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

CHAPTER 295--S.F.No. 1653

An act

relating to labor and industry; clarifying employee classification of independent contractors; providing a pilot project for contractor registration; providing for penalties; making labor and industry technical changes;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 178.01; 178.03, subdivisions 3, 4; 178.05, subdivisions 1, 2; 178.06; 178.07; 178.08; 178.09, subdivisions 1, 2; 181.723, subdivisions 1, 4, 7, 10, 15, 16, by adding subdivisions; 289A.31, subdivision 5; 326B.081, subdivision 3; 326B.092, subdivisions 2, 7; 326B.103, subdivision 3; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 181.723, subdivision 5; 326B.0981, subdivision 4; 326B.46, subdivision 1a; 326B.49, subdivision 1; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 181.723, subdivisions 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17; 290.92, subdivision 31; Minnesota Rules, parts 1300.0230, subpart 4; 1301.1201; 1302.0600; 3801.3640; 3801.3650; 3801.3660; 3801.3670; 3801.3680; 3801.3690; 3801.3700; 3801.3710; 3801.3720; 3801.3730; 3801.3740; 3801.3760; 3801.3790; 3801.3800; 5202.0100; 5202.0110; 5202.0120; 5202.0130; 5202.0140; 5202.0150; 5202.0160.

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

ARTICLE 1

LABOR AND INDUSTRY HOUSEKEEPING

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 178.01, is amended to read:

178.01 PURPOSES.

The purposes of this chapter are: to open to deleted text begin youngdeleted text end new text begin allnew text end people regardless of race, sex, creed, color or national origin, the opportunity to obtain training and on-the-job learning that will equip them for profitable employment and citizenship; to establish as a means to this end, a program of voluntary apprenticeship under approved deleted text begin apprenticedeleted text end new text begin apprenticeshipnew text end agreements providing facilities for their training and guidance in the arts, skills, and crafts of industry and tradenew text begin or occupationnew text end , with concurrent, supplementary instruction in related subjects; to promote apprenticeship opportunities under conditions providing adequate training and on-the-job learning 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 deleted text begin apprenticedeleted text end new text begin apprenticeshipnew text end agreement controversies; and to accomplish related ends.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, 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-the-job learning; to establish, in cooperation and consultation with the Apprenticeship Board and with the apprenticeship committees, conditions, training, and learning standards for the approval of apprenticeship programs and agreements, which conditions and standards shall in no case be lower than those (1) prescribed by this chapter, and (2) established under Code of Federal Regulations, title 29, part 29; to promote equal employment opportunity in apprenticeship and other on-the-job learning 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 deleted text begin journeymandeleted text end new text begin journeyworkernew text end 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 deleted text begin journeymendeleted text end new text begin journeyworkersnew text end 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. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, 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 deleted text begin Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training,deleted text end United States Department of Labor, new text begin Office of Apprenticeship, new text end when such approval is necessary for federal purposes under Code of Federal Regulations, title 29, section 29.13(a)new text begin or 29.13(b)(7)new text end .

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 178.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Establishment of committees.

Apprenticeship committees may be established by the director to supervise the operation of apprenticeship programs. Establishment of a committee may be considered justified if either of the following conditions are met:

(a) When the employers and employees in a tradenew text begin or occupationnew text end or tradesnew text begin or occupationsnew text end are parties to a collective bargaining agreement requiring joint participation in program operation; or

(b) When five or more apprentices are enrolled under a program.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 178.05, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Members.

(a) The total number of members on a committee may range from four to twelve.

(b) In joint participation there shall be equal representation of employers and employees.

(c) Members shall be selected by the group or groups they represent subject to approval by the director.

deleted text begin (d) A committee may have as one of its employee representatives, an active apprentice of record, provided that the apprentice has completed a minimum of 6,000 hours of an apprenticeship term or has entered the fourth year of the term. deleted text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, 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 deleted text begin apprenticedeleted text end new text begin apprenticeshipnew text end agreement, with a committee, an employer, an association of employers, or an organization of employees, which deleted text begin apprentice agreementdeleted text end provides fornew text begin learning consistent with this chapter and Code of Federal Regulations, title 29, section 29.5(b)(1) and (b)(2)new text end :

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

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

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

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. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 178.07, is amended to read:

178.07 deleted text begin APPRENTICEdeleted text end new text begin APPRENTICESHIPnew text end AGREEMENTS.

