Minnesota Session Laws - 2010, Regular Session

CHAPTER 280--H.F.No. 3048

An act

relating to labor and industry; modifying construction codes and licensing provisions; modifying certain notice provisions;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 178.01; 178.03, subdivisions 3, 4; 178.06; 178.08; 178.11; 326.02, subdivision 5; 326B.04, subdivision 2; 326B.127, subdivision 3; 326B.13, subdivisions 3, 4, 5, 6; 326B.133, subdivision 5; 326B.139; 326B.142; 326B.148, subdivisions 2, 3; 326B.191; 326B.31, subdivision 28; 326B.33, subdivision 17; 326B.42, subdivisions 2, 6; 326B.435, subdivision 2; 326B.47; 326B.84; 326B.89, subdivisions 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, by adding subdivisions; 326B.921, subdivision 3; Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, sections 14.14, subdivision 1a; 326B.145; Laws 2010, chapter 183, section 8; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 299G.11; 299G.13, subdivisions 1, 6, 9, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28; 299G.14; 299G.15; 299G.16; 299G.17; 299G.18; 326B.115; 326B.37, subdivision 13; Minnesota Rules, parts 5200.0020; 5200.0050; 5200.0080, subparts 2, 3, 4, 4a, 4b, 6, 7, 8.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 14.14, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

Notice of rule hearing.

(a) Each agency shall maintain a list of all persons who have registered deleted text begin their name and United States mail or electronic mail address deleted text end with the agency for the purpose of receiving notice of rule proceedings. new text begin Persons may register to receive notice of rule proceedings by submitting to the agency: new text end

new text begin (1) their electronic mail address; or new text end

new text begin (2) their name and United States mail address. new text end

The agency may inquire as to whether those persons on the list wish to deleted text begin maintain their names deleted text end new text begin remain new text end on it and may remove deleted text begin names deleted text end new text begin persons new text end for deleted text begin which deleted text end new text begin whom new text end there is a negative reply or no reply within 60 days. The agency shall, at least 30 days before the date set for the hearing, give notice of its intention to adopt rules by United States mail or electronic mail to all persons on its list, and by publication in the State Register. The mailed notice must include either a copy of the proposed rule or an easily readable and understandable description of its nature and effect and an announcement that a free copy of the proposed rule is available on request from the agency. In addition, each agency shall make reasonable efforts to notify persons or classes of persons who may be significantly affected by the rule being proposed by giving notice of its intention in newsletters, newspapers, or other publications, or through other means of communication. The notice in the State Register must include the proposed rule or an amended rule in the form required by the revisor under section 14.07, together with an easily readable and understandable summary of the overall nature and effect of the proposed rule, a citation to the most specific statutory authority for the proposed rule, a statement of the place, date, and time of the public hearing, a statement that persons may register with the agency for the purpose of receiving notice of rule proceedings and notice that the agency intends to adopt a rule and other information required by law or rule. When an entire rule is proposed to be repealed, the agency need only publish that fact, along with an easily readable and understandable summary of the overall nature of the rules proposed for repeal, and a citation to the rule to be repealed.

(b) The chief administrative law judge may authorize an agency to omit from the notice of rule hearing the text of any proposed rule, the publication of which would be unduly cumbersome, expensive, or otherwise inexpedient if:

(1) knowledge of the rule is likely to be important to only a small class of persons;

(2) the notice of rule hearing states that a free copy of the entire rule is available upon request to the agency; and

(3) the notice of rule hearing states in detail the specific subject matter of the omitted rule, cites the statutory authority for the proposed rule, and details the proposed rule's purpose and motivation.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 178.01, is amended to read:

178.01 PURPOSES.

The purposes of this chapter are: to open to young people regardless of race, sex, creed, color or national origin, the opportunity to obtain training new text begin and on-the-job learning new text end that will equip them for profitable employment and citizenship; to establish as a means to this end, a program of voluntary apprenticeship under approved apprentice agreements providing facilities for their training and guidance in the arts, skills, and crafts of industry and trade, with concurrent, supplementary instruction in related subjects; to promote deleted text begin employment deleted text end new text begin apprenticeship new text end opportunities under conditions providing adequate training new text begin and on-the-job learning new text end and reasonable earnings; to relate the supply of skilled workers to employment demands; to establish standards for apprentice training; to establish an Apprenticeship Board and apprenticeship committees to assist in effectuating the purposes of this chapter; to provide for a Division of Labor Standards and Apprenticeship within the Department of Labor and Industry; to provide for reports to the legislature regarding the status of apprentice training in the state; to establish a procedure for the determination of apprentice agreement controversies; and to accomplish related ends.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 178.03, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Duties and functions.

