[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6369839,"mediaKeyId","2154139-f7c4185199615bae8bb59e183ab9e9c5","parentId",2154139,"title","Driver and Vehicle Services outlines fee changes, interlock rulemaking and online renewals; lawmakers question rulemaking costs and local impacts","audioSeconds",305,"startMs",3455000,"endMs",3760000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2154139-f7c4185199615bae8bb59e183ab9e9c5&start=3455&end=3760","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2154139-f7c4185199615bae8bb59e183ab9e9c5/thumbnail_3455000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6369839/Minnesota/Driver-and-Vehicle-Services-outlines-fee-changes-interlock-rulemaking-and-online-renewals-lawmakers-question-rulemaking-costs-and-local-impacts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6369839-c1059f8aa8a32c877e05c91c7298a34d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154425&Signature=gxTqd1J4pHOVfiyAfo7MJW7mDqFpUdP4dMJnS9oq0pVEhbUz~DsoLiPZ1l224A~m2vjOROrRp-Mnwyt~1dXn20mXoJyuaWt6ooUe8U2~OUq6ZKM9V6xMyT9Kcs4IRPQLFX2UZ09tVGmWU8NWyikkwTT7gIWWOJDURcHwFUQi38suHwyA0~VM3-hKR4UXcBXeLKwHT5I3IW~VrLthJjEkJ6vLbTjP9cEwP5r3JOxH2lg7-1QfEfUNlWgGYZJckFWhf2L2cyrEQ~TD0H7HUrrMdywrBhHnJeHgwrST-DH1fMhzRgC7ennWvyc20DN1NdtJXmMMx-6x4VQx9G6bv37QkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Minnesota Senate Media Services","date","2025-01-27T00:00:00Z","article","Peng Zhang, director of Driver and Vehicle Services, presented multiple legislative proposals to the Senate Transportation Committee covering transaction reimbursement, rulemaking authority, credential renewals, dealer plate rules and background checks.

Deputy registrar reimbursements: DVS proposed authority to compensate full‑service providers (deputy registrars and driver’s license agents) for certain transactions that currently have no filing fee or where fees are waived. The reimbursements would come from the Driver and Vehicle Services operating account. Senator John Jasinski and others expressed concern that reimbursement should reflect the actual fee for the transaction rather than be prorated down.

Ignition interlock rulemaking: DVS requested explicit rulemaking authority and budget to manage the ignition interlock device program, including one additional staffer in Office of General Counsel and estimated administrative costs. The department estimated approximately $457,000 initially — about $133,000 in salary and the balance for rulemaking fees charged by the Office of Administrative Hearings. Senators and members raised process concerns and suggested legislation might be preferable to funded rulemaking.

Online renewals and CLP extension: DVS proposed allowing online renewals every other renewal cycle (effectively eligible every eight years to renew online using a previously taken photo) and projected roughly $2 million in additional revenue to the DBS operating account. The division also proposed extending the commercial learner’s permit (CLP) expiration from six to 12 months to align with federal standards and give new drivers more time to obtain a road test.

Plate replacement at transfer and dealer rules: DVS proposed mandating replacement of license plates at vehicle transfer to encourage timely titling and to avoid registration gaps; the department estimated revenue from increased plate transactions. DVS also proposed limits on the number of dealer plates, limiting dealer plate use to employees on a W‑2, and requiring broader federal background checks for dealer certification with a longer lookback period (to age 18).

Discussion and concerns: Senators emphasized impacts on deputy registrars, possible closures from expanded online renewals, the cost and public‑engagement limits of rulemaking, and practical implications for dealerships using loaner vehicles. Director Zhang said the department could follow up on fee levels and that certain proposals would raise revenue or reduce administrative gaps.

