by CJ Lindor
As we approach the 2026 legislative committee deadline at the end of this month, it’s a good time to do a status check on the many different issues that BikeMn is working on with the Legislature. BikeMn continues to focus on how to improve our transportation system for people outside of cars, to make it easier, safer, and more convenient to walk, bike and roll in daily life.
BikeMn’s Legislative Agenda for this session focused on 3 areas: 1) Better policies, 2) Sustainability and Flexibility for funding projects, and 3) Accountability for transportation projects and spending.
Here is a summary of our current active legislative agenda and the progress at this point in the session, broken down by focus area:
Better Policies to Support Human-powered mobility:
– Decriminalizing jaywalking (SF1836 / HF1509) – we support people in making rational decisions around traffic and trust that they are ultimately responsible for their own best interests >> this passed the Senate in 2025 and is on the table for possible inclusion during Conference Committee.
– E-moto definition (HF3785/SF4186) – create a new class for electric motos that do not comply with the 3-class e-bike system – usually too fast and/or too powerful – to make enforcement and education simpler >> this bill has been heard in both the House and Senate Transportation Committees, and has been laid over, awaiting some minor amendments specifically related to the standards for electrical charging, and a detail on registration
– Intelligent Speed Assist for “Super Speeders” (HF3429/SF3691) – enhanced penalties for drivers caught driving 20+ mph over the limit >> this bill has been heard in both the House and Senate Transportation Committees. It was referred to the House Judiciary Committee. The Senate has it laid over for possible inclusion in the Conference Committee omnibus package.
Sustainability & Flexibility in Transportation
– Clearly defining “Highway purposes” (SF1972/HF1630) – Trunk highway funds should be allowed to support all modes, such as sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, enhanced crosswalks, off-street bike lanes, and transit stops >> this bill was heard in the Senate last session, and laid over for possible inclusion.
– Fix it First (HF3728/SF4055) – would require that MnDOT fully fund the deferred maintenance backlog before constructing any additional capacity in the road system. >> this bill was heard in the House, but did not receive a vote. It is currently laid over for possible inclusion.
– Simplifying Mn State Aid (MSA) exemptions (SF2162) – would allow planners and engineers to use a number of national standards on state- or county-aid roads, providing flexibility for safer designs. >> this bill was heard last session in both the House and Senate, and is currently laid over for possible inclusion.
Accountability for Transportation projects & spending
– Inspector general for state agencies, including MnDOT (SF856/HF1338) (SF1219/HF1) – this would create an office of IG to oversee agency compliance with legislation including Complete Streets requirements, and emissions targets. >> this bill was passed by the Senate and received a vote in the full House, but was defeated on a partyline vote 67-66 (with 1 not-voting).
– Project evaluation portal (HF3121) – this would require projects to share and track intended outcomes through standardized evaluation metrics >> no hearings yet scheduled.
How you can help
Minnesota is a national leader in forward-thinking transportation policy — and that didn’t happen by chance. For over 17 years, BikeMN has been at the table, fight after fight, shaping a future where biking, walking, and rolling is safe, accessible, and valued. That work is funded by members like you. Join as a sustaining supporter today at bikemn.org/join — $5 or $10 a month helps ensure Minnesota stays ahead. We all move forward together.