1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to transportation; requiring commissioner of transportation to study 
1.3 	specialized equipment needs during severe winter weather; requiring a report.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. SEVERE WINTER WEATHER SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT STUDY.
 1.6 	(a) The commissioner of transportation shall conduct a study to analyze and examine 
1.7 	the state's ability to deploy specialized equipment for clearing snow and ice from roads and 
1.8 	highways in the event of severe winter weather. At a minimum, the study must analyze: (1) 
1.9 	the state's supply of and additional need for specialized equipment; (2) plans and procedures 
1.10 	for deploying specialized equipment; (3) the capabilities and limitations of existing 
1.11 	specialized equipment; (4) the cost of acquiring new specialized equipment; and (5) potential 
1.12 	partnerships with neighboring states to coordinate responses to winter storms and sharing 
1.13 	of specialized equipment. The commissioner must solicit feedback from each regional 
1.14 	district in the state when conducting the study.
1.15 	(b) The commissioner shall submit a copy of the study to the legislative committees 
1.16 	with jurisdiction over transportation policy and finance by February 1, 2024.
1.17 	(c) The commissioner shall use existing funds to conduct the study.