Next steps: DVS will provide bill language and further details to address senators’ concerns about fee levels, rulemaking scope, and local office impacts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Committee on Transportation - 01/27/25","oneSentenceSummary","Driver and Vehicle Services presented a package of proposals including compensating deputy registrars for no‑fee transactions, funding and authority for ignition interlock device rulemaking, online renewal eligibility and changes to plate and dealer rules.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota","taxId",77817,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6369844,"Office of Traffic Safety seeks recurring trunk highway funds for planning, and proposes seat‑belt requirement for ATVs/UTVs on public roads",295,2255000,2550000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2154139-f7c4185199615bae8bb59e183ab9e9c5&start=2255&end=2550","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2154139-f7c4185199615bae8bb59e183ab9e9c5/thumbnail_2255000.jpg","/articles/6369844/Minnesota/Office-of-Traffic-Safety-seeks-recurring-trunk-highway-funds-for-planning-and-proposes-seatbelt-requirement-for-ATVsUTVs-on-public-roads","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6369844-9de34085e3275a0fd6c2d8b471dfa7ae/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154425&Signature=iZdcLymPLcq~cl5Xfrgv8rD6lPH7QHvHapR9p9THyhctYuP4aIk57FwwHKo2m4GT9X1Pf4my~ZparFLiojsemx1oyR2GfDQgggJB1hnNwcQ9Fnw9Z0Vt29tm62OFKiK~h0DnA8e7q966-daX5CL~02LA-niSJhwTyr3hpXL5q27zGQ7rO54-AeEtQzATfmaYiQgYmfnG9fAVmt3x5dLBl0MX4Q0jHxXKuLP4OY65hb2N6UdngOJDEJkNYNGbiSItfZFo0Qddfo5sy4GJ-i4RHfWvYujyuV4k3PONUXdaZPzPNa2lWytQL7~~L~ddPdSilykCc1j9y0U9coZRN~zREA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mike Hanson, director of the Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety, asked the Senate Transportation Committee for a recurring trunk highway appropriation of $485,000 per year to cover planning and administration costs tied to federal traffic‑safety grants.

Hanson said planning and administration costs have grown and that federal rules — including public participation requirements in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — have increased the state match obligations for certain grants. The request would provide matching flexibility to leverage federal Section 402 traffic safety funds and to conduct outreach to underrepresented communities.

Hanson also presented a separate proposal to require seat‑belt use for ATVs and UTVs that are factory‑equipped with occupant restraints when those vehicles are operated on or adjacent to a public roadway. He described a sharp rise in roadway crashes involving ATVs/UTVs: “If we go back to 2019, we had 4 fatalities … Last year, so far, our numbers are showing us somewhere between 24 and 28,” Hanson said, and noted many victims are under age 19.

Scope and enforcement: The director clarified the proposal applies only when the vehicle is operated on or adjacent to a public roadway, not on trails or private land. Enforcement would be by any licensed law‑enforcement officer, and the proposal would rely on the factory‑installed restraint; the department does not propose a retrofit requirement.

Discussion and concerns: Senators raised questions about helmet rules, age and licensing for youthful operators, and whether the measure should proceed first through the Environment Committee where trail policy is handled. Hanson acknowledged implementation detail questions and said the seat‑belt proposal is meant to improve protection for occupants on or near public roads.

What’s next: The trunk highway funding request and the statutory change are under committee consideration. The department signaled it will work with lawmakers on definitions and enforcement details before any statutory change is finalized.","The Office of Traffic Safety asked the committee for an ongoing $485,000 trunk highway appropriation to support planning and federal match requirements and proposed extending seat‑belt law to factory‑equipped ATVs and UTVs when operated on or adjacent to public roadways.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6369849,"State Patrol seeks $97 million for metro headquarters, new recruitment funds and tougher excessive‑speed penalty",488,1692000,2180000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2154139-f7c4185199615bae8bb59e183ab9e9c5&start=1692&end=2180","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2154139-f7c4185199615bae8bb59e183ab9e9c5/thumbnail_1692000.jpg","/articles/6369849/Minnesota/State-Patrol-seeks-97-million-for-metro-headquarters-new-recruitment-funds-and-tougher-excessivespeed-penalty","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6369849-21c1508c18dd41c725d7b016fdf763f8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154425&Signature=c3NQ450zBFW0~8ZtasIwEfO5TAXwFMRLOeLtmQC1vlsKMoJ93vqq5JOgU0gC9MUU1HRjcDDa~zU2f8gZRq9Yx4hNqLipk3JCanxiG2C736jCLAGQliwS-CDn9-ByGazu6H8Ncxctm84qvXZaaK00CYfEa5gdSbDhW9Sb7vLw2FaOIhFjCxvtp-0rbs-Gl~AuU4c9OBxQ4c8csDeDsOn7eNhOqTxQGOwvrAbIWS6tQfbNmoBCZc0bi4C3ZhFcNkmrKBFmz639ZRSracv4wi1~aUvXRuQqK0hp4klE1qP~WXonMWOqKbAJUVSxdw8zS0biGp2Rs2wFWquxi-ZGbc78cA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Colonel Christina Bogojevic of the Minnesota State Patrol told the Senate Transportation Committee the agency seeks two equal cash appropriations from the trunk highway fund — $48.5 million in 2026 and $48.5 million in 2027 — to complete construction of a consolidated metro headquarters and workspace.

Colonel Bogojevic said the Patrol currently operates from “six antiquated offices” across the metro and that the offices lack security and modern law‑enforcement facilities. She said the $22.5 million appropriation for land acquisition and design was approved last year and the new request is for construction costs.

