MN HF2229

Authorizes the Metropolitan Council, metropolitan counties, and public entities to contract with Class I, Class II, or Class III railroads for joint or shared use of rights-of-way for commuter rail, light rail transit, or freight rail purposes.

Permits contracts to allocate financial responsibility, indemnification, and insurance procurement between parties for all types of claims or damages arising from freight rail operations.

Applies liability limits under Minnesota Statutes section 466.04 to all types of claims or damages from Class I, Class II, or Class III freight rail operations under this section.

Preserves employee rights under the federal Employers' Liability Act (1908) and the federal Railway Labor Act and does not affect those protections through contracts under this section.

Effective the day following final enactment and applies only in the counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington.