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SF 333

Premium security plan account transfer to the commissioner of commerce removal provision; Commerce commissioner requirement to request the continuation of a state innovation waiver provision; money transfer from the general fund to a premium security plan account authorization

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gary Dahms and 4 co-sponsors

Shifts control to state: cities cannot ban golf carts on streets for licensed drivers; statewide approval required, with safety rules and limits on where carts may operate.

Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to Health and Human Services
#commerceandcommercedepartment #healthandhealthdepartment #insurance-health
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Bill Summary · SF 333

Summary — SF 333 (Introduced February 17, 2025)

Short title / subject: The bill text as introduced amends Minnesota Statutes § 321.247 (golf carts on city streets). (Note: the bill metadata/title provided refers to commerce, premium security plan account transfers, and state innovation waiver language that does not appear in the introduced text supplied. This summary focuses on the actual statutory changes in the introduced version. Verify the official enrolled/committee version for any additional provisions.)

Main purpose

Change current law so local units of government may no longer ban the operation of golf carts on city streets by persons with a valid driver’s license — i.e., it limits local authority to prohibit golf-cart operation and makes statewide permission mandatory with retained safety restrictions.

Key provisions

  • Amends Minnesota Statutes § 321.247, subd. 1, paragraphs a and c.
  • Replaces permissive language that allowed incorporated areas to decide (upon governing body approval) to allow golf carts, with a prohibition on local governments prohibiting golf-cart operation by licensed drivers:
    • A local authority shall not prohibit operation of golf carts on city streets by persons possessing a valid driver’s license.
  • Retains existing statewide restrictions and limits:
    • Golf carts may not be operated on a city street that is a primary road extension through the city; crossing such a primary road extension is allowed.
    • Golf carts must be equipped with adequate brakes and must meet any other safety requirements a local authority imposes.
    • Current law requirements that remain applicable (as stated in the bill’s explanation): slow-moving vehicle sign, bicycle safety flag, operation only from sunrise to sunset, and exemption from motor vehicle registration under Code chapter 321.

Who is affected

  • Local governments / city councils: reduced authority to entirely ban golf-cart operation on city streets.
  • Golf-cart operators: broader, state-authorized access to operate on city streets if they hold a valid driver’s license, subject to safety rules.
  • General motorists and pedestrians: potential changes in street usage patterns and safety/enforcement responsibilities.
  • Law enforcement and public works departments: enforcement of safety equipment and time-of-day restrictions; determination and application of local safety requirements (which remain permissible).

Procedural status / timeline

  • Introduced: February 17, 2025 (first reading January 21, 2025 — some calendar entries show dates in January/February).
  • Referred to: Transportation (initial). Legislative actions indicate referrals involving Commerce and Consumer Protection and Health and Human Services.
  • Committee action: “Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to Health and Human Services” (status shown).
  • Sponsor: Senator Sweeney.
  • Companion bill: HF 837.

Potential impacts / considerations

  • Standardizes the right to operate golf carts across municipalities, potentially increasing convenience and nonmotorized vehicle traffic.
  • Limits local autonomy to prohibit golf carts entirely; cities still retain authority to impose safety requirements and restrict operation on primary road extensions.
  • May raise local concerns about safety, traffic flow, and enforcement; could require municipal updates to ordinances to align with the statute.
  • No fiscal impact or effective date specified in the supplied text; consult the committee/fiscal analysis for budgetary effects.

If you want, I can:
- Compare this introduced text with HF 837 (companion) to identify differences,
- Draft a short talking points memo for local governments,
- Search for committee amendments or the latest version to reconcile the title/subject discrepancy.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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