Funding source and question of origin: Committee members asked who decided to shift the construction funding to the trunk highway fund after previous indications that construction might come from general funds or bonding. The colonel said the agency was focused on advancing the project and that she could not identify the decision point that shifted funding sources.

Recruitment and academy capacity: Bogojevic also described a recruitment package aimed at restoring trooper ranks. The department said it is down about 91 positions, has 42 recruits in an academy class and expects roughly 100 known retirements over the next four years. The Patrol requested $1 million in FY2026 and $1 million in FY2027 for recruitment and marketing, and $10 million in FY2028–29 to support running two academies. The colonel told senators that running an academy costs about $350,000 per recruit, a figure that includes salary and equipment.

Excessive‑speed penalty proposal: The State Patrol proposed changing the statute that currently treats speeds over 100 mph as a license‑revocation offense, expanding the trigger to any speed 35 or more miles per hour over the posted limit and adding a six‑month revocation. Bogojevic cited highway fatalities and said “many of those” occur in greater Minnesota.

Reaction and next steps: Senators pressed for clarity on the funding source and for justification for recruitment amounts. Some members signaled concern about using trunk highway funds for facilities and about the budget‑impact estimates. The proposals will proceed through the committee and budget process.","The Department of Public Safety’s State Patrol asked the committee for multi‑year trunk highway funding for a consolidated metro headquarters, increased recruitment and a change to excessive‑speed penalties that would expand license revocations.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6369854,"Senate file 75 advances after amendment to fund autonomous ditch‑mower pilot from trunk highway funds",1252,208000,1460000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2154139-f7c4185199615bae8bb59e183ab9e9c5&start=208&end=1460","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2154139-f7c4185199615bae8bb59e183ab9e9c5/thumbnail_208000.jpg","/articles/6369854/Minnesota/Senate-file-75-advances-after-amendment-to-fund-autonomous-ditchmower-pilot-from-trunk-highway-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6369854-83dab9d2b1774743ffcf04b2e943f7da/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154425&Signature=f4yCdQehMPYK2wtKZ8Ho8RNmyfkp-TCWyaHmBiN42wf38dvkebHgkEPqup9t4xdlbriTikXvRzkE9oo08frByoStbu~eLrgWnwsdOeF~rhl0J1DxK9amh32ISCIlYquOYO9ilys7P95~g8jrjR2zQrq9LWRpPzVYZnGDlD6NF2nxqHZWAkJ1pa4efaDg0hZYM-fcrl6b7TmtnX3t~7HSR~EWZ33CbwiYHk3gdrMiee9g1~53FmnW5~ciHBFSiWEf2jvtW6AfUepNujY7V9d-0pb3F-ZKK5xRwZUlv9Ks10f5JDHLN1-p5inQCFT23FzWFMLwoMmvszToIvgdTMxXWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator John Jasinski on Wednesday moved Senate file 75 — a proposal to pilot autonomous or semi‑autonomous vegetation management machines on state highways — out of the Senate Transportation Committee, saying the project is intended to reduce traffic delays and improve safety.

The committee adopted the author's A‑1 amendment before taking testimony; the amendment replaced the bill’s reference to the general fund with an appropriation from trunk highway funds. Senator Jasinski then moved that the bill, as amended, be referred to the Finance Committee; the motion carried on a voice vote.

Why it matters: Proponents told the committee the pilot could reduce work‑zone exposure for crews and shrink long traffic delays caused by roadside maintenance. Committee members also raised questions about where the funding decision originated and how the pilot would affect existing workers.

Testimony and technology details: Al Johnson, president of BOT Crew, a Duluth firm, described machines his company builds for construction and solar farms and said the technology “can be remote‑piloted or provide fully autonomous vehicle movement.” Andrew Archer, BOT Crew’s chief roboticist and CEO, said the system uses lidar and multiple cameras and that remote pilots could monitor several machines from a safe location, allowing operators to switch between piloted and autonomous modes.

Archer and Johnson explained capabilities the test machines demonstrated: multi‑day runtime on a single fuel tank, lidar‑based obstacle detection about 80 meters ahead, 360‑degree camera coverage, and attachments such as seed spreaders. Archer said operators could program machines to avoid or to identify areas with pollinator habitat such as milkweed.

Committee reaction and next steps: Senators asked whether the machines would perform full mowing or only trimming around guardrails; the testifiers said machines are designed to do all on‑ditch mowing with interchangeable compliant mowing attachments. Senator Jasinski emphasized the pilot is not intended to replace employees: “I’m not looking to replace employees because they can be deployed to do many many things,” he said, and urged the committee to pass the bill and refer it to Finance.

