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Senate file 75 advances after amendment to fund autonomous ditch‑mower pilot from trunk highway funds
Summary
A bill to pilot semi‑ or fully autonomous roadside mowers cleared the Senate Transportation Committee after the author’s amendment shifted funding from the general fund to the trunk highway fund. Testifiers from a Duluth robotics firm described mower capabilities and safety features.
Senator John Jasinski on Wednesday moved Senate file 75 — a proposal to pilot autonomous or semi‑autonomous vegetation management machines on state highways — out of the Senate Transportation Committee, saying the project is intended to reduce traffic delays and improve safety.
The committee adopted the author's A‑1 amendment before taking testimony; the amendment replaced the bill’s reference to the general fund with an appropriation from trunk highway funds. Senator Jasinski then moved that the bill, as amended, be referred to the Finance Committee; the motion carried on a voice vote.
Why it matters: Proponents told the committee the pilot could reduce work‑zone…
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