Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Office of the Revisor of Statutes

Key: (1) language to be deleted (2) new language

CHAPTER 183--H.F.No. 927

An act

relating to labor and industry; modifying construction codes and licensing; requiring rulemaking;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 326B.082, subdivision 12; 326B.084; 326B.121, by adding a subdivision; 326B.43, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 326B.435, subdivisions 2, 6; 326B.475, subdivisions 1, 6; 326B.52; 326B.53; 326B.55; 326B.57; 326B.58; 326B.59; 326B.801; 326B.84; 326B.921, subdivision 1; 326B.974; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 326B; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.43, subdivision 5.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.082, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

Subd. 12.

Issuance of licensing orders; hearings related to licensing orders.

(a) If the commissioner determines that a permit, license, registration, or certificate should be conditioned, limited, suspended, revoked, or denied under subdivision 11, or that the permit holder, licensee, registrant, or certificate holder should be censured under subdivision 11, then the commissioner shall issue to the person an order denying, conditioning, limiting, suspending, or revoking the person's permit, license, registration, or certificate, or censuring the permit holder, licensee, registrant, or certificate holder.

(b) Any order issued under paragraph (a) may include an assessment of monetary penalties and may require the person to cease and desist from committing the violation or committing the act, conduct, or practice set out in subdivision 11, paragraph (b). The monetary penalty may be up to $10,000 for each violation or act, conduct, or practice committed by the person. The procedures in section 326B.083 must be followed when issuing orders under paragraph (a).

(c) The permit holder, licensee, registrant, certificate holder, or applicant to whom the commissioner issues an order under paragraph (a) shall have 30 days after deleted text begin servicedeleted text end new text begin issuancenew text end of the order to request a hearing. The request for hearing must be in writing and must be served on or faxed to the commissioner at the address or fax number specified in the order by the 30th day after deleted text begin servicedeleted text end new text begin issuancenew text end of the order. If the person does not request a hearing or if the person's written request for hearing is not served on or faxed to the commissioner by the 30th day after deleted text begin servicedeleted text end new text begin issuancenew text end of the order, the order shall become a final order of the commissioner and will not be subject to review by any court or agency. The date on which a request for hearing is served by mail shall be the postmark date on the envelope in which the request for hearing is mailed. If the person submits to the commissioner a timely request for hearing, the order is stayed unless the commissioner summarily suspends the license, registration, certificate, or permit under subdivision 13, and a contested case hearing shall be held in accordance with chapter 14.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.084, is amended to read:

326B.084 FALSE INFORMATION.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin False information. new text end

A person subject to any of the requirements in the applicable law may not make a false material statement, representation, or certification in; omit material information from; or alter, conceal, or fail to file or maintain a notice, application, record, report, plan, or other document required under the applicable law.

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Unlicensed advertising. new text end

new text begin No person shall offer to perform services for which a license issued by the commissioner is required unless the person holds an active license to perform those services. Nothing in this subdivision prohibits an offer to sell, repair, or perform services provided those services are performed by a licensed person. new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.121, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

new text begin Municipal ordinance; completion of exterior work. new text end

new text begin A municipality may by ordinance adopt an official control that requires exterior work authorized by a building permit issued in accordance with the state building code, to be completed within a specified number of days following issuance of the building permit. The local regulation may not require completion of exterior work earlier than 180 days following the issuance of the permit. new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.43, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Rules.

The Plumbing Board may, by rule, prescribe minimum standards which shall be uniform and which shall be effective for all new plumbing installationsnew text begin performed anywhere in the statenew text end , including additions, extensions, alterations, and replacements deleted text begin connected with any water or sewage disposal system owned or operated by or for any municipality, institution, factory, office building, hotel, apartment building, or any other place of business regardless of location or the population of the city or town in which the installation is to be locateddeleted text end . Notwithstanding the provisions of Minnesota Rules, part 4715.3130, as they apply to review of plans and specifications, the commissioner may allow plumbing construction, alteration, or extension to proceed without approval of the plans or specifications by the commissioner.

