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.