1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to occupations and professions; regulating the practice of plumbing;
1.3 	amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 326B.43, by adding a subdivision; 
1.4 	326B.435, subdivision 2.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.43, is amended by adding a 
1.7 	subdivision to read:
1.8 		Subd. 1a.Licenses; experience. All state plumbing inspectors and plumbing 
1.9 	inspectors contracted by the department shall hold licenses as master or journeyman 
1.10 	plumbers and have five years of documented practical plumbing experience under this 
1.11 	chapter.

1.12 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.435, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
1.13 		Subd. 2.Powers; duties; administrative support. (a) The board shall have the 
1.14 	power to:
1.15 	(1) elect its chair, vice-chair, and secretary;
1.16 	(2) adopt bylaws that specify the duties of its officers, the meeting dates of the board, 
1.17 	and containing such other provisions as may be useful and necessary for the efficient 
1.18 	conduct of the business of the board;
1.19 	(3) adopt the plumbing code that must be followed in this state and any plumbing 
1.20 	code amendments thereto. The board shall adopt the plumbing code and any amendments 
1.21 	thereto pursuant to chapter 14 and as provided in subdivision 6, paragraphs (b), (c), and (d);
1.22 	(4) review requests for final interpretations and issue final interpretations as provided 
1.23 	in section 326B.127, subdivision 5;
2.1 	(5) except for rules regulating continuing education, adopt rules that regulate the 
2.2 	licensure or registration of plumbing contractors, journeymen, apprentices, master 
2.3 	plumbers, restricted master plumbers, and restricted journeymen and other persons 
2.4 	engaged in the design, installation, and alteration of plumbing systems, except for those 
2.5 	individuals licensed under section 326.02, subdivisions 2 and 3. The board shall adopt 
2.6 	these rules pursuant to chapter 14 and as provided in subdivision 6, paragraphs (e) and (f);
2.7 	(6) advise the commissioner regarding educational requirements for plumbing 
2.8 	inspectors;
2.9 	(7) refer complaints or other communications to the commissioner, whether oral or 
2.10 	written, as provided in subdivision 8, that allege or imply a violation of a statute, rule, or 
2.11 	order that the commissioner has the authority to enforce pertaining to code compliance, 
2.12 	licensure, or an offering to perform or performance of unlicensed plumbing services;
2.13 	(8)(7) approve per diem and expenses deemed necessary for its members as 
2.14 	provided in subdivision 3;
2.15 	(9)(8) approve license reciprocity agreements;
2.16 	(10)(9) select from its members individuals to serve on any other state advisory 
2.17 	council, board, or committee; and
2.18 	(11)(10) recommend the fees for licenses and certifications.
2.19 	Except for the powers granted to the Plumbing Board, the Board of Electricity, and the 
2.20 	Board of High Pressure Piping Systems, the commissioner of labor and industry shall 
2.21 	administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter and any rules promulgated pursuant 
2.22 	thereto.
2.23 	(b) The board shall comply with section 15.0597, subdivisions 2 and 4.
2.24 	(c) The commissioner shall coordinate the board's rulemaking and recommendations 
2.25 	with the recommendations and rulemaking conducted by the other boards created pursuant 
2.26 	to this chapter. The commissioner shall provide staff support to the board. The support 
2.27 	includes professional, legal, technical, and clerical staff necessary to perform rulemaking 
2.28 	and other duties assigned to the board. The commissioner of labor and industry shall 
2.29 	supply necessary office space and supplies to assist the board in its duties.