Except for powers granted to the Plumbing Board, the commissioner of labor and industry shall administer the provisions of sections 326B.42 to 326B.49 and for such purposes may employ plumbing inspectors and other assistants.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.43, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

new text begin Licenses; experience. new text end

new text begin All state plumbing inspectors and plumbing inspectors contracted by the department shall hold licenses as master or journeyman plumbers and have five years of documented practical plumbing experience under this chapter. new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.435, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Powers; duties; administrative support.

(a) The board shall have the power to:

(1) elect its chair, vice-chair, and secretary;

(2) adopt bylaws that specify the duties of its officers, the meeting dates of the board, and containing such other provisions as may be useful and necessary for the efficient conduct of the business of the board;

(3) adopt the plumbing code that must be followed in this state and any plumbing code amendments thereto. new text begin The Plumbing Code shall include the minimum standards described in sections 326B.43, subdivision 1, and 326B.52, subdivision 1.new text end The board shall adopt the plumbing code and any amendments thereto pursuant to chapter 14 and as provided in subdivision 6, paragraphs (b), (c), and (d);

(4) review requests for final interpretations and issue final interpretations as provided in section 326B.127, subdivision 5;

(5) deleted text begin except for rules regulating continuing education,deleted text end adopt rules that regulate the licensure or registration of plumbing contractors, journeymen, apprentices, master plumbers, restricted master plumbers, deleted text begin anddeleted text end restricted journeymennew text begin , water conditioning contractors, and water conditioning installers,new text end and other persons engaged in the design, installation, and alteration of plumbing systemsnew text begin or engaged in or working at the business of water conditioning installation or servicenew text end , except for those individuals licensed under section 326.02, subdivisions 2 and 3. The board shall adopt these rules pursuant to chapter 14 and as provided in subdivision 6, paragraphs (e) and (f);

deleted text begin (6) advise the commissioner regarding educational requirements for plumbing deleted text end deleted text begin inspectors; deleted text end

new text begin (6) adopt rules that regulate continuing education for individuals licensed as master plumbers, journeyman plumbers, restricted master plumbers, restricted journeyman plumbers, water conditioning contractors, and water conditioning installers. The board shall adopt these rules pursuant to chapter 14 and as provided in subdivision 6, paragraphs (e) and (f); new text end

(7) refer complaints or other communications to the commissioner, whether oral or written, as provided in subdivision 8, that allege or imply a violation of a statute, rule, or order that the commissioner has the authority to enforce pertaining to code compliance, licensure, or an offering to perform or performance of unlicensed plumbing services;

(8) approve per diem and expenses deemed necessary for its members as provided in subdivision 3;

(9) approve license reciprocity agreements;

(10) select from its members individuals to serve on any other state advisory council, board, or committee; and

(11) recommend the fees for licenses and certifications.

Except for the powers granted to the Plumbing Board, the Board of Electricity, and the Board of High Pressure Piping Systems, the commissioner of labor and industry shall administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter and any rules promulgated pursuant thereto.

(b) The board shall comply with section 15.0597, subdivisions 2 and 4.

(c) The commissioner shall coordinate the board's rulemaking and recommendations with the recommendations and rulemaking conducted by the other boards created pursuant to this chapter. The commissioner shall provide staff support to the board. The support includes professional, legal, technical, and clerical staff necessary to perform rulemaking and other duties assigned to the board. The commissioner of labor and industry shall supply necessary office space and supplies to assist the board in its duties.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.435, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Officers, quorum, voting.

(a) The board shall elect annually from its members a chair, vice-chair, and secretary. A quorum of the board shall consist of a majority of members of the board qualified to vote on the matter in question. All questions concerning the manner in which a meeting is conducted or called that is not covered by statute shall be determined by Robert's Rules of Order (revised) unless otherwise specified by the bylaws.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c), each plumbing code amendment considered by the board that receives an affirmative two-thirds or more majority vote of all of the voting members of the board shall be included in the next plumbing code rulemaking proceeding initiated by the board. If a plumbing code amendment considered, or reconsidered, by the board receives less than a two-thirds majority vote of all the voting members of the board, the plumbing code amendment shall not be included in the next plumbing code rulemaking proceeding initiated by the board.

