Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF3498

Introduced
5/8/25  

Caption

Regional transportation sales tax revenue portion allocation to SouthWest Transit authorization

Impact

If enacted, SF3498 is set to significantly affect the finance and operational mechanisms of SouthWest Transit. It will authorize the allocation of 3.7 percent of the regional transportation sales tax revenue to SouthWest Transit, which is expected to facilitate funding for various operational and capital expenditures. Moreover, the inclusion of provisions for zero-emission bus procurement reflects a commitment to advancing environmentally-friendly transit solutions, aligning with Minnesota's broader goals for sustainability in transportation.

Summary

Senate File 3498 is a proposed piece of legislation which allocates a portion of the regional transportation sales tax revenue specifically to SouthWest Transit. The bill undergoes amendments to Minnesota Statutes 2024 in section 473.4465 relating to the use of funds. It aims to enhance public transportation infrastructure and improve transit services in the metropolitan area, specifically targeting improvements in bus service, safety, accessibility, and microtransit services.

Contention

The legislative discussions around SF3498 may raise points of contention, particularly concerning how the allocation of funds might influence transit service levels across other regions. Critics may argue that focusing resources heavily on SouthWest Transit could lead to inequities in service provision, as other transit authorities may feel underfunded or neglected. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the effectiveness of microtransit services and whether such investments result in tangible improvements in public transportation accessibility.

Companion Bills

MN HF3301

Similar To Portion of regional transportation sales tax revenue allocated to SouthWest Transit.

Previously Filed As

MN HF4858

Transportation-related taxes amended and repealed.

MN SF4903

Certain transportation-related taxed repeal and amendment

MN HF5070

Regional transportation sales and use tax repealed, metropolitan region sales and use tax repealed, local affordable housing aid repealed, retail delivery fee repealed, and use of amounts in repealed accounts provided.

MN HF2887

Transportation finance and policy bill.

MN SF5145

Various local taxes and fees repealer and technical changes

MN SF3157

Omnibus Transportation appropriations

MN SF4717

Use of dedicated transportation revenues for local government debt service authorization

MN SF5284

Omnibus Transportation, Housing and Labor supplemental appropriations

MN HF5242

Transportation supplemental budget bill.

MN HF2604

Transit service improvement funding provided, including transit fare elimination, transit shelters, zero-emission bus transition, arterial bus rapid transit planning, and transit signal priority system planning; working group established; reports required; and money appropriated.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.