The director, under the supervision of the commissioner, and with the advice and consultation of the Apprenticeship Board, is authorized: to administer the provisions of this chapter; to promote apprenticeship and other forms of on new text begin - new text end the new text begin - new text end job deleted text begin training deleted text end new text begin learning new text end ; to establish, in cooperation and consultation with the Apprenticeship Board and with the apprenticeship committees, conditions deleted text begin and deleted text end new text begin , new text end training new text begin , and learning new text end standards for the approval of apprenticeship programs and agreements, which conditions and standards shall in no case be lower than those new text begin (1) new text end prescribed by this chapter new text begin , and (2) established under Code of Federal Regulations, title 29, part 29 new text end ; to promote equal employment opportunity in apprenticeship and other on new text begin - new text end the new text begin - new text end job deleted text begin training deleted text end new text begin learning new text end and to establish a Minnesota plan for equal employment opportunity in apprenticeship which shall be consistent with standards established under Code of Federal Regulations, title 29, part 30, as amended; to issue certificates of registration to sponsors of approved apprenticeship programs; to act as secretary of the Apprenticeship Board; to approve, if of the opinion that approval is for the best interest of the apprentice, any apprenticeship agreement which meets the standards established hereunder; to terminate any apprenticeship agreement in accordance with the provisions of such agreement; to keep a record of apprenticeship agreements and their disposition; to issue certificates of completion of apprenticeship; and to perform such other duties as the commissioner deems necessary to carry out the intent of this chapter; provided, that the administration and supervision of supplementary instruction in related subjects for apprentices; coordination of instruction on a concurrent basis with job experiences, and the selection and training of teachers and coordinators for such instruction shall be the function of state and local boards responsible for vocational education. The director shall have the authority to make wage determinations applicable to the graduated schedule of wages and journeyman wage rate for apprenticeship agreements, giving consideration to the existing wage rates prevailing throughout the state, except that no wage determination by the director shall alter an existing wage provision for apprentices or journeymen that is contained in a bargaining agreement in effect between an employer and an organization of employees, nor shall the director make any determination for the beginning rate for an apprentice that is below the wage minimum established by federal or state law.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 178.03, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Reciprocity approval.

The director, if requested by a sponsoring entity, shall grant reciprocity approval to apprenticeship programs of employers and unions who jointly form a sponsoring entity on a multistate basis in other than the building construction industry if such programs are in conformity with this chapter and have been registered in compliance with Code of Federal Regulations, title 29, part 29, by a state apprenticeship council recognized by or registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, United States Department of Labor, when such approval is necessary for federal purposes under Code of Federal Regulations, title 29, section deleted text begin 29.12(a) deleted text end new text begin 29.13(a) new text end .

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 178.06, is amended to read:

178.06 APPRENTICE.

The term "apprentice," as used herein, means a person at least 16 years of age who has entered into a written agreement, hereinafter called an apprentice agreement, with a committee, an employer, an association of employers, or an organization of employees, which apprentice agreement provides for new text begin : new text end

new text begin (1) a time-based approach involving new text end not less than 2,000 hours or one year of reasonably continuous employment for such person and for participation in an approved program of deleted text begin training deleted text end new text begin on-the-job learning new text end through employment and through concurrent, supplementary education in related subjects deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; new text end

new text begin (2) a competency-based approach involving successful demonstration of acquired skills and knowledge by an apprentice plus on-the-job learning; or new text end

new text begin (3) a hybrid approach involving the completion of a specified minimum number of hours plus the successful demonstration of competency. new text end

Whenever a minimum age exceeding 16 years is prescribed by federal or state law to apply to workers in certain hazardous occupations, the minimum age so prescribed shall be applicable to apprentices.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 178.08, is amended to read:

178.08 DIRECTOR TO APPROVE APPRENTICE AGREEMENTS.

Every apprentice agreement is subject to approval by the director and shall be signed by the committee, the employer, an association of employers, or an organization of employees, and by the apprentice, and if the apprentice is a minor, by a parent or legal guardian. When a minor enters into an apprentice agreement under this chapter for a period of deleted text begin training deleted text end new text begin learning new text end extending into majority the apprentice agreement shall likewise be binding for such a period as may be covered during the apprentice's majority.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 178.11, is amended to read:

178.11 LABOR EDUCATION ADVANCEMENT GRANT PROGRAM.

The commissioner shall establish the labor education advancement grant program for the purpose of facilitating the participation of minorities and women in apprenticeable trades and occupations. The commissioner shall award grants to community-based organizations serving the targeted populations on a competitive request-for-proposal basis. Interested organizations shall apply for the grants in a form prescribed by the commissioner. As part of the application process, applicants must provide a statement of need for the grant, a description of the targeted population and apprenticeship opportunities, a description of activities to be funded by the grant, evidence supporting the ability to deliver services, information related to coordinating grant activities with other employment and deleted text begin training deleted text end new text begin learning new text end programs, identification of matching funds, a budget, and performance objectives. Each submitted application shall be evaluated for completeness and effectiveness of the proposed grant activity.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326.02, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Limitation.