(c) If the plumbing code amendment considered by the board is to replace the Minnesota Plumbing Code with a model plumbing code, then the amendment may only be included in the next plumbing code rulemaking proceeding if it receives an affirmative two-thirds or more majority vote of all the voting members of the board.

(d) The board may reconsider plumbing code amendments during an active plumbing code rulemaking proceeding in which the amendment previously failed to receive a two-thirds majority vote or more of all the voting members of the board only if new or updated information that affects the plumbing code amendment is presented to the board. The board may also reconsider failed plumbing code amendments in subsequent plumbing code rulemaking proceedings.

(e) Each proposed rule and rule amendment considered by the board pursuant to the rulemaking authority specified in subdivision 2, paragraph (a), deleted text begin clausedeleted text end new text begin clausesnew text end (5)new text begin or (6)new text end , that receives an affirmative majority vote of all the voting members of the board shall be included in the next rulemaking proceeding initiated by the board. If a proposed rule or rule amendment considered, or reconsidered, by the board receives less than an affirmative majority vote of all the voting members of the board, the proposed rule or rule amendment shall not be included in the next rulemaking proceeding initiated by the board.

(f) The board may reconsider proposed rules or rule amendments during an active rulemaking proceeding in which the amendment previously failed to receive an affirmative majority vote of all the voting members of the board only if new or updated information that affects the proposed rule or rule amendment is presented to the board. The board may also reconsider failed proposed rules or rule amendments in subsequent rulemaking proceedings.

Sec. 8.

new text begin [326B.438] MEDICAL GAS SYSTEMS. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For the purposes of this section, the terms defined in this subdivision have the meanings given them. new text end

new text begin (b) "Medical gas" means medical gas as defined under the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 99C Standard on Gas and Vacuum Systems. new text end

new text begin (c) "Medical gas system" means a level 1, 2, or 3 piped medical gas and vacuum system as defined under the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 99C Standard on Gas and Vacuum Systems. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin License and certification required. new text end

new text begin A person shall not engage in the installation, maintenance, or repair of a medical gas system unless the person possesses a current Minnesota master or journeyman plumber's license and is certified by the commissioner under rules adopted by the Minnesota Plumbing Board. The certification must be renewed annually for as long as the certificate holder engages in the installation, maintenance, or repair of medical gas and vacuum systems. If a medical gas and vacuum system certificate is not renewed within 12 months after its expiration the medical gas and vacuum certificate is permanently forfeited. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Exemptions. new text end

new text begin (a) A person who on the effective date of this section holds a valid certificate authorized by the American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) in accordance with standards recommended by the National Fire Protection Association under NFPA 99C is exempt from the requirements of subdivision 2. This exemption applies only if the person maintains a valid certification authorized by the ASSE. new text end

new text begin (b) A person who on the effective date of this section possesses a current Minnesota master or journeyman plumber's license and a valid certificate authorized by the ASSE in accordance with standards recommended by the National Fire Protection Association under NFPA 99C is exempt from the requirements of subdivision 2 and may install, maintain, and repair a medical gas system. This exemption applies only if a person maintains a valid Minnesota master or journeyman plumber's license and valid certification authorized by the ASSE. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Fees. new text end

new text begin The fee for a medical gas certificate issued by the commissioner according to subdivision 2 is $30 per year. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2009, except that the requirement under subdivision 2 that a master or journeyman plumber must be certified by the Minnesota Plumbing Board and the fee in subdivision 4 are not effective until 180 days after the board adopts rules. new text end

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.475, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Licensure.

