St. Paul, Minn.— Late yesterday, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed HF 5242, the Transportation Supplemental Budget bill, which delivers $88 million in robust investments in railroad safety, public transit, climate change, driver’s examinations, and more. The legislation passed on a 69-60 vote.
“Our bill helps Minnesotans across the state, and I am especially proud of the focus on repairing bridges, both in Greater Minnesota and the Metro,” said Rep. Frank Hornstein (DFL-Minneapolis), chair of the House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee. “We support roads in small cities and bike and pedestrian safety in all corners of Minnesota.”
The Transportation Supplemental Budget aims to make our roadways and infrastructure safer for all Minnesotans. It requires rumble strips on all state highways outside of city limits and adopts lower speed limits with federal standards. The budget also addresses pedestrian fatalities by requiring future street planning to include safe pedestrian infrastructure.
“Our work this year builds on our efforts to ensure Minnesotans have access to safe and reliable transportation options,” said Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL - Shakopee), vice chair of the House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee. “Whether it's rumble strips on state highways or ensuring Minnesotans have access to take the driver’s exam, we’re building a better transit system where Minnesotans can get where they need to be.”
Transportation is the number one source of greenhouse gas emissions. Democrats are leading the way in addressing climate change and protecting our planet with ambitious clean energy goals. To help meet these benchmarks, the legislation provides quick action to expand the electrical grid, allowing utilities to more effectively work with MnDOT to install transmission lines along trunk highways.
To cut down on driver exam backlogs in Minnesota, Democrats are investing $2.9 million in 2025, along with a $3.9 million and $3.7 million increase in 2026 and 2727, respectively, to increase Driver and Vehicle Services staffing. The legislation also eases the process for Minnesotans to file vehicle title changes.
The legislation contains a package of provisions designed to improve railroad safety and working conditions for railroad workers by including limiting train lengths, setting labor standards, and investing in wayside detectors.
Video of the floor debate can be found here.
###