MN HF2230

Authorizes the Metropolitan Council and metropolitan counties to contract with Class I, Class II, or Class III railroads for joint or shared use of their right-of-way for commuter rail, light rail transit, freight rail, or related construction and maintenance purposes.

Allows contracts to include provisions for allocating financial responsibility, indemnification, and insurance procurement between parties for all types of claims or damages.

Applies liability limits under Minnesota Statutes section 466.04 to all claims or damages arising from Class I, Class II, or Class III freight rail operations under these contracts.

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

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