(a) The commissioner of labor and industry shall grant a restricted journeyman or restricted master plumber license to an individual if:

(1) the individual completes an application with information required by the commissioner of labor and industry;

(2) the completed application is accompanied by a fee of $30;

(3) the commissioner of labor and industry receives the completed application and fee deleted text begin before October 1, 2008deleted text end new text begin between October 1, 2009, and October 15, 2009new text end ;

(4) the completed application for a restricted journeyman plumber license demonstrates that, prior to the application, the applicant has had at least two years of practical plumbing experience in the plumbing trade; and

(5) the completed application for a restricted master plumber license demonstrates that, prior to the application, the applicant has had:

(i) at least four years of practical plumbing experience in the plumbing trade; or

(ii) at least two years of practical plumbing experience as a plumbing contractor in the plumbing trade.

(b) deleted text begin Until October 1, 2008deleted text end new text begin For applications received between October 1, 2009, and October 15, 2009new text end , the commissioner may waive penalties for an applicant who failed to post a bond after June 30, 1999, under section 326B.46, subdivision 2, if the commissioner finds that the penalty would cause undue hardship or the waiver is otherwise warranted under the circumstances.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.475, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Bond; insurance.

A restricted master deleted text begin or a restricted journeymandeleted text end plumber licensee is subject to the bond and insurance requirements of section 326B.46, subdivision 2, unless the exemption provided by section 326B.46, subdivision 3, applies.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.52, is amended to read:

326B.52 WATER CONDITIONING CONTRACTOR AND INSTALLER STANDARDS.

Subdivision 1.

Rulemaking by deleted text begin commissionerdeleted text end new text begin Plumbing Boardnew text end .

The deleted text begin commissionerdeleted text end new text begin Plumbing Boardnew text end shall, by rule, prescribe minimum standards which shall be uniform, and which standards shall thereafter be effective for all new water conditioning servicing and water conditioning installationsnew text begin performed anywhere in the statenew text end , including additions, extensions, alterations, and replacements deleted text begin connected with any water or sewage disposal system owned or operated by or for any municipality, institution, factory, office building, hotel, apartment building or any other place of business, regardless of location or the population of the city, county or town in which locateddeleted text end .

Subd. 2.

Inspectors.

new text begin Except for powers granted to the Plumbing Board, new text end the commissioner shall administer the provisions of sections 326B.50 to 326B.59 and for such purposes may employ water conditioning inspectors and other assistants.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.53, is amended to read:

326B.53 LOCAL REGULATIONS.

Any citynew text begin , county,new text end or town deleted text begin with a population of 5,000 or more according to the last federal censusdeleted text end may, by ordinance, adopt local regulations providing for water conditioning permits, bonds, approval of plans, and inspections of water conditioning installations and servicing, which regulations shall not be in conflict with the deleted text begin water conditioning standardsdeleted text end new text begin rulesnew text end on the same subject prescribed by the commissioner. No deleted text begin suchdeleted text end citynew text begin , county,new text end or town shall prohibit water conditioning contractors or installers licensed by the commissioner from engaging in or working at the business.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.55, is amended to read:

326B.55 LICENSING IN CERTAIN CITIES; QUALIFICATIONS; RULES.

Subdivision 1.

Licensing deleted text begin in certain citiesdeleted text end .

deleted text begin In any city or town having a population of 5,000 or more according to the last federal census,deleted text end No person shall engage in or work at the business of water conditioning installation or servicing deleted text begin after January 1, 1970,deleted text end new text begin anywhere in the statenew text end unless (1) at all times an individual licensed as a water conditioning contractor by the commissioner shall be responsible for the proper water conditioning installation and servicing work of such person, and (2) all installations, other than exchanges of portable equipment, are performed by a licensed water conditioning contractor or licensed water conditioning installer. Any individual not so licensed may perform water conditioning work that complies with the minimum deleted text begin standarddeleted text end new text begin standardsnew text end prescribed by the deleted text begin commissionerdeleted text end new text begin Plumbing Boardnew text end on premises or that part of premises owned and occupied by the worker as a residence, unless otherwise prohibited by a local ordinance.

