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HF47 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Provisions governing the certification of underground telecommunications installers modified.

Related bill: SF908

AI Generated Summary

This legislative bill from Minnesota aims to enforce stricter regulations on the installation of underground telecommunications infrastructure. Under the new rules:

  1. Installations that are close to or crossing existing underground utilities must only be executed by certified installers known as safety-qualified underground telecommunications installers.

  2. Specific tasks such as locating utilities and monitoring drilling processes must be handled by these certified installers.

  3. At least two certified installers must be present during certain types of installations, like the directional drilling of telecommunications infrastructure.

  4. Starting from July 1, 2025, all such installations within a specified metropolitan area must adhere to these certification requirements.

  5. From January 1, 2026, the certification requirement will apply to all such installations throughout the state.

  6. Installations on private property that are less than 36 inches deep are exempt from these requirements.

Overall, the bill is designed to enhance the safety and oversight of underground telecommunications projects to avoid damages to existing utilities.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 10, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toCommerce Finance and Policy
February 13, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
February 13, 2025HouseFloorActionMotion to recall and re-refer, motion prevailedWorkforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
February 19, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthors added
February 24, 2025HouseFloorActionCommittee report, to adopt and re-refer toAgriculture Finance and Policy
February 24, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
February 26, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
March 06, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthors added
March 10, 2025HouseFloorActionCommittee report, to adopt as amended
March 10, 2025HouseFloorActionSecond reading
March 12, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
April 30, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred to Chief Clerk for comparison with
May 01, 2025HouseFloorActionBills not identical, SF substituted on General Register
May 01, 2025HouseFloorActionHF indefinitely postponed
HouseFloorActionSee Senate file in House
HouseFloorActionSee Senate file in House

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Mandatory presence of at least two safety-qualified installers during directional drilling.",
        "Statewide requirement for installations by qualified personnel by January 1, 2026."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies installation requirements for underground telecommunications infrastructure under section 326B.198, subdivision 2.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts installation requirements to include specific methods and personnel qualifications."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "326B.198",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

67%
In Other Chamber

Sponsors