The Minnesota Senate on Thursday approved a wide-ranging transportation policy bill that Senator John Jasinski (R-Faribault), the lead Republican on the Transportation Committee, called a “true bipartisan effort.” The bill includes provisions from 18 different bills authored by members of both parties.  

“The transportation policy bill is a great example of what can be achieved when we work together – it is a true bipartisan effort,” Senator Jasinski said. “We assembled a solid package that addresses a wide range of small but important transportation needs and priorities. I am thankful to Chair Dibble for his work and proud of the bipartisan collaboration that went into this bill. I hope this streak of bipartisanship continues for the remainder of session.” 

Senator Jasinski successfully added an amendment to the bill that will require the Department of Vehicle Services to report on its progress eliminating Minnesota’s ongoing road exam backlog that has been causing frustration for Minnesota drivers and families. 

Senate Republicans also offered an amendment to keep Uber and Lyft in Minnesota after the Minneapolis City Council passed an ordinance that would lead the ridesharing companies to reduce or eliminate service in Minnesota. This amendment would have prevented local governments from regulating transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft. Uber has said they will be ceasing operations in the metro area and Lyft has said they will eliminate service to Minneapolis due to the Minneapolis ordinance.   

“The Minneapolis City Council refused to listen to reason or warnings about the consequences of their decisions, and now the rest of Minnesota is being punished for their extremism,” Sen. Jasinski said. “Letting every city and county write their own rideshare regulations would create a chaotic and unworkable patchwork of rules. While I am a strong supporter of local control, situations this complex sometimes require a state-level solution – especially when the local ordinance has such a damaging impact on everybody else.” 

Other notable provisions in the Senate transportation package include: 

• A provision to allow Minnesota State campuses to offer more CDL testing, helping ease the backlog for CDL and Class D road tests. 
• Several road and traffic safety measures, including: 

• • A provision authorizing the use of ground lights on motorcycles. 
  • A provision clarifying requirements for drivers that transport petroleum products. 
  • A measure authorizing school buses to be equipped with supplemental amber warning lights. 
  • A provision allowing agricultural equipment to briefly cross the center line (if there is no oncoming traffic) to avoid obstacles on the right side of the road. 
  • A provision increasing the traffic safety advisory council membership. 
  • A railroad safety measure ensuring the fire department or fire chief is notified of hazardous materials emergencies. 

• A provision guaranteeing septic trucks can legally perform emergency pumping services