relationship to existing law

• The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 161.434 to formalize limited-use provisions for rights-of-way and to add the ALPR permitting framework.

Relevant Terms - automated license plate readers - ALPR - license plate readers - trunk highway rights-of-way - interstate rights-of-way - limited use - permit - local unit of government - public safety - highway purposes - aesthetic purposes - permanent buildings - federal agency approval - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 161.434 - section 13.824