Every deleted text begin apprenticedeleted text end new text begin apprenticeshipnew text end agreement entered into under this chapter shall contain:

(1) the names of the contracting parties;

(2) the date of birth, and information as to the race and sex of the apprentice;

(3) a statement of the trade, craft, new text begin occupation, new text end or business which the apprentice is to be taught, and the time at which the apprenticeship will begin and end;

(4) a statement showing the number of hours to be spent by the apprentice in work and the number of hours to be spent in concurrent, supplementary instruction in related subjects, which instruction shall be not less than 144 hours during each year of the apprenticeship term. The maximum number of hours of work per week not including time spent in related and supplemental instruction for any apprentice shall not exceed either the number prescribed by law or the customary regular number of hours per week for the employees of the company by which the apprentice is employed. An apprentice may be allowed to work overtime provided that the overtime work does not conflict with supplementary instruction course attendance. All time in excess of the number of hours of work per week as specified in the apprenticeship agreement shall be considered overtime. For overtime, the apprentice's rate of pay shall be increased by the same percentage as the deleted text begin journeyman'sdeleted text end new text begin journeyworker'snew text end rate of pay for overtime is increased in the same industry or establishment;

(5) a statement setting forth a schedule of the processes in the tradenew text begin , occupation,new text end or industry divisions in which the apprentice is to be taught and the approximate time to be spent at each process;

(6) a statement of the graduated scale of wages to be paid the apprentice and whether the required school time shall be compensated;

(7) a statement providing for a period of probation of not more than 500 hours of employment and instruction extending over not more than four months, during which time the deleted text begin apprenticedeleted text end new text begin apprenticeshipnew text end agreement shall be terminated by the director upon written request of either party, and providing that after such probationary period the deleted text begin apprenticedeleted text end new text begin apprenticeshipnew text end agreement may be terminated by the director by mutual agreement of all parties thereto, or terminated by the director for good and sufficient reason;

(8) a provision that controversies or differences concerning the terms of the deleted text begin apprenticedeleted text end new text begin apprenticeshipnew text end agreement which cannot be resolved by the parties thereto, or which are not covered by a collective bargaining agreement, may be submitted to the director for determination as provided for in section 178.09;

(9) a provision that an employer who is unable to fulfill an obligation under the deleted text begin apprenticedeleted text end new text begin apprenticeshipnew text end agreement may, with the approval of the director, transfer such contract to any other employer, provided that the apprentice consents and that such other employer agrees to assume the obligations of the deleted text begin apprenticedeleted text end new text begin apprenticeshipnew text end agreement; and

(10) such additional terms and conditions as may be prescribed or approved by the director not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 178.08, is amended to read:

178.08 DIRECTOR TO APPROVE deleted text begin APPRENTICEdeleted text end new text begin APPRENTICESHIPnew text end AGREEMENTS.

Every deleted text begin apprenticedeleted text end new text begin apprenticeshipnew text end 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 deleted text begin apprenticedeleted text end new text begin apprenticeshipnew text end agreement under this chapter for a period of learning extending into majority the deleted text begin apprenticedeleted text end new text begin apprenticeshipnew text end agreement shall likewise be binding for such a period as may be covered during the apprentice's majority.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 178.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Complaint.

Upon the complaint of any interested person or upon the director's own initiative the director may investigate to determine if there has been a violation of the terms of an deleted text begin apprenticedeleted text end new text begin apprenticeshipnew text end agreement made under this chapter. The director may conduct such proceedings as are necessary for that investigation and determination. All such proceedings shall be on a fair and impartial basis and shall be conducted according to rules promulgated under section 178.041.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 178.09, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Determination; appeal.

