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SF793 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Volunteer first responders warning lights on personal vehicles when responding to a call specification provision

Related bill: HF1344

AI Generated Summary

The bill (SF No. 793) amends existing laws in Minnesota regarding the use of warning lights on personal vehicles by volunteer first responders. It specifies that volunteer firefighters, emergency medical first responders, and ambulance crew members can equip their personal vehicles with flashing or steady-burning red, or red and white lights when they are responding to emergency calls. These individuals must obtain a permit from the Commissioner of Public Safety to use such lights, and the lights can only be activated while they are heading to emergencies. The bill lays out the process for obtaining permits and specifies the light specifications approved by the commissioner. It also updates regulations regarding the use of flashing lights on vehicles, confirming that volunteer emergency responders and ambulance drivers are exceptions under certain conditions.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
January 29, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
January 29, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toTransportation

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allowing specific types of lamps for volunteer emergency responders."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Previous restrictions on the types of warning lights that could be used."
      ],
      "summary": "The bill amends the use of warning lights on vehicles operated by volunteer first responders, specifically under section 169.58.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification on the use of flashing or steady-burning red and white combination lights."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.58"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Inclusion of volunteer emergency responders in the exceptions for the prohibition on flashing lights."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "General prohibition of certain light types applicable to emergency responders previously not specified."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill specifies regulations for flashing and glaring lights in section 169.64.",
      "modified": [
        "Expands the list of authorized use cases for flashing lights."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.64"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Refers to the legislation regarding lights on bicycles under section 169.222.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "169.222"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Relates to the use of flashing lights on tow trucks and towing vehicles under section 168B.16.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "168B.16"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Regulation on authorized types of flashing warning lights under section 169.59.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "169.59"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Includes provisions regarding school bus warning systems under section 169.4503.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "169.4503"
  }
]

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