SF 3574

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 02/18/2026 10:18 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to the State Building Code; preempting local enforcement of licensed
plumbers; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 326B.44.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 326B.44, is amended to read:

326B.44 LOCAL REGULATIONS.

new text begin (a) new text end Any of the following entities may, by ordinance, adopt local regulations providing
for plumbing permits, approval of plans and specifications, and inspections of plumbing,
which regulations are not in conflict with the plumbing code: any city having a system of
waterworks or sewerage, regardless of population; any town having a population of 5,000
or more according to the last federal census, exclusive of any statutory cities located therein;
and the Metropolitan Airports Commission. No such entity shall prohibit plumbing
contractors licensed by the commissioner from engaging in or working at the business of
plumbing, except cities and statutory cities which, prior to April 21, 1933, by ordinance
required the licensing of plumbers. No such entity shall require any person who engages in
the business of plumbing to post a bond as a prerequisite for engaging in the business of
plumbing, except the bond to the state required under section 326B.46 and except any
performance bond required under a contract with the person for the performance of plumbing
work for the entity. No such entity shall require any person who engages in the business of
plumbing to maintain public liability insurance as a prerequisite for engaging in the business
of plumbing, except the insurance required under section 326B.46 and except any public
liability insurance required under a contract with the person for the performance of plumbing
work for the entity. No city or town may require a license for persons performing building
sewer or water service installation who have completed pipe laying training as prescribed
by the commissioner of labor and industry. Any city by ordinance may prescribe regulations,
reasonable standards, and inspections and grant permits to any person engaged in the business
of installing water softeners, who is not licensed as a contractor by the commissioner, to
connect water softening and water filtering equipment to private residence water distribution
systems, where provision has been previously made therefor and openings left for that
purpose or by use of cold water connections to a domestic water heater; where it is not
necessary to rearrange, make any extension or alteration of, or addition to any pipe, fixture
or plumbing connected with the water system except to connect the water softener, and
provided the connections so made comply with minimum standards prescribed by the
Plumbing Board.

new text begin (b) No political subdivision, including a home rule charter or statutory city, county, or
town, may require a license, registration, certification, examination, or qualification for a
person licensed by the commissioner to perform plumbing work.
new text end