by: SENATOR BILL LIESKE
Friends and Neighbors,
A lot of the most important work we do in the legislature doesn’t make big headlines. The transportation policy bill we approved this week is a perfect example. There’s nothing flashy in it. Instead, it’s a bunch of smaller things that will make people’s lives a bit easier, including:
- 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
I am particularly glad the bill makes progress addressing the frustrating backlog of road exams. It should not be nearly this stressful or this difficult to get a driver’s test. It is a big problem across Minnesota, and I hear about it frequently around the district.
Two concerns I have:
First, I was disappointed that an amendment Republicans offered to keep Uber and Lyft operating here was voted down. The Minneapolis City Council’s extreme ordinance will be felt far beyond the city’s borders. Not only will the people who depend on Uber and Lyft to get to the doctor, pick up groceries, or get to work be in a tough spot, but the Council’s decision jeopardizes major events that are considering Minnesota – events that generate huge economic activity, like Wrestlemania.
Second, the bill included a worrisome provision softening the consequences for people who park illegally. Under current law, a vehicle can be towed from an expired parking meter if the vehicle has five or more unpaid parking tickets. The bill changed it so a someone parking at an expired meter cannot be towed, period. Even if they have 1,000 tickets. Even if they have 5,000. Republicans offered amendments to fix this provision, but Democrats rejected them.
Despite those concerns, the bill was a good bipartisan effort. In fact, Republicans and Democrats contributed an equal amount to it. It was a refreshing change of pace from the ultra-partisanship we have experienced since the start of 2023. I hope we can keep this spirit of cooperation going for the rest of the session.