Minnesota House Bill HF1772

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/23
• Refer: 2/15/23

Caption

Work zone safety pilot program established, civil penalties provided, and money appropriated.

Impact

The program requires the placement of speed safety cameras in at least two work zones on the trunk highway system, thus enabling the enforcement of speeding violations through recorded evidence. This approach not only is intended to improve construction worker safety but also aims to decrease the likelihood of traffic crashes that can lead to injuries and fatalities in those zones. The appropriation outlined in the bill provides necessary funding for program implementation, including public education efforts related to work zone safety.

Summary

House File 1772 establishes a work zone safety pilot program aimed at enhancing safety measures for workers in construction zones and reducing traffic violations in those areas. The bill mandates the implementation of a speed safety camera system in selected work zones with the support of the commissioner of transportation, in conjunction with the commissioner of public safety. The pilot program is designed to be put into action during the 2024 and 2025 construction seasons, necessitating training for peace officers and compliance with data management regulations governing the usage of camera systems.

Contention

While proponents argue that the bill represents a progressive step towards improving safety in construction zones and protecting vulnerable workers, there may be contention surrounding the use of speed safety cameras for enforcement. Concerns could arise regarding privacy, how the data is handled, and the overall effectiveness of such technology. The legislation includes provisions for administrative citations related to speeding violations, with specific stipulations on how these citations are issued and contested, raising discussions about the balance between ensuring safety and ensuring fair enforcement practices.