SF2094

The bill S.F. No. 2094 relates to transportation in Minnesota and proposes modifications to laws governing active transportation, electric-assisted bicycle rebates, and associated regulations. Specifically, it:

1. Revises the definition of "crosswalk" in Minnesota statutes to include various types of pedestrian and bicycle crossings.
2. Adjusts speed limits, including:
   • Establishing 25 mph limits in residential roadways and 35 mph limits in rural residential districts, if adopted by local road authorities.
   • Maintaining a 15 mph speed limit in school zones.
   • Imposing an additional surcharge for exceeding speed limits by 20 mph or more.
3. Enhances pedestrian protections, requiring drivers to:
   • Stop for pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections and remain stopped until the pedestrian has cleared the driver's lane.
   • Prohibiting overtaking and passing of vehicles stopped at crosswalks.
   • Making it illegal to drive through a column of school children or past school patrol members.
4. Strengthens penalties for violations:
   • A misdemeanor for failure to yield to pedestrians.
   • A gross misdemeanor for repeat offenses within one year.

The bill also modifies electric-assisted bicycle rebate eligibility and amounts and grants authority for rulemaking to implement these changes.