House passes pump drive-off data collection bill

If a person fills up their gas tank and drives off without paying – whether intentionally or unintentionally – the Minnesota Petroleum Marketers Association can work with the state to track them down and make them pay. But sometimes, if the vehicle is leased, there can be hiccups.

The House passed a bill Wednesday that would give the association the same access to lessees’ data through the Department of Public Safety, a direct line to payment recoup instead of going through additional steps, like tracking down bank account information or relying on the vehicle manufacturers.

Sponsored by Rep. Chris Swedzinski (R-Ghent), HF1876 was passed 122-3. It now goes to the Senate where Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria) is the sponsor.

Concerned about the possibility of the association using the data for political gain, House Minority Leader Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) asked about the process and limitations on gathering personal information. Swedzinski said if the association attempted to use that information in any other way, it would be illegal.

“This just cuts out a little red tape,” Swedzinski said. “It allows the association to do what it’s already doing.”