MN HF3085

Establishes Transit Riders Investment Program (TRIP) authorizing Metropolitan Council to deploy transit ambassadors and issue administrative citations for fare evasion and transit misconduct violations in seven metro counties.

Creates administrative citation system with fines between $35-$100 for violations under Minnesota Statutes section 609.855, allowing civil contest process and alternative resolution through community service or fare prepayment for first-time violators.

Requires TRIP personnel training in crisis intervention, conflict de-escalation, social services identification, and administration of opiate antagonists; mandates recruitment from communities historically underrepresented in public service.

Amends penalties for unlawfully obtaining transit services to cap fines at $10 and adds $25 surcharge on convictions; caps fines at $10 for prohibited transit conduct violations (smoking, littering, animals, loud devices).

Appropriates $1,000,000 to Metropolitan Council for six-month pilot program on light rail system effective July 1, 2020, with legislative report required on program impacts and recommendations for continuation.