The provisions of sections 326.02 to 326.15 shall not apply to the preparation of plans and specifications for the erection, enlargement, or alteration of any building or other structure by any person, for that person's exclusive occupancy or use, unless such occupancy or use involves the public health or safety or the health or safety of the employees of said person, or of the buildings listed in section 326.03, subdivision 2, nor to any detailed or shop plans required to be furnished by a contractor to a registered engineer, landscape architect, architect, or certified interior designer, nor to any standardized manufactured product, nor to any construction superintendent supervising the execution of work designed by an architect, landscape architect, engineer, or certified interior designer licensed or certified in accordance with section 326.03, nor to the planning for and supervision of the construction and installation of work by an electrical contractor or master plumber as defined in and licensed pursuant to deleted text begin this deleted text end chapter new text begin 326B new text end , where such work is within the scope of such licensed activity and not within the practice of professional engineering, or architecture, or where the person does not claim to be a certified interior designer as defined in subdivision 2, 3, or 4b.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.04, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Deposits.

deleted text begin All remaining balances as of June 30, 2007, in the state government special revenue fund and special revenue fund accounts maintained for the Building Codes and Standards Division, Board of Electricity, and plumbing and engineering unit are transferred to the construction code fund. deleted text end Unless otherwise specifically designated by law: (1) all money collected under sections 144.122, paragraph (f); 181.723; 326B.101 to 326B.194; 326B.197; 326B.32 to 326B.399; 326B.43 to 326B.49; 326B.52 to 326B.59; 326B.802 to 326B.885; 326B.90 to 326B.998; 327.31 to 327.36; and 327B.01 to 327B.12, except penalties, is credited to the construction code fund; (2) all fees collected under section 45.23 in connection with continuing education for residential contractors, residential remodelers, and residential roofers are credited to the construction code fund; and (3) all penalties assessed under the sections set forth in clauses (1) and (2) and all penalties assessed under sections 144.99 to 144.993 in connection with any violation of sections 326B.43 to 326B.49 or 326B.52 to 326B.59 or the rules adopted under those sections are credited to the assigned risk safety account established by section 79.253.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.127, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Powers and duties.

The state building official may, with the approval of the commissioner, employ personnel necessary to carry out the inspector's function under sections 326B.101 to 326B.194. deleted text begin The state building official shall distribute without charge a printed or electronic version of the code to each municipality within the state. A printed or electronic version of the code shall be made available to municipalities and interested parties for a fee prescribed by the commissioner. deleted text end The state building official shall perform other duties in administering the code assigned by the commissioner.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.13, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Filing.

deleted text begin The commissioner shall file one copy of the complete code with the secretary of state, except that deleted text end All standards referred to in any model or statewide specialty code or any of the modifications of a code need not be filed new text begin with the secretary of state new text end . All standards deleted text begin referred to in deleted text end new text begin that are incorporated by reference into new text end the code must be kept on file and available for inspection in the office of the commissioner.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.13, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

deleted text begin Hearings deleted text end new text begin Consultation with commissioner required new text end .

deleted text begin The commissioner shall hold all state hearings and make all determinations regarding any subject matter dealt with in the code including those in which another state agency proposes to adopt or amend rules which are incorporated by reference into the code or whenever the commissioner proposes to incorporate those rules into the State Building Code. deleted text end In no event may a state agency subsequently authorized to adopt rules involving State Building Code subject matter proceed to adopt the rules without prior consultation with the commissioner.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.13, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Proposed amendments deleted text begin ; hearings deleted text end .

Any interested person may propose amendments to the code which may be either applicable to all municipalities or, where it is alleged and established that new text begin geological new text end conditions exist within a municipality which are not generally found within other municipalities, amendments may be restricted in application to that municipality. deleted text begin Notice of public hearings on proposed amendments shall be given to the governing bodies of all municipalities in addition to those persons entitled to notice under the Administrative Procedure Act. deleted text end

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.13, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Adoption.

The commissioner shall approve any proposed amendments deemed by the commissioner to be reasonable in conformity with the policy and purpose of the code and justified under the particular circumstances involved. deleted text begin Upon adoption, a copy of each amendment must be distributed to the governing bodies of all affected municipalities. deleted text end new text begin The commissioner shall make an electronic version of amendments to the code available to municipalities. Upon request, a municipality may receive a paper copy of amendments to the code available for a fee prescribed by the commissioner. new text end

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.133, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Grounds.

deleted text begin In addition to the grounds set forth in section 326B.082, subdivision 11, deleted text end The commissioner may deleted text begin deny, suspend, limit, place conditions on, or revoke a certificate, or may censure deleted text end new text begin use any enforcement provision in section 326B.082 against new text end an applicant or individual holding a certificate, if the applicant or individual:

(1) violates a provision of sections 326B.101 to 326B.194 or a rule adopted under those sections; or

(2) engages in fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation while performing the duties of a certified building official.

Nothing in this subdivision limits or otherwise affects the authority of a municipality to dismiss or suspend a building official at its discretion, except as otherwise provided for by law.

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.139, is amended to read:

326B.139 APPEALS.

A person aggrieved by the final decision of any deleted text begin municipality deleted text end new text begin local or state level board of appeals new text end as to the application of the code, including any rules adopted under sections 471.465 to 471.469, may, within 180 days of the decision, appeal to the commissioner. Appellant shall submit a nonrefundable fee of $70, payable to the commissioner, with the request for appeal. An appeal must be heard as a contested case under chapter 14. The commissioner shall submit written findings to the parties. The party not prevailing shall pay the costs of the contested case hearing, including fees charged by the Office of Administrative Hearings and the expense of transcript preparation. Costs under this section do not include attorney fees. Any person aggrieved by a ruling of the commissioner may appeal in accordance with chapter 14. For the purpose of this section "any person aggrieved" includes the Council on Disability. No fee or costs shall be required when the council on disability is the appellant.

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.142, is amended to read:

326B.142 CERTAIN deleted text begin PERMITS deleted text end new text begin CERTIFICATES new text end .

Building deleted text begin permits or deleted text end certificates of occupancy validly issued before July 1, 1972, deleted text begin regarding buildings or structures being constructed or altered according to the permits or certificates, deleted text end are valid after that date. deleted text begin The construction may be completed according to the building permit, unless the building official determines that life or property is in jeopardy. deleted text end

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 326B.145, is amended to read:

326B.145 ANNUAL REPORT.

Each municipality shall annually report by June 30 to the department, in a format prescribed by the department, all construction and development-related fees collected by the municipality from developers, builders, and subcontractors if the cumulative fees collected exceeded $5,000 in the reporting year, except that, for reports due June 30, 2009, to June 30, 2013, the reporting threshold is $10,000. The report must include:

(1) the number and valuation of units for which fees were paid;

(2) the amount of building permit fees, plan review fees, administrative fees, engineering fees, infrastructure fees, and other construction and development-related fees; and

(3) the expenses associated with the municipal activities for which fees were collected.

new text begin A municipality that fails to report to the department in accordance with this section is subject to the remedies provided by section 326B.082. new text end

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.148, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Collection and reports.

All permit surcharges must be collected by each municipality and a portion of them remitted to the state. Each municipality having a population greater than 20,000 people shall prepare and submit to the commissioner once a month a report of fees and surcharges on fees collected during the previous month but shall retain the greater of two percent or that amount collected up to $25 to apply against the administrative expenses the municipality incurs in collecting the surcharges. All other municipalities shall submit the report and surcharges on fees once a quarter but shall retain the greater of four percent or that amount collected up to $25 to apply against the administrative expenses the municipalities incur in collecting the surcharges. The report, which must be in a form prescribed by the commissioner, must be submitted together with a remittance covering the surcharges collected by the 15th day following the month or quarter in which the surcharges are collected.

new text begin A municipality that fails to report or submit the required remittance to the department in accordance with this subdivision is subject to the remedies provided by section 326B.082. new text end

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.148, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Revenue to equal costs.

Revenue received from the surcharge imposed in subdivision 1 should approximately equal the cost, including the overhead cost, of administering sections 326B.101 to 326B.194. deleted text begin By November 30 each year, the commissioner must report to the commissioner of management and budget and to the legislature on changes in the surcharge imposed in subdivision 1 needed to comply with this policy. In making this report, the commissioner must assume that the services associated with administering sections 326B.101 to 326B.194 will continue to be provided at the same level provided during the fiscal year in which the report is made. deleted text end

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.191, is amended to read:

326B.191 CONFLICT OF LAWS.

Nothing in sections 326B.163 to 326B.191 supersedes the Minnesota Electrical Act in new text begin this new text end chapter deleted text begin 326 deleted text end .

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.31, subdivision 28, is amended to read:

Subd. 28.

Responsible licensed individual.

