SF3579

SF3579 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Online driver improvement clinics authorization

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

This bill would expand how driver improvement education can be completed by allowing online or remote clinics run by a third-party provider to be used when no in-person clinic is available. It aims to make it easier for people who need driver improvement training to complete it, even if there isn’t a local clinic nearby.

Main Provisions

Third-party online clinics when no local clinic is available
- If no clinic established under the existing system is available, a court or municipality can refer an individual to an online or remote driver improvement clinic operated by a third-party provider approved by the Commissioner of Public Safety.
Rules and certification for online clinics
- The Commissioner of Public Safety must create rules to regulate online/remote driver improvement clinics so they meet the same standards as in-person clinics.
- The rules will include how a third-party provider can apply to have a course certified as complying with this law.
- The commissioner must maintain a list of third-party courses that have been certified as compliant.
Fees for online clinics
- The third-party provider may charge a reasonable fee that is more than the current limit (above $50) for participating in the online clinic, overriding the usual fee limit under the existing law to some extent.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Introduces an official pathway for online and remote driver improvement clinics not run by the state or local clinics.
Establishes a formal certification and oversight process for third-party online courses by the Commissioner of Public Safety.
Requires the commissioner to maintain a publicly available list of approved online/remote courses.
Allows third-party providers to charge a higher fee for online clinics, subject to a “reasonable” standard, even if that exceeds the previous direct fee cap.

How It Would Work in Practice

If someone needs driver improvement education and there isn’t a local clinic, a judge or city can refer the person to an approved online clinic.
The online clinic must be certified by the state and listed as approved.
The provider and course must meet regulatory standards set by the Commissioner of Public Safety.
The provider can charge a fee that may be higher than the old cap, but must be reasonable.

Practical Considerations

Access and convenience: Increases options for people in areas with few or no in-person clinics.
Oversight: Creates a formal process to ensure online clinics meet established safety and quality standards.
Costs: Potentially higher fees for online options; users should consider cost in decision-making.

Relevant Terms driver improvement clinic, online clinic, remote clinic, third-party provider, Commissioner of Public Safety, rulemaking, certification, certified courses, list of certified courses, court referral, municipality referral, reasonable fee, $50 threshold, standards, MN Statutes 169.972, MN Statutes 169.973

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
February 17, 2026	Senate		Action	Introduction and first reading
February 17, 2026	Senate		Action	Referred to	Transportation

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Subd.3 authorizing referral to an online or remote driver improvement clinic established by a third-party provider when no clinic under subdivision 1 is available.",
        "Linkage to approval by the commissioner of public safety under 169.973, subdivision 3."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Adds Subdivision 3 to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.972, to permit use of online or remotely held driver improvement clinics as a third-party option when no in-person clinic established under subdivision 1 is available, with approval by the commissioner of public safety under section 169.973, subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "No other existing provisions are modified beyond adding Subd.3."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.972",
    "subdivision": "subd.3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Subd.3 creating online and remote driver improvement clinics.",
        "Requirement for the commissioner to promulgate rules regulating online/remote clinics under standards governing subdivision 1.",
        "Duty to maintain a list of certified third-party courses.",
        "Notwithstanding 169.972, subdivision 2, allowance for a third-party provider to charge a fee in excess of $50."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Adds Subdivision 3 to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.973, establishing online and remote driver improvement clinics, requiring the commissioner to promulgate rules regulating such clinics, and to maintain a list of third-party courses certified as complying with this subdivision. Also allows third-party providers to charge a fee in excess of $50, notwithstanding 169.972, subdivision 2.",
      "modified": [
        "Establishes regulatory framework and fee allowance for online clinics."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.973",
    "subdivision": "subd.3"
  }
]