1.1 A bill for an act
1.2 relating to public safety; authorizing an action for damages for highway obstruction;
1.3 imposing civil penalties; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
1.4 chapter 169.
1.5BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.6 Section 1. [169.907] HIGHWAY OBSTRUCTION; CIVIL LIABILITY.
1.7 Subdivision 1.Definition.For purposes of this section, "person" includes an individual,
1.8private entity, state agency, or political subdivision.
1.9 Subd. 2.Civil liability imposed.Whoever by an act or omission intentionally interferes
1.10with, obstructs, or renders dangerous for passage any public highway is liable to an injured
1.11person for damages arising from the injuries and reasonable attorney fees and costs.
1.12 Subd. 3.Relationship to criminal law; election of remedy.If an act is a violation of
1.13this section and section 609.74, clause (2), a state agency or political subdivision may elect
1.14its remedy by commencing either an action under this section or criminal prosecution under
1.15section 609.74, clause (2). A state agency or political subdivision may bring only one type
1.16of action under this subdivision and is precluded from bringing the other type of action for
1.17the same conduct.
1.18 Subd. 4.Exemption.When carrying out duties imposed by law or contract, this section
1.19does not apply to the actions of law enforcement or other emergency responders, road or
1.20airport authorities, or utility officials or their agents, employees, or contractors.
1.21 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective August 1, 2025, and applies to causes
1.22of action accruing on or after that date.
1Section 1.
REVISOR KRB/HL 25-0057111/14/24
State of Minnesota
This Document can be made available
in alternative formats upon request
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H. F. No. 256
NINETY-FOURTH SESSION
Authored by Murphy; Repinski; Altendorf; Anderson, P. E.; Koznick and others01/23/2025
The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Public Safety Finance and Policy