A contractor's "responsible licensed individual" means the licensed Class A master electrician, Class B master electrician, master elevator constructor, or power limited technician designated in writing by the contractor in the contractor's license application, or in another manner acceptable to the commissioner, as the individual responsible for the contractor's compliance with sections 326B.31 to 326B.399 deleted text begin and deleted text end new text begin , new text end all rules deleted text begin and orders deleted text end adopted deleted text begin or issued deleted text end under these sections new text begin , and all orders issued under section 326B.082 new text end . The terms "licensed responsible individual" and "licensed responsible master electrician or power limited technician" are synonymous.

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.33, subdivision 17, is amended to read:

Subd. 17.

Employment of master electrician or power limited technician.

(a) Each contractor must designate a responsible master electrician or power limited technician, who shall be responsible for the performance of all electrical work in accordance with the requirements of sections 326B.31 to 326B.399 deleted text begin or any rule or order deleted text end new text begin , all rules new text end adopted deleted text begin or issued deleted text end under these sections new text begin , and all orders issued under section 326B.082 new text end . The classes of work that a licensed contractor is authorized to perform shall be limited to the classes of work that the responsible master electrician or power limited electrician is licensed to perform.

(b) When a contractor's license is held by an individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation and the individual, proprietor, one of the partners, one of the members, or an officer of the corporation, respectively, is not the responsible master electrician or power limited technician, all requests for inspection shall be signed by the responsible master electrician or power limited technician. If the contractor is an individual or a sole proprietorship, the responsible licensed individual must be the individual, proprietor, or managing employee. If the contractor is a partnership, the responsible licensed individual must be a general partner or managing employee. If the licensed contractor is a limited liability company, the responsible licensed individual must be a chief manager or managing employee. If the contractor is a corporation, the responsible licensed individual must be an officer or managing employee. If the responsible licensed individual is a managing employee, the responsible licensed individual must be actively engaged in performing electrical work on behalf of the contractor, and cannot be employed in any capacity as an electrician or technician by any other contractor or employer designated in subdivision 21. An individual may be the responsible licensed individual for only one contractor or employer.

(c) All applications and renewals for contractor licenses shall include a verified statement that the applicant or licensee has complied with this subdivision.

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.42, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Direct supervision.

The term "direct supervision," with respect to direct supervision of a plumber's apprentice new text begin or registered unlicensed individual new text end by a master, restricted master, journeyman, or restricted journeyman plumber, means that:

(1) at all times while the plumber's apprentice new text begin or registered unlicensed individual new text end is performing plumbing work, the supervising plumber is present at the location where the plumber's apprentice new text begin or registered unlicensed individual new text end is working;

(2) the supervising plumber is physically present and immediately available to the plumber's apprentice new text begin or registered unlicensed individual new text end at all times for assistance and direction;

(3) any form of electronic supervision does not meet the requirement of physically present;

(4) the supervising plumber actually reviews the plumbing work performed by the plumber's apprentice new text begin or registered unlicensed individual new text end before the plumbing is operated; and

(5) the supervising plumber is able to and does determine that all plumbing work performed by the plumber's apprentice new text begin or registered unlicensed individual new text end is performed in compliance with the plumbing code.

Sec. 25.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.42, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Plumber's apprentice.

A "plumber's apprentice" is any individual deleted text begin , other than a master, restricted master, journeyman, or restricted journeyman plumber who, as a principal occupation, is engaged in working as an employee of a plumbing contractor under the direct supervision of a master, restricted master, journeyman, or restricted journeyman plumber and is learning and assisting in the installation of plumbing deleted text end new text begin who is employed in the practical installation of plumbing under an apprenticeship agreement approved by the department under Minnesota Rules, part 5200.0340 new text end .

Sec. 26.

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. 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) except for rules regulating continuing education, adopt rules that regulate the licensure or registration of plumbing contractors, journeymen, deleted text begin apprentices deleted text end new text begin unlicensed individuals new text end , master plumbers, restricted master plumbers, and restricted journeymen and other persons engaged in the design, installation, and alteration of plumbing systems, 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);

(6) advise the commissioner regarding educational requirements for plumbing inspectors;

(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. 27.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.47, is amended to read:

326B.47 deleted text begin PLUMBER'S APPRENTICES deleted text end new text begin UNLICENSED INDIVIDUALS new text end .

Subdivision 1.

Registration.

All new text begin unlicensed individuals, other than new text end plumber's apprentices new text begin , new text end must be registered new text begin under subdivision 3 new text end . deleted text begin To be a registered plumber's apprentice, an individual must either: deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) be an individual employed in the trade of plumbing under an apprenticeship agreement approved by the department under Minnesota Rules, part 5200.0300; or deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) be an unlicensed individual registered with the commissioner under subdivision 3. deleted text end A plumber's apprentice new text begin or registered unlicensed individual new text end is authorized to assist in the installation of plumbing only while under the direct supervision of a master, restricted master, journeyman, or restricted journeyman plumber. The master, restricted master, journeyman, or restricted journeyman plumber is responsible for ensuring that all plumbing work performed by the plumber's apprentice new text begin or registered unlicensed individual new text end complies with the plumbing code.

