Committee advances bill to decriminalize some jaywalking; sends proposal to judiciary

Senate File 1836, carried by Senator Johnson Stewart and cosponsored across party lines, would change Minnesota law so that pedestrians would no longer be automatically subject to citation for crossing with a flashing or steady “don’t walk” signal, crossing between intersections, or stepping into a roadway on yellow or red — unless the pedestrian’s conduct creates a hazard or collision risk.

Johnson Stewart told the Transportation Committee the bill reflects common practice and would allow pedestrians to use judgment when there are no vehicles nearby. “This bill does not change that if a vehicle is coming and this bill does not change that in any way,” Michael Wojcick, executive director of the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, testified in support. Wojcick said the alliance had worked to build bipartisan consensus and that similar reforms exist elsewhere in the United States.

Committee members asked how hazards would be adjudicated in post-crash civil or criminal proceedings. Senator Jasinski asked who would determine whether a crossing created a hazard when police were not present at the scene. Committee legal counsel responded that, as with other alleged violations, officers would collect on-scene evidence (statements, skid marks, physical evidence) and, if probable cause existed, could issue a citation; any fact dispute would be resolved later by a judge or jury.

Senator McCune, serving as committee counsel, explained the practical process: police investigate crashes and issue citations based on probable cause; courts then decide contested facts. Committee members who spoke in favor said the bill would align law with common behavior while preserving police authority to cite dangerous crossings.

Senate File 1836 was recommended to pass and referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee by voice vote.

The committee recorded no roll-call tally in the transcript; the motion passed and the chair declared the motion carried.