Subd. 2.

Qualifications for licensing.

A water conditioning contractor license shall be issued only to an individual who has demonstrated skill in planning, superintending, and servicing water conditioning installationsnew text begin , and has successfully passed the examination for water conditioning contractorsnew text end . A water conditioning installer license shall only be issued to an individual other than a water conditioning contractor who has demonstrated practical knowledge of water conditioning installationdeleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin , and has successfully passed the examination for water conditioning installers. A water conditioning installer must successfully pass the examination for water conditioning contractors before being licensed as a water conditioning contractor.new text end

Subd. 3.

deleted text begin Rulesdeleted text end new text begin Commissionernew text end .

The commissioner shall:

(1) deleted text begin prescribe rules, not inconsistent herewith, for the licensing of water conditioning contractors and installers;deleted text end

deleted text begin (2)deleted text end license water conditioning contractors and installers;new text begin andnew text end

deleted text begin (3) prescribe rules not inconsistent herewith for the examining of water conditioning contractors and installers prior to first granting a license as a water conditioning contractor or water conditioning installer; and deleted text end

deleted text begin (4)deleted text end new text begin (2)new text end collect an examination fee from each examinee for a license as a water conditioning contractor and an examination fee from each examinee for a license as a water conditioning installer in an amount set forth in section 326B.58. deleted text begin A water conditioning installer must successfully pass the examination for water conditioning contractors before being licensed as a water conditioning contractor.deleted text end

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.57, is amended to read:

326B.57 RULES.

In order to provide effective protection of the public health, the deleted text begin commissionerdeleted text end new text begin Plumbing Boardnew text end may by rule prescribe limitations on the nature of alteration to, extension of, or connection with, the said water distribution system initially established by a licensed plumber which may be performed by a person licensed hereunderdeleted text begin , anddeleted text end new text begin . The commissionernew text end may by rule in appropriate instances require filing of plans, blueprints and specifications prior to commencement of installation. The installation of water heaters shall not constitute water conditioning installation and consequently such work shall be accomplished in accordance with the provisions of sections 326B.42 to 326B.49.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.58, is amended to read:

326B.58 FEES.

Examination fees for both water conditioning contractors and water conditioning installers shall be $50 for each examination. Each water conditioning contractor and installer license shall expire on December 31 of the year for which it was issued. The license fee for each initial water conditioning contractor's license shall be $70, except that the license fee shall be $35 if the application is submitted during the last three months of the calendar year. The license fee for each renewal water conditioning contractor's license shall be $70. The license fee for each initial water conditioning installer license shall be $35, except that the license fee shall be $17.50 if the application is submitted during the last three months of the calendar year. The license fee for each renewal water conditioning installer license shall be $35. The deleted text begin commissionerdeleted text end new text begin Plumbing Boardnew text end may by rule prescribe for the expiration and renewal of licenses. Any licensee who does not renew a license within two years after the license expires is no longer eligible for renewal. Such an individual must retake and pass the examination before a new license will be issued. A water conditioning contractor or water conditioning installer who submits a license renewal application after the time specified in rule but within two years after the license expired must pay all past due renewal fees plus a late fee of $25.

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.59, is amended to read:

326B.59 STATE LICENSE; EXAMINATION; APPLICATION; EXEMPTION.

The provisions of sections 326B.50 to deleted text begin 326B.59deleted text end new text begin 326B.58new text end that require licenses to engage in the work or business of water conditioning installation, and the provisions that provide for the examination of applicants for such licenses, deleted text begin shall only apply to work accomplished in cities or towns having populations of 5,000 or more according to the last federal census, and shalldeleted text end new text begin donew text end not apply to master plumbers and journeymen plumbers licensed under the provisions of sections 326B.42 to 326B.49. new text begin In all areas of the state except in cities or towns with a population of more than 5,000 according to the last federal census, the provisions of sections 326B.50 to 326B.58 that require licenses to engage in the work or business of water conditioning installation, and the provisions that provide for the examination of applicants for such licenses, do not apply to restricted master plumbers and restricted journeyman plumbers licensed under the provisions of section 326B.475.new text end

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.801, is amended to read:

326B.801 SCOPE.

