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SF1904 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Electric vehicles authorization to use high-occupancy and dynamic shoulder lanes without a fee

Related bill: HF2858

AI Generated Summary

This bill, Minnesota Senate File No. 1904, aims to allow all-electric vehicles to use high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes and dynamic shoulder lanes without paying a fee. The key provisions include:

  1. Eligibility & Access:

    • Single-occupant all-electric vehicles (as defined in Minnesota Statutes section 169.011) will be permitted to use HOV lanes and dynamic shoulder lanes without charge if they display a state-issued decal.

  2. Decal Program:

    • The commissioner of transportation must create and issue decals for eligible all-electric vehicles, ensuring visibility for law enforcement.
    • Vehicle owners must apply for the decal and pay a $24 fee.
    • Decals expire four years from the month of issuance and are not transferable between vehicles.

  3. Public Awareness Efforts:

    • The Department of Transportation, along with the Departments of Commerce and Public Safety, will use existing funds from HOV lane user fee accounts to publicize this program through:
      • Highway signage and electronic billboards.
      • Clear information on government websites.
      • Notification to auto dealerships about program eligibility for electric vehicle purchasers.
      • Inclusion of program details in vehicle registration renewal notices and electric vehicle surcharge notices.

  4. Revenue & Fund Allocation:

    • Money collected from HOV lane fees will continue to be allocated toward repayment of prior investments in lane setup and ongoing operational costs.
    • Remaining funds will be split: 50% for transportation capital improvements within the corridor, and 50% transferred to the Metropolitan Council for bus transit expansions.

Purpose of the Bill:

This bill encourages the adoption of electric vehicles by providing them incentives such as toll-free access to carpool lanes, aligning with broader environmental and transportation efficiency goals in Minnesota.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 26, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 26, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toTransportation
March 02, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allows electric vehicles to use high-occupancy lanes without fees,"
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the existing statute regarding high-occupancy vehicle lanes to accommodate electric vehicles.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts existing subdivision to reflect changes for electric vehicle inclusion."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "160.93"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "None."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None."
      ],
      "summary": "Defines an 'all-electric vehicle' under an existing statutory definition used for the purposes of lane usage.",
      "modified": [
        "Uses an existing definition of all-electric vehicle in the context of lane usage."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.011"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requires provision of application information for lane use stickers with registration renewal."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None."
      ],
      "summary": "References the surcharge information for electric vehicles.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the inclusion of electric vehicles in registration processes."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "168.013"
  }
]

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