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SF2990 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Environmental laboratories accreditation provisions modifications

Related bill: HF2464

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to amend the laws related to the accreditation of environmental laboratories in Minnesota. It specifically addresses exemptions from national standards, focusing on laboratory quality control, personnel requirements, and proficiency testing for labs analyzing environmental samples.

Main Provisions

  • Exemptions from National Standards: Laboratories previously could apply for exemptions from certain national standards concerning personnel and methodology in their work. This bill modifies exemptions concerning quality control and testing procedures for chemistry and microbiology labs.
  • Quality Control and Methodology Compliance: It specifies that laboratories can be exempt from national standards as long as they adhere to the methodologies outlined in the latest edition of "Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater" by the Water Environment Federation.
  • Proficiency Testing Requirement: Laboratories applying for accreditation under the exemption must achieve acceptable results in proficiency testing. Testing is initially conducted in one of two annual scheduled tests by the commissioner.
  • Failed Proficiency Tests: A lab failing its first proficiency test must analyze a supplemental sample within 15 days and participate in a second scheduled study. Consistent failure to pass these tests could result in revocation of accreditation.
  • Additional Testing: The commissioner has the authority to require further proficiency tests if a laboratory's performance does not meet the required standards.

Significant Changes

  • Reemphasized Compliance: The bill reinforces that laboratories must comply with recognized methodologies to qualify for exemptions from broader national standards.
  • Testing and Costs: It allows the commissioner to impose additional testing obligations and associated costs on laboratories applying for exemption from national standards.

Relevant Terms

  • Environmental laboratories
  • Accreditation
  • National standards
  • Quality control
  • Proficiency testing
  • Water and Wastewater examination
  • Laboratory personnel requirements

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services
April 06, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass
April 06, 2025SenateFloorActionSecond reading

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill involves exemptions related to laboratory accreditation in compliance with permits issued under section 115.03, subdivision 5.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies conditions under which environmental laboratories can request exemption from national standards."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "115.03",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references personnel qualifications as related to Minnesota section 115.73.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "115.73",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors