Number of state rail safety inspectors increased from six to ten, and technical correction made.

HF 1708 increases Minnesota's state rail safety inspector workforce from six to ten positions and corrects a technical error in existing law. The bill adjusts the funding mechanism for rail safety inspections, requiring railroad companies to pay assessments that now cover costs for up to ten inspector positions (previously six), including salaries and operational expenses. These assessments are calculated based on rail mileage operated in Minnesota and deposited into a dedicated state rail safety inspection account. The change directly affects railroad companies operating in Minnesota through updated fee structures and impacts the state's rail safety enforcement capacity.