Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to establish an expiration date for pipeline safety assessments as part of public safety regulations in Minnesota. The bill amends the procedures for how pipeline and railroad companies are assessed for safety-related costs by the state.

Main Provisions

• Annual Assessments: The bill specifies that the Minnesota Commissioner of Public Safety must annually assess specified amounts to railroad and pipeline companies to support the railroad and pipeline safety account.
• Assessment Distribution:
  • Railroads will pay 70% of the total annual assessment, divided equally based on the number of route miles they operate in Minnesota.
  • Pipeline companies will contribute 30% of the total annual assessment, with contributions divided based on the total gallons of oil and hazardous substances transported within the state.
• Post-Incident Costs: Rail carriers or pipeline companies that are involved in incidents requiring significant state or local response will be assessed additional costs to cover post-incident review and analysis. This is independent of the regular assessments.

Significant Changes

• The bill amends existing law by clarifying the formulas for how assessments are determined and imposes additional costs on companies involved in incidents requiring state or local intervention.
• The introduction of a sunset provision implies an end date to these assessments, though the specific date is not included in the summary.

Relevant Terms

pipeline safety, railroad safety, assessments, hazardous substances, public safety, Minnesota Commissioner of Public Safety, post-incident costs, sunset provision.