5/17/04-A bill that would have raised the speed limit by 5 mph for all vehicles on some rural highways in the state has died.
HF1071, sponsored by Rep. Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, remained in the Senate Finance Committee at the close of the session May 16, effectively killing it for the year. It previously passed the House by a 109-22 vote.
The measure sought to authorize the Minnesota Department of Transportation to boost the limit after conducting a road-safety study on those stretches.
The bill would have set the speed limit on interstate highways at 75 mph, up from 70 mph. Speeds on two-lane state highways now capped at 55 mph would have climbed to 60 mph.
It was modified to include a provision that prevented authorities from notifying insurance companies if a driver were cited for going less than 5 mph over the limit.

4/6/04-The Senate Finance Committee is reviewing a measure that would raise the speed limit by 5 mph for all vehicles on some rural highways in the state.
The bill previously passed the House 109-22. If the Senate and Gov. Tim Pawlenty go along, the Minnesota Department of Transportation would be free to boost the limit after conducting a road-safety study on those stretches.
HF1071, sponsored by Rep. Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, would set the speed limit on interstate highways at 75 mph, up from 70 mph. Speeds on two-lane state highways now capped at 55 mph would climb to 60 mph.
It includes a provision that prevents authorities from notifying insurance companies if a driver is cited for going less than 10 mph over the limit.
The bill, which was first introduced during the 2003 session, was amended earlier this year to include the 75 mph provision, as well as a modification of the 60 mph limit.
Originally, the bill sought to permit vehicles to travel 65 mph, up from 55 mph, during the day only.
For bill status, call (651) 296-6646.