1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to transportation; allowing hybrid vehicles
1.3 	to be used on high-occupancy vehicle lanes; amending
1.4 	Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 160.02, by adding a
1.5 	subdivision; 160.93, by adding a subdivision.
1.6 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.7 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 160.02, is
1.8 	amended by adding a subdivision to read:
1.9 		Subd. 19a.Hybrid vehicle. "Hybrid vehicle" means a
1.10 	motor vehicle with a hybrid propulsion system that operates both
1.11 	on electricity and with gasoline.

1.12 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 160.93, is
1.13 	amended by adding a subdivision to read:
1.14 		Subd. 1a.Hybrid vehicles. (a) Unless otherwise
1.15 	prohibited by federal law or regulation, the commissioner shall
1.16 	allow an owner or operator of a single-occupant, hybrid vehicle
1.17 	to operate the vehicle on any high-occupancy vehicle lane on the
1.18 	trunk highway system without imposing a user fee.  If otherwise
1.19 	prohibited, the commissioner shall seek a waiver of any fee
1.20 	requirement.
1.21 	(b) Upon approval from the Federal Highway Administration,
1.22 	the commissioner shall allow an operator of a hybrid vehicle to
1.23 	use any high-occupancy vehicle lane on the trunk highway system,
1.24 	regardless of occupancy requirements established for other types
1.25 	of vehicles.