Roadside signage for automatic external defibrillators for qualifying locations authorized, the official text

A bill for an act relating to transportation; authorizing roadside signage for automatic external defibrillators for qualifying locations; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 160.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

[160.802] AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR WAYFINDING SIGNS.

(a) For purposes of this section, "public access automatic external defibrillator" and "public access AED" have the meaning given in section 403.51, subdivision 1, paragraph (e).

(b) A location or business with an outdoor public access automatic external defibrillator may request that a relevant road authority place appropriate directional signage on a road under the road authority's jurisdiction that clearly identifies the location of the automatic external defibrillator available for public use. The signage must promote the availability of a public access AED by either symbol, text, or both.

(c) To qualify as a participant and request directional signage under this section, a property owner, business, or entity with an outdoor public access AED must:

(1) meet all registration, notice, and inspection requirements provided in section 403.51;

(2) place the device in a recognizable and easily accessible location; and

(3) identify the device with conspicuous and visible signage on the premises.

(d) Within 180 days, and to the extent practicable within 60 days, of receiving a request from a qualified participant under paragraph (c), the relevant road authority must determine a suitable location and appropriate number of signs and must place directional signage for the public access AED only within the relevant road authority's jurisdiction as provided under this section. All costs associated with installation, maintenance, and removal of signage must be paid by a qualified participant to the relevant road authority.

(e) If a registered outdoor public access AED is removed or no longer operational, the qualified participant must inform the relevant road authority immediately to remove the directional signage as soon as practicable.

(f) The commissioner must maintain information on the department's website about outdoor public access AED directional signage, including but not limited to qualifications for a sign under this section; device registry information; and guidance for local road authorities on appropriate sign placement and context.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective October 1, 2025.

Sec. 2. AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS.

(a) For purposes of this section, "public access automatic external defibrillator" has the meaning given in Minnesota Statutes, section 403.51, subdivision 1, paragraph (e).

(b) Notwithstanding the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 169.06, subdivision 2, by September 1, 2025, the commissioner of transportation must develop appropriate text and directional signage for locations with outdoor public access automatic external defibrillators as a sign that meet the criteria of Minnesota Statutes, section 160.802. The commissioner must design the sign to incorporate the universal symbol for an automatic external defibrillator and consult with interested stakeholders to ensure best practices for the sign's placement, ensure reliable and easy access by the public in the case of an emergency, and minimize sign clutter and confusion.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.