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HF1355 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Permit holders harvesting or destroying aquatic plants required to safely use scuba diving equipment, and commercial diving operation requirements established.

Related bill: SF1346

AI Generated Summary

The bill proposes new safety regulations for individuals using scuba diving equipment in commercial diving operations, specifically for aquatic plant management in Minnesota.

Key Provisions:

  1. Permit Requirements for Aquatic Plant Management:

    • The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) may issue permits for harvesting, transplanting, or destroying aquatic plants under certain conditions.
    • Applicants intending to use scuba diving equipment must:
      • Receive an informational safety sheet from the Department of Labor and Industry.
      • Provide documentation of a third-party onsite hazard survey conducted within the last year by a qualified safety professional (e.g., workplace safety consultant, workers' compensation underwriter, or private consultant).

  2. Permit Restrictions:

    • The DNR is prohibited from issuing or renewing permits for individuals or businesses that have:
      • Received or contested willful violations of occupational safety and health standards related to scuba diving within the previous two years.
    • The prohibition also applies to "successor persons"—entities closely related to violators, determined by factors such as shared ownership, contact details, employees, or equipment.

  3. New Safety Standards for Commercial Diving Operations:

    • Individuals performing commercial scuba diving must hold a valid open-water scuba diver certification from a nationally recognized program.
    • Employers must require divers to use a buoyancy control device.
    • Non-compliance with these safety standards can result in penalties under Minnesota’s occupational safety and health laws.

  4. Employer Information Requirement:

    • The Commissioner of Labor and Industry must develop an informational sheet outlining these safety requirements and federal regulations.
    • This sheet must be made available on the department’s website and distributed to relevant businesses.

Purpose:

The bill aims to enhance workplace safety for individuals engaged in commercial scuba diving for aquatic plant management. It ensures that divers are properly trained, equipped, and working under regulated conditions to reduce the risk of injury or illness.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
April 01, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthors added
April 03, 2025HouseFloorActionAmended
April 03, 2025HouseFloorActionThird reading as amended
April 03, 2025HouseFloorActionBill was passed as amended
April 03, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthors added
April 07, 2025SenateFloorActionReceived from House
April 07, 2025SenateFloorActionReceived from House
April 07, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
April 07, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toRules and Administration
April 07, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
April 09, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: Rule 45-amend, subst. General Orders
April 09, 2025SenateFloorActionSecond reading
April 10, 2025SenateFloorActionSpecial Order: Rule 45 amendment stricken
April 10, 2025SenateFloorActionAmended
April 10, 2025SenateFloorActionThird reading Passed as amended
April 21, 2025HouseFloorActionHouse rule 1.15 (c), message requesting concurrence received
April 22, 2025HouseFloorActionReturned from Senate with amendment
April 22, 2025HouseFloorActionMotion to concur with Senate amendments
April 22, 2025HouseFloorActionMotion prevailed
April 22, 2025HouseFloorActionThird reading as amended by the Senate
April 22, 2025HouseFloorActionBill was repassed as amended by the Senate
SenateNoteActionPresentment date
SenateNoteActionGovernor's action Approval
SenateNoteActionSecretary of State
SenateNoteActionEffective date
HouseFloorActionPresented to Governor
HouseNoteActionGovernor approval
HouseFloorActionSecretary of State, Filed
HouseNoteActionChapter number

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New requirement for applicants to inform the commissioner on the use of scuba diving equipment."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the issuance and validity of permits for activities involving aquatic plants under section 103G.615.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies conditions under which the commissioner may issue state general permits and their validity."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.615",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section involves the provision of information sheets for commercial diving operations.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "182.679",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 7"
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

Enacted

Sponsors