The determination of the director shall be filed with the commissioner and written notice shall be served on all parties affected by it. Any person aggrieved by any determination or action of the director may appeal to the commissioner. If no appeal is filed with the commissioner within ten days of the date of service, the director's determination shall become the order of the commissioner. If an appeal is filed, the commissioner shall appoint and convene a hearing board to be composed of three members of the deleted text begin councildeleted text end new text begin Apprenticeship Board appointed under section 178.02new text end , one member being a representative of an employer organization, one representative being a member of an employee organization, and one member representing the general public. The board shall hold a hearing on the appeal after due notice to the interested parties and shall submit to the commissioner findings of fact and a recommended decision accompanied by a memorandum of the reasons for it. Within 30 days after submission, the commissioner may adopt the recommended decision of the board, or disregard the recommended decision of the board and prepare a decision based on the findings of fact and accompanied by a memorandum of reasons for that decision. Written notice of the commissioner's determination and order shall be served on all parties affected by it. Any person aggrieved or affected by any determination or order of the commissioner may appeal from it to the district court having jurisdiction at any time within 30 days after the date of the order by service of a written notice of appeal on the commissioner. Upon service of the notice of appeal, the commissioner shall file with the court administrator of the district court to which the appeal is taken a certified copy of the order appealed from, together with findings of fact on which it is based. The person serving a notice of appeal shall, within five days after its service, file it, with proof of service, with the court administrator of the court to which the appeal is taken. The district court shall then have jurisdiction over the appeal and it shall be entered in the records of the district court and tried de novo according to the applicable rules. Any person aggrieved or affected by any determination, order, or decision of the district court may appeal as in other civil cases.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 326B.092, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Licenses not requiring examination administered by commissioner.

If the applicant for a license is not required to pass an examination in order to obtain the license, or is required to pass an examination that is not administered by the commissioner, then the license fee must accompany the application for the license. If the application is for a license issued under sections 326B.802 to 326B.885 and is not an application for license renewal, then the contractor recovery fund fee required under section 326B.89, subdivision 3, is due deleted text begin after the department has determined that the applicant meets the qualifications for licensing anddeleted text end before the license is issued.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 326B.092, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

License fees and license renewal fees.

(a) The license fee for each license deleted text begin except a renewed license shall be the base license fee plus any applicable board fee, as set forth in this subdivision. The license renewal fee for each renewed licensedeleted text end is the base license fee plus any applicable board fee, continuing education fee, and contractor recovery fund fee and additional assessment, as set forth in this subdivision.

(b) For purposes of this section, "license duration" means the number of years for which the license is issued except that:

(1) if the initial license is not issued for a whole number of years, the license duration shall be rounded up to the next whole number; and

(2) if the department receives an application for license renewal after the renewal deadline, license duration means the number of years for which the renewed license would have been issued if the renewal application had been submitted on time and all other requirements for renewal had been met.

(c) The base license fee shall depend on whether the license is classified as an entry level, master, journeyman, or business license, and on the license duration. The base license fee shall be:

License Classification License Duration
1 Year 2 Years 3 Years
Entry level $10 $20 $30
Journeyman $20 $40 $60
Master $40 $80 $120
Business $90 $180 $270

(d) If there is a continuing education requirement for renewal of the license, then a continuing education fee must be included in the renewal license fee. The continuing education fee for all license classifications shall be: $10 if the renewal license duration is one year; $20 if the renewal license duration is two years; and $30 if the renewal license duration is three years.

(e) If the license is issued under sections 326B.31 to 326B.59 or 326B.90 to 326B.93, then a board fee must be included in the license fee and the renewal license fee. The board fee for all license classifications shall be: $4 if the license duration is one year; $8 if the license duration is two years; and $12 if the license duration is three years.

(f) If the application is for the renewal of a license issued under sections 326B.802 to 326B.885, then the contractor recovery fund fee required under section 326B.89, subdivision 3, and any additional assessment required under section 326B.89, subdivision 16, must be included in the license renewal fee.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 326B.0981, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Internet continuing education.

(a) The design and delivery of an Internet continuing education course must be approved by the International Distance Education Certification Center (IDECC) new text begin or the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) new text end before the course is submitted for the commissioner's approval. The deleted text begin IDECCdeleted text end approval must accompany the course submitted.

