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SF2686 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Commissioners of transportation and the Pollution Control Agency requirement to be licensed professional engineers

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to mandate that certain key positions within Minnesota's transportation and environmental agencies be held by professionals who have specific engineering qualifications. This aims to ensure that these leadership roles are filled by individuals with the technical expertise necessary to make informed decisions on technical and engineering matters.

Main Provisions

  • Licensing Requirements: The bill specifically requires that the commissioners of both the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Pollution Control Agency must hold a license as a professional engineer.

  • Amendments to Existing Statutes: The bill proposes changes to Minnesota Statutes 2024, particularly sections 116.03 and 174.02. These sections pertain to the appointments of the commissioners of these agencies.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • The bill introduces a new qualification requirement for the appointment of commissioners in both the Department of Transportation and the Pollution Control Agency. Previously, there was no specific requirement for these roles to be held by licensed professional engineers.

  • This change elevates the professional criteria for individuals in these critical managerial positions, emphasizing a foundational engineering background as essential for effective leadership in transportation and environmental management.

Relevant Terms

  • Transportation
  • Environmental management
  • Pollution Control Agency
  • Professional engineer licensing
  • Minnesota Department of Transportation
  • Engineering qualifications

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 16, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 16, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toTransportation
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Introduces a requirement for the commissioner to be a licensed professional engineer."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill requires the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency to be a licensed professional engineer under section 116.03, subdivision 1.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116.03",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Introduces a requirement for the commissioner to be a licensed professional engineer."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill requires changes to the transportation commissioner's eligibility requirements under section 174.02, subdivision 1.",
      "modified": [
        "Modifies the criteria for office eligibility to include professional licensure."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "174.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This section details the appointment procedures for commissioners under section 15.06.",
      "modified": [
        "Referenced for procedural context regarding commissioner appointments."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "15.06",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Section 326.02 to 326.15 are referenced regarding professional engineer licensing requirements.",
      "modified": [
        "Referenced in context of new licensure requirement."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "326.02",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors