Bus drivers could avoid seatbelt fines, 35E speed increase under bill OK’d by House

Bus drivers in Minnesota stand to gain extra protection under a bill passed Friday by the House.

HF1422/SF1111*, sponsored by Rep. Chris Swedzinski (R-Ghent) and Sen. Lyle Koenen (DFL-Clara City), would shelter bus drivers from fines for seatbelt violations of passengers under the age of 15.

Rep. Chris Swedzinski

Passed 94-35, with the House language substituted and including a speed limit change, the bill now goes back to the Senate where it was passed 63-1 May 3.

Current law dictates that the driver of a motor vehicle in which seatbelt use is mandated is subject to a fine of $25 for each violation by the driver and any passengers under age 15.

“It keeps it so (the driver’s) focus is outside the bus instead of inside the bus,” Swedzinski said.

Interstate 35E speed amendments

The bill now also includes language that would alter the speed limit on a unique stretch of Interstate 35E in St. Paul after lawmakers adopted a pair of amendments on the House Floor.

An amendment from Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL-Inver Grove Heights) was adopted — perhaps surprisingly — on a split voice-vote that would raise the speed limit on an urban portion of 35E between West Seventh Street and Interstate 94 to from 45 mph to 55 mph. The amendment also calls for the Department of Transportation to conduct a speed study on the area.

The lower-than-usual speed limit along that portion of interstate is due to an agreement between MnDOT, the City of St. Paul and local residents struck when the freeway was built through a largely residential neighborhood.

“Speed studies are what should determine the speeds on freeways,” Atkins said, not political agreement.

The adoption of Atkins’ amendment seemed to catch some St. Paul lawmakers off guard. Should the change become law, it would open the state to litigation, said Rep. Dave Pinto (DFL-St. Paul), who represents some of the area that would be impacted by the speed change.

Rep. Alice Hausman (DFL-St. Paul) said the amendment left her “floored right now,” and Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL-St. Paul) said it violated the community through which the stretch of interstate passes.

“The underlying bill is a good bill,” he said, “but, again, I just think it’s totally irresponsible.”

The House adopted another Atkins amendment that would prevent any speeding ticket for a violation of less than 10 mph over the posted speed limit from appearing on a driver’s record.