SF 3988 Minnesota Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Omnibus Transportation policy and supplemental appropriations

SF 3988 modifies several transportation rules in Minnesota. It increases the cost threshold for "major highway projects" from $15 million to $30 million in metro areas and $5 million to $15 million elsewhere, affecting project reporting requirements. The bill also prohibits silencing railroad crossing bells at active warning systems and updates rail service improvement program rules to require economic benefits analysis for projects, mandate local hiring, and set minimum wages for rail workers at twice the state minimum wage. Additionally, it removes funding authorization for Piney-Pinecreek Border Airport and repeals highway designations for the Hiawatha Pioneer Trail.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 26, 2026 Last action Apr 22, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduction → 1st Engrossment · 5 edits · Apr 20, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was updated from its initial introduction to its first engrossment, reflecting a new version of the legislation. The most significant substantive change is the increase in the cost threshold for defining a 'major highway project' from $15 million to $30 million in metropolitan districts and from $5 million to $15 million in nonmetropolitan districts. The bill also adds new sections regarding the Rail Service Improvement Program and repeals the authorization to maintain the Piney-Pinecreek Border Airport.

Scope change

The scope of the highway project definition was narrowed by raising the financial thresholds required for a project to be classified as 'major,' which likely affects reporting requirements and funding eligibility. The scope of the airport program was reduced by explicitly removing the authority to maintain a specific state-owned airport.

DEFINITION

The definition of a 'major highway project' was modified to increase the minimum cost thresholds from $15 million/$5 million to $30 million/$15 million for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan districts, respectively.

REQUIREMENT

New requirements were added to the Rail Service Improvement Program, including a prohibition on silencing railroad crossing bells at crossings with active warning systems and stricter rules on contractor selection and worker wages.

FISCAL

The authorization for the commissioner to maintain the Piney-Pinecreek Border Airport in Roseau County was removed.

SCOPE

The designation and route descriptions for the 'Hiawatha Pioneer Trail' were repealed, removing the state's authority to maintain or mark this specific highway trail.

TECHNICAL

Numerous new sections were added to the bill text, and the legislative version was updated from 'Introduction' to '1st Engrossment' with a revised posting date.

Floor votes

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No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 20, 2026

Upper · Passed

Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to Finance

upper

Feb 26, 2026

Committee

Referred to Transportation

upper

Feb 26, 2026

Introduced

Introduction and first reading

upper

1 primary · 1 co-sponsor