1.1                          A bill for an act 
  1.2             relating to occupations; providing for voluntary 
  1.3             registration for sign contractors; proposing coding 
  1.4             for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 325E. 
  1.5   BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
  1.6      Section 1.  [325E.575] [SIGN CONTRACTORS.] 
  1.7      Subdivision 1.  [DEFINITION.] For purposes of this section, 
  1.8   "sign" means a device, structure, fixture, or placard using 
  1.9   graphics, symbols, or written copy that is erected on the 
  1.10  premises of an establishment and includes the name of the 
  1.11  establishment or identifies the merchandise, services, 
  1.12  activities, or entertainment available in the establishment.  
  1.13     Subd. 2.  [ISSUANCE.] (a) The commissioner of commerce 
  1.14  shall register sign contractors conditioned on the contractors 
  1.15  agreeing to faithfully perform duties and comply with applicable 
  1.16  laws, ordinances, and rules and contracts entered into for the 
  1.17  installation of signs.  
  1.18     (b) To remain valid, a registration must be renewed 
  1.19  annually and maintained for as long as determined by the 
  1.20  commissioner.  The registration may be canceled upon 30 days' 
  1.21  written notice by the commissioner for failure to meet the 
  1.22  requirements in paragraph (a).  
  1.23     Subd. 3.  [REGISTRATION NOT MANDATORY.] A sign contractor 
  1.24  is not required to obtain a registration from the commissioner.  
  1.25  A sign contractor registered by the commissioner may not be 
  2.1   required by a local unit of government to obtain a local 
  2.2   license.  A local government may, by ordinance, impose education 
  2.3   or examination requirements. 
  2.4      Subd. 4.  [INSURANCE; BOND.] Each applicant for a 
  2.5   registration shall file with the commissioner a public liability 
  2.6   insurance policy or certificate of insurance issued by a company 
  2.7   authorized to do business in Minnesota, insuring the applicant 
  2.8   against any and all liability arising out of the performance of 
  2.9   sign work.  The policy of insurance must be in limits of not 
  2.10  less than $100,000 for injury or loss to one person, $300,000 
  2.11  for each occurrence, and $100,000 for property damage.  The 
  2.12  applicant must also provide proof of workers' compensation and 
  2.13  unemployment compensation as applicable by law.  Failure to keep 
  2.14  in full force and effect required insurance is grounds for 
  2.15  revocation of the registration.  The applicant must also provide 
  2.16  record of a current surety bond under section 325E.58 or as 
  2.17  required by the city or cities in which it does business.  
  2.18     Subd. 5.  [IDENTIFICATION.] The applicant must provide a 
  2.19  copy of its Minnesota business tax identification number, if 
  2.20  applicable, and the individual applicant's social security 
  2.21  number and position with the company.  
  2.22     Subd. 6.  [TRANSFER OF REGISTRATION.] The applicant may not 
  2.23  transfer the registration to any other person or entity under 
  2.24  the penalty of forfeiting the registration.  
  2.25     Subd. 7.  [FEE.] The fee for a registration is $400 
  2.26  annually. 
  2.27     Sec. 2.  [EFFECTIVE DATE.] 
  2.28     Section 1 is effective August 1, 1998.