St. Paul, MN – Today, the Minnesota House Transportation Finance Committee held a remote hearing to discuss proposed legislation to address various transportation-oriented topics that are related to the COVID-19 disease. Provisions included extending out-of-state commercial driver’s licenses, extending some vehicle registrations, providing for the issuing commercial driver’s licenses, requiring agency reports to the legislature, and specifying allowable uses of federal aid.
“Minnesotans are encountering challenging times with disruptions to their daily lives during the COVID-19 pandemic,” remarked Rep. Frank Hornstein (DFL-Minneapolis) Chair of the Transportation Finance Committee. “We’re working on bipartisan basis to address these difficulties, especially with vehicle registrations and driver’s licenses, and we’re doing so in a way that ensures the public has the opportunity to weigh in.”
“It’s important that an adaptive and functioning government continues during this pandemic, and updating our requirements in relation to transportation needs to be a part of that,” said Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL – Shakopee) Vice Chair of the Transportation Finance Committee and author of the proposed language. “Things are quickly changing for Minnesotans, and this proposed legislation would provide clarity when it comes to commercial driver’s licenses and vehicle registration, while also ensuring the legislature remains informed.”
Testimony was given by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Council, and Sam Rockwell of Move Minnesota. The committee advanced the legislation to the Ways and Means Committee.
Supporting documents can be found on the committee’s website, and a video recording of the hearing can be found on the House Public Information’s YouTube channel.
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