Except as otherwise provided by law, deleted text begin the provisions ofdeleted text end sections 326B.801 to deleted text begin 326B.825deleted text end new text begin 326B.885new text end apply to residential contractors, residential remodelers, residential roofers, and manufactured home installers.

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.84, is amended to read:

326B.84 GROUNDS FOR LICENSE SANCTIONS.

In addition to the grounds set forth in section 326B.082, subdivision 11, the commissioner may deny, suspend, limit, place conditions on, or revoke a license or certificate of exemption, or may censure the person holding the license or certificate of exemption, if the applicant, licensee, certificate of exemption holder, qualifying person, new text begin owner, officer, new text end or affiliate of an applicant, licensee, or certificate of exemption holder, or other agent owner:

(1) has filed an application for licensure or a certificate of exemption which is incomplete in any material respect or contains any statement which, in light of the circumstances under which it is made, is false or misleading with respect to any material fact;

(2) has engaged in a fraudulent, deceptive, or dishonest practice;

(3) is permanently or temporarily enjoined by any court of competent jurisdiction from engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice involving any aspect of the business;

(4) has failed to reasonably supervise employees, agents, subcontractors, or salespersons, or has performed negligently or in breach of contract, so as to cause injury or harm to the public;

(5) has violated or failed to comply with any provision of sections 326B.802 to 326B.885, any rule or order under sections 326B.802 to 326B.885, or any other law, rule, or order related to the duties and responsibilities entrusted to the commissioner;

(6) has been convicted of a violation of the State Building Code or has refused to comply with a notice of violation or stop order issued by a certified building official, or in local jurisdictions that have not adopted the State Building Code has refused to correct a violation of the State Building Code when the violation has been documented or a notice of violation or stop order issued by a certified building official has been received;

(7) has failed to use the proceeds of any payment made to the licensee for the construction of, or any improvement to, residential real estate, as defined in section 326B.802, subdivision 13, for the payment of labor, skill, material, and machinery contributed to the construction or improvement, knowing that the cost of any labor performed, or skill, material, or machinery furnished for the improvement remains unpaid;

(8) has not furnished to the person making payment either a valid lien waiver as to any unpaid labor performed, or skill, material, or machinery furnished for an improvement, or a payment bond in the basic amount of the contract price for the improvement conditioned for the prompt payment to any person or persons entitled to payment;

(9) has engaged in an act or practice that results in compensation to an aggrieved owner or lessee from the contractor recovery fund pursuant to section 326B.89, unless:

(i) the applicant or licensee has repaid the fund twice the amount paid from the fund, plus interest at the rate of 12 percent per year; and

(ii) the applicant or licensee has obtained a surety bond in the amount of at least $40,000, issued by an insurer authorized to transact business in this state;

(10) has engaged in bad faith, unreasonable delays, or frivolous claims in defense of a civil lawsuit or arbitration arising out of their activities as a licensee or certificate of exemption holder under this chapter;

(11) has had a judgment entered against them for failure to make payments to employees, subcontractors, or suppliers, that the licensee has failed to satisfy and all appeals of the judgment have been exhausted or the period for appeal has expired;

(12) if unlicensed, has obtained a building permit by the fraudulent use of a fictitious license number or the license number of another, or, if licensed, has knowingly allowed an unlicensed person to use the licensee's license number for the purpose of fraudulently obtaining a building permit; or has applied for or obtained a building permit for an unlicensed person;

(13) has made use of a forged mechanic's lien waiver under chapter 514;

(14) has provided false, misleading, or incomplete information to the commissioner or has refused to allow a reasonable inspection of records or premises;

(15) has engaged in an act or practice whether or not the act or practice directly involves the business for which the person is licensed, that demonstrates that the applicant or licensee is untrustworthy, financially irresponsible, or otherwise incompetent or unqualified to act under the license granted by the commissioner; or

(16) has failed to comply with requests for information, documents, or other requests from the department within the time specified in the request or, if no time is specified, within 30 days of the mailing of the request by the department.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.921, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

License required; rules; time credit.