(b) An Internet continuing education course must:

(1) specify the minimum computer system requirements;

(2) provide encryption that ensures that all personal information, including the student's name, address, and credit card number, cannot be read as it passes across the Internet;

(3) include technology to guarantee seat time;

(4) include a high level of interactivity;

(5) include graphics that reinforce the content;

(6) include the ability for the student to contact an instructor or course sponsor within a reasonable amount of time;

(7) include the ability for the student to get technical support within a reasonable amount of time;

(8) include a statement that the student's information will not be sold or distributed to any third party without prior written consent of the student. Taking the course does not constitute consent;

(9) be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, excluding minimal downtime for updating and administration, except that this provision does not apply to live courses taught by an actual instructor and delivered over the Internet;

(10) provide viewing access to the online course at all times to the commissioner, excluding minimal downtime for updating and administration;

(11) include a process to authenticate the student's identity;

(12) inform the student and the commissioner how long after its purchase a course will be accessible;

(13) inform the student that license education credit will not be awarded for taking the course after it loses its status as an approved course;

(14) provide clear instructions on how to navigate through the course;

(15) provide automatic bookmarking at any point in the course;

(16) provide questions after each unit or chapter that must be answered before the student can proceed to the next unit or chapter;

(17) include a reinforcement response when a quiz question is answered correctly;

(18) include a response when a quiz question is answered incorrectly;

(19) include a final examination in which the student must correctly answer 70 percent of the questions;

(20) allow the student to go back and review any unit at any time, except during the final examination;

(21) provide a course evaluation at the end of the course. At a minimum, the evaluation must ask the student to report any difficulties caused by the online education delivery method;

(22) provide a completion certificate when the course and exam have been completed and the provider has verified the completion. Electronic certificates are sufficient and shall include the name of the provider, date and location of the course, educational program identification that was provided by the department, hours of instruction or continuing education hours, and licensee's or attendee's name and license, certification, or registration number or the last four digits of the licensee's or attendee's Social Security number; and

(23) allow the commissioner the ability to electronically review the class to determine if credit can be approved.

(c) The final examination must be either an encrypted online examination or a paper examination that is monitored by a proctor who certifies that the student took the examination.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 326B.103, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Agricultural building.

"Agricultural building" means a structurenew text begin that is:new text end

new text begin (1)new text end on agricultural land as deleted text begin defined indeleted text end new text begin determined by the governing assessor for the municipality or county undernew text end section 273.13, subdivision 23deleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;new text end

new text begin (2)new text end designed, constructed, and used to house farm implements, livestock, or agricultural deleted text begin produce ordeleted text end products new text begin under section 273.13, subdivision 23; andnew text end

new text begin (3) new text end used by the owner, lessee, and sublessee of the building and members of their immediate families, their employees, and persons engaged in the pickup or delivery of agricultural deleted text begin produce ordeleted text end products.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 326B.46, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

Exemptions from licensing.

(a) An individual without a contractor license may do plumbing work on the individual's residence in accordance with subdivision 1, paragraph (a).

(b) An individual who is an employee working on the maintenance and repair of plumbing equipment, apparatus, or facilities owned or leased by the individual's employer and which is within the limits of property owned or leased, and operated or maintained by the individual's employer, shall not be required to maintain a contractor license as long as the employer has on file with the commissioner a current certificate of responsible individual. The responsible individual must be a master plumber or, in an area of the state that is not a city or town with a population of more than 5,000 according to the last federal census, a restricted master plumber. The certificate must be signed by the responsible individual and must state that the person signing the certificate is responsible for ensuring that the maintenance and repair work performed by the employer's employees complies with sections 326B.41 to 326B.49, all rules adopted under those sections and sections 326B.50 to 326B.59, and all orders issued under section 326B.082. The employer must pay a filing fee to file a certificate of responsible individual with the commissioner. The certificate shall expire two years from the date of filing. In order to maintain a current certificate of responsible individual, the employer must resubmit a certificate of responsible individual, with a filing fee, no later than two years from the date of the previous submittal. The filing of the certificate of responsible individual does not exempt any employee of the employer from the requirements of this chapter regarding individual licensing as a plumber or registration as deleted text begin a plumber's apprenticedeleted text end new text begin an unlicensed individualnew text end .