Subd. 2.

Journeyman exam.

A plumber's apprentice new text begin or registered unlicensed individual new text end who has completed four years of practical plumbing experience is eligible to take the journeyman plumbing examination. Up to 24 months of practical plumbing experience prior to becoming a plumber's apprentice new text begin or registered unlicensed individual new text end may be applied to the four-year experience requirement. However, none of this practical plumbing experience may be applied if the individual did not have any practical plumbing experience in the 12-month period immediately prior to becoming a plumber's apprentice new text begin or registered unlicensed individual new text end . The Plumbing Board may adopt rules to evaluate whether the individual's past practical plumbing experience is applicable in preparing for the journeyman's examination. If two years after completing the training the individual has not taken the examination, the four years of experience shall be forfeited.

The commissioner may allow an extension of the two-year period for taking the exam for cases of hardship or other appropriate circumstances.

Subd. 3.

Registration, rules, applications, renewals, and fees.

An unlicensed individual may register by completing and submitting to the commissioner a registration form provided by the commissioner. A completed registration form must state the date the individual began training, the individual's age, schooling, previous experience, and employer, and other information required by the commissioner. The board may prescribe rules, not inconsistent with this section, for the registration of unlicensed individuals. Each applicant for initial registration as a deleted text begin plumber's apprentice deleted text end new text begin registered unlicensed individual new text end shall pay the department an application fee of $25. Applications for initial registration may be submitted at any time. Registration must be renewed annually and shall be for the period from July 1 of each year to June 30 of the following year. Applications for renewal registration must be received by the commissioner by June 30 of each registration period on forms provided by the commissioner, and must be accompanied by a fee of $25. An application for renewal registration received on or after July 1 in any year but no more than three months after expiration of the previously issued registration must pay the past due renewal fee plus a late fee of $25. No applications for renewal registration will be accepted more than three months after expiration of the previously issued registration.

Sec. 28.

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

326B.84 GROUNDS FOR deleted text begin LICENSE deleted text end SANCTIONS.

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

(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. 29.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.89, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them.

(b) "Gross annual receipts" means the total amount derived from residential contracting or residential remodeling activities, regardless of where the activities are performed, and must not be reduced by costs of goods sold, expenses, losses, or any other amount.

(c) "Licensee" means a person licensed as a residential contractor or residential remodeler.

(d) "Residential real estate" means a new or existing building constructed for habitation by one to four families, and includes detached garages.

(e) "Fund" means the contractor recovery fund.

new text begin (f) "Owner" when used in connection with real property, means a person who has any legal or equitable interest in real property and includes a condominium or townhome association that owns common property located in a condominium building or townhome building or an associated detached garage. Owner does not include any real estate developer. new text end

Sec. 30.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.89, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Payment limitations.

deleted text begin Except as otherwise provided in this section, deleted text end The commissioner shall not pay compensation from the fund to an owner or a lessee in an amount greater than $75,000 new text begin per licensee new text end . deleted text begin Except as otherwise provided in this section, deleted text end The commissioner shall not pay compensation from the fund to owners and lessees in an amount that totals more than $150,000 per licensee. deleted text begin The commissioner shall not pay compensation from the fund for a final judgment based on a cause of action that arose before the commissioner's receipt of the licensee's fee required by subdivision 3. deleted text end The commissioner shall only pay compensation from the fund for a final judgment that is based on a contract directly between the licensee and the homeowner or lessee that was entered into prior to the cause of action and that requires licensure as a residential building contractor or residential remodeler.

Sec. 31.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.89, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Verified application.

To be eligible for compensation from the fund, an owner or lessee shall serve on the commissioner a verified application for compensation on a form approved by the commissioner. The application shall verify the following information:

(1) the specific grounds upon which the owner or lessee seeks to recover from the fund:

(2) that the owner or the lessee has obtained a final judgment in a court of competent jurisdiction against a licensee licensed under section deleted text begin 326B.803 deleted text end new text begin 326B.83 new text end ;

(3) that the final judgment was obtained against the licensee on the grounds of fraudulent, deceptive, or dishonest practices, conversion of funds, or failure of performance that arose directly out of a contract directly between the licensee and the homeowner or lessee that was entered into prior to the cause of action and that occurred when the licensee was licensed and performing any of the special skills enumerated under section 326B.802, subdivision 15;

(4) the amount of the owner's or the lessee's actual and direct out-of-pocket loss on the owner's residential real estate, on residential real estate leased by the lessee, or on new residential real estate that has never been occupied or that was occupied by the licensee for less than one year prior to purchase by the owner;

