The bill, H.F. No. 1630, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, seeks to clarify permissible uses of funds from the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund and the Trunk Highway Fund.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1. Definition Updates:

   • The bill defines terms including "commissioner," "highway purposes," and "trunk highway purposes."
   • "Highway purposes" includes:
     • Construction, improvement, maintenance, and operation of highways.
     • Multimodal infrastructure within highway rights-of-way for transit, active transportation, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
     • Administrative and support activities related to highway purposes.
   • "Trunk highway purposes" specifically applies these definitions to the trunk highway system.

2. Restrictions on Spending:

   • Limits expenditures from the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund and Trunk Highway Fund to highway-related activities.
   • Prohibits spending on certain activities and entities, including:
     • Bureau of Criminal Apprehension laboratory
     • Explore Minnesota Tourism kiosks
     • Driver education programs
     • Mississippi River Parkway Commission
     • Governor's office personnel costs
     • Offices of Aeronautics, Transit and Active Transportation, and Passenger Rail within the Department of Transportation
     • Public electric vehicle charging infrastructure
     • Manufacturing of license plates, tourism centers, and parade/events sponsorships.

3. Spending Oversight:

   • Any prohibited spending includes payroll, services, supplies, repairs, and equipment.
   • Ensures that successor programs (created in place of those listed) are also restricted from using these funds.

Summary:

This bill aims to strictly define and regulate the use of funds from Minnesota's primary highway financing sources, ensuring they are used only for direct highway purposes and not for unrelated programs or administrative expenses. It outlines clear restrictions on spending and prevents misuse of these dedicated transportation funds.