The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 326B.198, to modify the certification requirements for underground telecommunications installers. Key changes include the removal of the requirement for two safety-qualified installers to be present during directional drilling and the reduction of the initial training course from 40 hours to 10 hours. The new training will cover essential topics such as excavation regulations, utility line identification, and safety hazard mitigation. Additionally, the bill establishes a requirement for a four-hour refresher course every three years to maintain certification.

The bill also clarifies that all installations of underground telecommunications infrastructure must be performed by safety-qualified installers, with the effective date of these changes set for the day following final enactment. The commissioner of labor and industry is tasked with approving standards for the certification program and developing an approval process for training providers, ensuring that they consistently deliver the approved curriculum and adequately prepare participants for certification examinations.

Statutes affected:
1st Engrossment: 326B.198