(5) that the residential real estate is located in Minnesota;

(6) that the owner or the lessee is not the spouse of the licensee or the personal representative of the licensee;

(7) the amount of the final judgment, any amount paid in satisfaction of the final judgment, and the amount owing on the final judgment as of the date of the verified application;

(8) that the owner or lessee has diligently pursued remedies against all the judgment debtors and all other persons liable to the judgment debtor in the contract for which the owner or lessee seeks recovery from the fund; and

(9) that the verified application is being served within two years after the judgment became final.

new text begin The verified application must include documents evidencing the amount of the owner's or the lessee's actual and direct out-of-pocket loss. new text end The owner's and the lessee's actual and direct out-of-pocket loss shall not include attorney fees, litigation costs or fees, interest on the loss, and interest on the final judgment obtained as a result of the loss. Any amount paid in satisfaction of the final judgment shall be applied to the owner's or lessee's actual and direct out-of-pocket loss. An owner or lessee may serve a verified application regardless of whether the final judgment has been discharged by a bankruptcy court. A judgment issued by a court is final if all proceedings on the judgment have either been pursued and concluded or been forgone, including all reviews and appeals. For purposes of this section, owners who are joint tenants or tenants in common are deemed to be a single owner. For purposes of this section, owners and lessees eligible for payment of compensation from the fund shall not include government agencies, political subdivisions, financial institutions, and any other entity that purchases, guarantees, or insures a loan secured by real estate.

Sec. 32.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.89, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Commissioner review.

The commissioner shall within 120 days after receipt of the new text begin complete new text end verified application:

(1) enter into an agreement with an owner or a lessee that resolves the verified application for compensation from the fund; or

(2) issue an order to the owner or the lessee accepting, modifying, or denying the verified application for compensation from the fund.

Upon receipt of an order issued under clause (2), the owner or the lessee shall have 30 days to serve upon the commissioner a written request for a hearing. If the owner or the lessee does not serve upon the commissioner a timely written request for hearing, the order issued under clause (2) shall become a final order of the commissioner that may not be reviewed by any court or agency. The commissioner shall order compensation from the fund only if the owner or the lessee has filed a verified application that complies with subdivision 6 and if the commissioner determines based on review of the application that compensation should be paid from the fund. The commissioner shall not be bound by any prior settlement, compromise, or stipulation between the owner or the lessee and the licensee.

Sec. 33.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.89, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8.

Administrative hearing.

If an owner or a lessee timely serves a request for hearing under subdivision 7, the commissioner shall request that an administrative law judge be assigned and that a hearing be conducted under the contested case provisions of chapter 14 within deleted text begin 30 deleted text end new text begin 45 new text end days after the deleted text begin service of the request for hearing upon the deleted text end commissioner new text begin received the request for hearing, unless the parties agree to a later date. The commissioner must notify the owner or lessee of the time and place of the hearing at least 15 days before the hearing new text end . Upon petition of the commissioner, the administrative law judge shall continue the hearing up to 60 days and upon a showing of good cause may continue the hearing for such additional period as the administrative law judge deems appropriate.

At the hearing the owner or the lessee shall have the burden of proving by substantial evidence under subdivision 6, clauses (1) to (8). new text begin Whenever an applicant's judgment is by default, stipulation, or consent, or whenever the action against the licensee was defended by a trustee in bankruptcy, the applicant shall have the burden of proving the cause of action for fraudulent, deceptive, or dishonest practices, conversion of funds, or failure of performance. Otherwise, the judgment shall create a rebuttable presumption of the fraudulent, deceptive, or dishonest practices, conversion of funds, or failure of performance. This presumption affects the burden of producing evidence. new text end

The administrative law judge shall issue findings of fact, conclusions of law, and order. If the administrative law judge finds that compensation should be paid to the owner or the lessee, the administrative law judge shall order the commissioner to make payment from the fund of the amount it finds to be payable pursuant to the provisions of and in accordance with the limitations contained in this section. The order of the administrative law judge shall constitute the final decision of the agency in the contested case. Judicial review of the administrative law judge's findings of fact, conclusions of law, and order shall be in accordance with sections 14.63 to 14.69.

Sec. 34.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.89, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10.

Right of subrogation.

new text begin Notwithstanding subdivisions 1 to 9 and 11 to 16, the commissioner shall not pay compensation from the fund to an owner or lessee unless and until the owner or lessee executes an assignment to the commissioner of all rights, title, and interest in the final judgment in the amount of the compensation to be paid under an agreement under subdivision 7, clause (1), or a final order issued under subdivision 7, clause (2), or subdivision 8. new text end If the commissioner pays compensation from the fund to an owner or a lessee pursuant to an agreement under subdivision 7, clause (1), or a final order issued under subdivision 7, clause (2), or subdivision 8, then the commissioner shall be subrogated to all of the rights, title, and interest in the owner's or lessee's final judgment in the amount of compensation paid from the fund deleted text begin and the owner or the lessee shall assign to the commissioner all rights, title, and interest in the final judgment in the amount of compensation paid deleted text end . The commissioner shall deposit in the fund money recovered under this subdivision.

