Highway obstruction action for damages and civil penalties imposition

SF 180 creates a new civil liability for intentionally obstructing public highways in Minnesota. It allows injured individuals to sue for damages, reasonable attorney fees, and costs if someone intentionally interferes with or makes a highway dangerous. The bill exempts law enforcement, emergency responders, and utility workers acting within their duties, and gives state agencies the choice between civil lawsuits or criminal prosecution for the same highway obstruction. This law takes effect August 1, 2025, and applies to incidents occurring on or after that date (Minnesota Statutes § 169.907).