Votes and formal action: The A‑1 author’s amendment was adopted by voice vote. Senator Jasinski’s motion to move Senate file 75 to Finance as amended carried on a voice vote. The committee did not record a roll‑call tally in the transcript.

What’s next: The bill will go to the Finance Committee for further consideration and any appropriations decisions. The pilot’s scope, rule requirements and procurement details would be resolved in later committee work if the bill advances.","A bill to pilot semi‑ or fully autonomous roadside mowers cleared the Senate Transportation Committee after the author’s amendment shifted funding from the general fund to the trunk highway fund. Testifiers from a Duluth robotics firm described mower capabilities and safety features.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6369834,"DVS exam‑scheduling report: 77% of applicants took tests outside home county; department pilots weekend and all‑Class D sites to increase capacity",480,5750000,6230000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2154139-f7c4185199615bae8bb59e183ab9e9c5&start=5750&end=6230","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2154139-f7c4185199615bae8bb59e183ab9e9c5/thumbnail_5750000.jpg","/articles/6369834/Minnesota/DVS-examscheduling-report-77-of-applicants-took-tests-outside-home-county-department-pilots-weekend-and-allClass-D-sites-to-increase-capacity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6369834-28aec0256d16f964efb40a382ab46b80/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154425&Signature=AZpSqlC7XX0YuAmCWMlL3mOJDNOFeK2jox3hVVGjqsEVohlnwH1-Ude-GlerhDxQ9EFQg~AC35D3KpUgn4iiUpJsCXmZTB~dAaqzTRCFqNkuNTl5DGtWbw5ehR0l7OG83ODl6-XuZgHddU8BJ~auWKtiyzKb2HpiDuiNlJBfXY8oIVKs0lt7i5GWeTUQH9tFMQGSOn28YCNYpLuf-hfe~ulwPNWts2OAyIYTt7VExgDsblDF9cipkyg3DICOeO0fPJfm6xpsyKvl3nRAEgub51t6MBi666vouAwn5bLhOTW82rb4hopnBs2utdxckxfoK6S7yLmoe9RtYcGkZe9KLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Driver and Vehicle Services delivered its statutorily required report on exam scheduling and road‑test availability to the Senate Transportation Committee.

Key measures and findings: DVS focused on three performance measures — ability to take an exam in the applicant’s home or adjacent county (required by law), real‑time availability on the DVS website, and obtaining an appointment within 14 days of request. The department reported that about 77% of applicants took tests outside their home county during FY24. DVS also confirmed the website provides real‑time availability for appointments up to 30 days out across the state.

Why 14‑day metric was missed: The department said it could not definitively identify when permit holders are ready to take exams and that scheduling data did not capture intent for all permit holders. DVS also reported roughly 41,000 appointments were canceled within 24 hours or marked as no‑shows in FY24, and about 12,000 appointments were available in greater Minnesota that went unused. DVS said staff minimums at some rural offices limit the ability to shift appointments from greater Minnesota to the metro.

Capacity and pilots: DVS noted funding authorized in July 2024 for 30 additional examiners; the last three were scheduled to start in February. The division said it is piloting an all‑Class D testing site in Plymouth, moving CDL testing to other locations to create efficiencies, and offering some weekend Class D appointments to increase access. At the time of the hearing DVS reported about 7,000 appointments available statewide.

Committee concerns: Senators expressed frustration about long waits in some counties and urged DVS to consider giving local residents scheduling priority, increase reminders and reduce no‑show rates. DVS said it uses an hourly subscription notification system that informs users when appointments become available and charges a $20 penalty on applicants who no‑show or cancel within 24 hours, though the department prefers applicants cancel earlier to free slots for others.

Next steps: DVS said it will continue to add examiners, refine scheduling data capture and evaluate pilots to improve access and reduce travel burdens for applicants.","Driver and Vehicle Services reported on exam scheduling for FY24: 77% of applicants took road tests outside their home county; real‑time statewide appointment availability exists, but the department did not meet its 14‑day appointment target for FY24. DVS is hiring examiners and piloting dedicated Class D and weekend appointments.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Driver and Vehicle Services outlines fee changes, interlock rulemaking and online renewals; lawmakers question rulemaking costs and local impacts

Office of Traffic Safety seeks recurring trunk highway funds for planning, and proposes seat‑belt requirement for ATVs/UTVs on public roads

State Patrol seeks $97 million for metro headquarters, new recruitment funds and tougher excessive‑speed penalty

Senate file 75 advances after amendment to fund autonomous ditch‑mower pilot from trunk highway funds

DVS exam‑scheduling report: 77% of applicants took tests outside home county; department pilots weekend and all‑Class D sites to increase capacity