No individual shall engage in or work at the business of a contracting high pressure pipefitter unless issued a contracting high pressure pipefitter license to do so by the department under rules adopted by the board. No license shall be required for repairs on existing installations. No individual shall engage in or work at the business of journeyman high pressure pipefitter unless issued a journeyman high pressure pipefitter competency license to do so by the department under rules adopted by the board. An individual possessing a contracting high pressure pipefitter competency license may also work as a journeyman high pressure pipefitter.

No person shall construct or install high pressure piping, nor install high pressure piping in connection with the dealing in and selling of high pressure pipe material and supplies, unless, at all times, an individual possessing a contracting high pressure pipefitter competency license or a journeyman high pressure pipefitter competency license is responsible for ensuring that the high pressure pipefitting work is in conformity with Minnesota Statutes and Minnesota Rules.

The board shall prescribe rules, not inconsistent herewith, for the examination and competency licensing of contracting high pressure pipefitters and journeyman high pressure pipefitters deleted text begin and for issuance of permits by the department and municipalities for the installation of high pressure pipingdeleted text end .

An employee performing the duties of inspector for the department in regulating pipefitting shall not receive time credit for the inspection duties when making an application for a license required by this section.

Sec. 20.

new text begin [326B.961] TRIENNIAL AUDITS AND TEAM LEADER CERTIFICATIONS. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Triennial audits; assignment; qualifications. new text end

new text begin The chief boiler inspector shall assign a qualified ASME designee or team leader to perform triennial audits on ASME Code and national board stamp holders at the request of the stamp holder. The department shall maintain qualifications for ASME designees and national board team leaders in accordance with ASME and national board requirements. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Fees. new text end

new text begin The fee for performing ASME and national board triennial audits shall be the hourly rate pursuant to section 326B.986, subdivision 4. new text end

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.974, is amended to read:

326B.974 SCHOOL ENGINEER deleted text begin OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTSdeleted text end .

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin License required. new text end

Any custodial engineer employed by a school whose duties include the operation of a boiler shall be licensed pursuant to section 326B.978, to operate the particular class of boiler used in the school.

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin School district training. new text end

new text begin A school district shall allow to occur annually at least eight hours of training related to boiler operation to a licensee described in subdivision 1. The training must be administered by a licensed first or chief class engineer during the licensee's normal working hours. Two hours of the required training shall occur in the boiler room and must include demonstration of tasks associated with operating boilers. The tasks associated with operating boilers acceptable for the training must be from the list of approved tasks supplied by the chief boiler inspector. The administrator of the training shall receive training credit for time spent administering training pursuant to this subdivision. new text end

Sec. 22.

new text begin TIME LIMIT. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding the lapse of the time limit to adopt rules under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.125, the commissioner of labor and industry's authority to adopt rules under Minnesota Statutes, section 326B.978, subdivisions 4 and 18, is extended by 18 months following the effective date of this section. new text end

Sec. 23.

new text begin RULE CHANGE. new text end

new text begin The Plumbing Board shall amend Minnesota Rules, part 4715.0320, subpart 1, so that it conforms with Minnesota Statutes, sections 326B.43 and 326B.52, as amended by this act. The Plumbing Board may use the good cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388, subdivision 1, clause (3), in adopting the amendment, and Minnesota Statutes, section 14.386, does not apply. new text end

Sec. 24.

new text begin REPEALER. new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.43, subdivision 5, new text end new text begin is repealed. new text end

Presented to the governor February 25, 2010

Signed by the governor March 1, 2010, 1:24 p.m.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes