SF75

Senate File No. 75 is a legislative bill that mandates the Minnesota Department of Transportation to conduct research on autonomous mower technology. These are robotic mowers designed to operate with minimal human help and could be used to maintain grass and vegetation on properties owned by the department, such as rest areas and highway sides.

The bill outlines several specific tasks for this research: 1. Review and analyze current use of autonomous mowers in other states or by other entities. 2. Evaluate the commercial availability of such technology, particularly focusing on products from Minnesota-based companies. 3. Study the feasibility and safety of these mowers in different and potentially challenging environments. 4. Plan a pilot project to further explore the use of this technology in real-world settings.

The research findings, along with plans for future use, must be compiled into a report and submitted to relevant legislative committees by February 15, 2027. The report should contain details about the pilot project, a cost-benefit analysis, and assessments of how autonomous mowing might impact worker safety, efficiency, and environmental outcomes.

The bill also includes a financial provision, allocating $150,000 from Minnesota's general fund for fiscal year 2026 to support this research and purchase necessary equipment, which must be sourced from a Minnesota-based company.