Sec. 35.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.89, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

Subd. 13.

Condominiums or townhouses.

new text begin (a) new text end For purposes of this section, the deleted text begin owner or the lessee of a condominium or townhouse is considered an owner or a lessee of residential property deleted text end new text begin terms "owner" and "lessee" of residential real estate include the following, new text end regardless of the number of residential units per building deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin : new text end

new text begin (1) an owner or lessee of an apartment as defined in and governed by chapter 515; new text end

new text begin (2) an owner or lessee of a unit in a common interest community created under or governed by chapter 515B; new text end

new text begin (3) an owner or lessee of a unit in a planned community or cooperative created prior to June 1, 1994, that has not elected to be governed by chapter 515B; new text end

new text begin (4) an association or master association, as defined in chapter 515B, that owns or leases the common elements of a common interest community; and new text end

new text begin (5) a homeowners association that owns or leases the common elements in a planned community or cooperative created prior to June 1, 1994, that has not elected to be governed by chapter 515B. new text end

new text begin (b) For purposes of this subdivision, "common elements" means common areas and facilities as defined in chapter 515 and common elements as defined in chapter 515B. new text end

Sec. 36.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.89, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 17. new text end

new text begin Recovery of payments. new text end

new text begin If the commissioner pays compensation from the fund on the basis of any false or misleading information provided to the commissioner in connection with the application for compensation, then, upon the application of the commissioner, a district court shall order the owner or lessee to repay to the fund all such compensation paid from the fund. In addition, the state may be allowed an amount determined by the court to be the reasonable value of all or part of the litigation expenses, including attorney fees, incurred by the state. The commissioner shall deposit in the fund money recovered under this subdivision. new text end

Sec. 37.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.89, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 18. new text end

new text begin Payment of penalty. new text end

new text begin If an owner or lessee violates section 326B.084 in connection with an application for compensation from the fund, and if the commissioner issues to the owner or lessee an administrative order under section 326B.082, subdivision 7, for that violation of section 326B.084, then the commissioner shall deposit in the fund all penalties paid pursuant to the administrative order. new text end

Sec. 38.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 326B.921, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Registration requirement.

All unlicensed individuals, other than pipefitter apprentices, must be registered under subdivision 4. No licensed high pressure piping business shall employ an unlicensed individual to assist in the practical construction and installation of high pressure piping and appurtenances unless the unlicensed individual is registered with the department. A pipefitter apprentice or registered unlicensed individual employed by a high pressure piping business may assist in the practical construction and installation of high pressure piping and appurtenances only while under direct supervision of a licensed contracting high pressure pipefitter or licensed journeyman high pressure pipefitter employed by the same high pressure piping business. The licensed contracting high pressure pipefitter or licensed journeyman high pressure pipefitter shall supervise no more than two pipefitter apprentices or registered unlicensed individuals. The licensed contracting high pressure pipefitter or journeyman high pressure pipefitter is responsible for ensuring that all high pressure piping work performed by the pipefitter apprentice or registered unlicensed individual complies with Minnesota Statutes and Minnesota Rules.

deleted text begin The board shall make recommendations by October 1, 2008, to the chairs of the standing committees of the senate and house of representatives having jurisdiction over high pressure piping regulation on the ratio of licensed contracting high pressure pipefitters or licensed journeyman high pressure pipefitters to pipefitter apprentices or registered unlicensed individuals for purposes of supervision. deleted text end

Sec. 39.

Laws 2010, chapter 183, section 8, the effective date, is amended to read:

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective August 1, deleted text begin 2009 deleted text end new text begin 2010 new text end , 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.

Sec. 40.

new text begin REPEALER. new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 299G.11; 299G.13, subdivisions 1, 6, 9, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28; 299G.14; 299G.15; 299G.16; 299G.17; 299G.18; 326B.115; and 326B.37, subdivision 13, new text end new text begin are repealed. new text end

new text begin Minnesota Rules, parts 5200.0020; 5200.0050; and 5200.0080, subparts 2, 3, 4, 4a, 4b, 6, 7, and 8, new text end new text begin are repealed. new text end

Sec. 41.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin Sections 2 to 7 and 39 are effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Presented to the governor April 22, 2010

Signed by the governor April 26, 2010, 5:14 p.m.