This legislation is expected to have significant implications for road safety in rural communities by targeting areas with higher crash rates. By investing in roadway design improvements and law enforcement training, SF3367 aims to reduce traffic incidents and enhance overall public safety. The bill emphasizes the importance of collaboration, as local traffic safety partners and the Advisory Council on Traffic Safety will play a role in identifying problem areas and enforcement locations based on crash data.
Summary
Senate File 3367 proposes a series of appropriations focused on enhancing traffic safety, particularly in rural areas of Minnesota. The bill allocates $10 million from the trunk highway fund for roadway improvements on high-risk rural roads aimed at enhancing safety, reducing speeds, and improving intersection interactions. Additionally, it provides funding for law enforcement grants to enhance safety enforcement efforts related to speed, seat belt use, and impaired driving on these rural roads, totaling $2 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026.
Contention
There may be potential points of contention regarding the allocation of resources, with some stakeholders possibly expressing concerns over the effectiveness of funding distribution or the adequacy of targeted improvements. Critics may argue about the prioritization of funds for rural areas versus urban settings, or question the metrics used to identify high-risk roads for improvements and enforcement actions. Overall, the discussions surrounding SF3367 are likely to focus on balancing safety improvements with practical enforcement capabilities.
Various traffic safety provisions modified, including to establish an advisory council, modify traffic regulations, and authorize a pilot program; legislative reports required; and money appropriated.
Active transportation requirements amendments including electric bicycles and sales regulations, complete streets requirements, drivers education and appropriations
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.