Senate transportation committee considers tougher penalties for driving without insurance; bill laid on table

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Senate Transportation Committee on Feb. 12 heard testimony on Senate File 11-79, a bipartisan measure authored by Senator Jasinski that would raise fines and penalties for drivers found operating vehicles without insurance. The committee laid the bill on the table for further work and potential future hearings.

The bill’s sponsor, Senator Jasinski, told the panel the measure responds to constituent concerns about people repeatedly driving without insurance and leaving victims to cover repair and medical costs. Jasinski said the bill increases fines and creates an escalating structure for repeat offenders.

Aaron Cocking, president and CEO of the Insurance Federation of Minnesota, testified in support. “According to a 02/2021 study done by the Insurance Research Council, 10 percent of all drivers in Minnesota are driving without insurance,” Cocking told the committee. He said the uninsured drive up costs for insured drivers and that the state’s compulsory-insurance…