SF793

SF793 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Volunteer first responders warning lights on personal vehicles when responding to a call specification provision

Related bill: HF1344

AI Generated Summary

The bill (SF No. 793) amends existing laws in Minnesota regarding the use of warning lights on personal vehicles by volunteer first responders. It specifies that volunteer firefighters, emergency medical first responders, and ambulance crew members can equip their personal vehicles with flashing or steady-burning red, or red and white lights when they are responding to emergency calls. These individuals must obtain a permit from the Commissioner of Public Safety to use such lights, and the lights can only be activated while they are heading to emergencies. The bill lays out the process for obtaining permits and specifies the light specifications approved by the commissioner. It also updates regulations regarding the use of flashing lights on vehicles, confirming that volunteer emergency responders and ambulance drivers are exceptions under certain conditions.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
January 29, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
January 29, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
January 29, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Referred to	Transportation
January 29, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Transportation

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies the conditions for lamp usage and aligns unit specifications with commissioner approval."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the conditions under which a volunteer emergency responder can use a red lamp permit for volunteer emergency responders.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates permit requirements and notifications upon termination of membership."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.58",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Specifies that permits expire immediately upon the termination of employment as a volunteer ambulance driver."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amendments regarding the issuance of permits for volunteer ambulance drivers to use certain warning lights.",
      "modified": [
        "Improves clarity on the type of lighting permitted."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.58",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The conditions under which flashing lights can be used on vehicles are updated.",
      "modified": [
        "Expands list of vehicles on which specific flashing lights are permissible."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.64",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  }
]