(c) If a contractor employs a licensed plumber, the licensed plumber does not need a separate contractor license to perform plumbing work on behalf of the employer within the scope of the licensed plumber's license.

(d) A person may perform and offer to perform building sewer or water service installation without a contractor's license if the person is in compliance with the bond and insurance requirements of subdivision 2.

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 326B.49, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Application, examination, and license fees.

(a) Applications for master and journeyman plumber's licenses shall be made to the commissioner, with all fees required by section 326B.092. Unless the applicant is entitled to a renewal, the applicant shall be licensed by the commissioner only after passing a satisfactory examination developed and administered by the commissioner, based upon rules adopted by the Plumbing Board, showing fitness.

(b) All initial journeyman plumber's licenses shall be effective for more than one calendar year and shall expire on December 31 of the year after the year in which the application is made. All master plumber's licenses shall expire on December 31 of each even-numbered year after issuance or renewal. The commissioner shall in a manner determined by the commissioner, without the need for any rulemaking under chapter 14, phase in the renewal of master and journeyman plumber's licenses from one year to two years. By June 30, 2011, all renewed master and journeyman plumber's licenses shall be two-year licenses.

(c) Applications for contractor licenses shall be made to the commissioner, with all fees required by section 326B.092. All contractor licenses shall expire on December 31 of each odd-numbered year after issuance or renewal.

(d) For purposes of calculating license fees and renewal license fees required under section 326B.092:

(1) the following licenses shall be considered business licenses: plumbing contractor and restricted plumbing contractor;

(2) the following licenses shall be considered master licenses: master plumber and restricted master plumber;

(3) the following licenses shall be considered journeyman licenses: journeyman plumber and restricted journeyman plumber; and

(4) the registration of deleted text begin a plumber's apprenticedeleted text end new text begin an unlicensed individualnew text end under section 326B.47, subdivision 3, shall be considered an entry level license.

(e) For each filing of a certificate of responsible individual by an employer, the fee is $100.

(f) The commissioner shall charge each person giving bond under section 326B.46, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), a biennial bond filing fee of $100, unless the person is a licensed contractor.

Sec. 17.

new text begin REPEALER. new text end

new text begin Minnesota Rules, parts 1300.0230, subpart 4; 1301.1201; 1302.0600; 3801.3640; 3801.3650; 3801.3660; 3801.3670; 3801.3680; 3801.3690; 3801.3700; 3801.3710; 3801.3720; 3801.3730; 3801.3740; 3801.3760; 3801.3790; and 3801.3800, new text end new text begin are repealed. new text end

ARTICLE 2

EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 181.723, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

(a) "Person" means any individual, limited liability deleted text begin corporationdeleted text end new text begin company, limited liability partnershipnew text end , corporation, partnership, incorporated or unincorporated association, sole proprietorship, joint stock company, or any other legal or commercial entity.

(b) "Department" means the Department of Labor and Industry.

(c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of labor and industry or a duly designated representative of the commissioner who is either an employee of the Department of Labor and Industry or person working under contract with the Department of Labor and Industry.

(d) "Individual" means a human being.

(e) "Day" means calendar day unless otherwise provided.

(f) "Knowingly" means knew or could have known with the exercise of reasonable diligence.

(g) "Document" or "documents" includes papers; books; records; memoranda; data; contracts; drawings; graphs; charts; photographs; digital, video, and audio recordings; records; accounts; files; statements; letters; e-mails; invoices; bills; notes; and calendars maintained in any form or manner.

new text begin (h) "Business entity" means a person other than an individual or a sole proprietor. new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 181.723, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Independent contractor.

new text begin (a)new text end An individual is an independent contractor and not an employee of the person for whom the individual is performing services in the course of the person's trade, business, profession, or occupation only if deleted text begin (1) the individual holds a current independent contractor exemption certificate issued by the commissioner; and (2) the individual is performing services for the person under the independent contractor exemption certificate as provided in subdivision 6. The requirements in clauses (1) and (2) must be met in order to qualify as an independent contractor and not as an employee of the person for whom the individual is performing services in the course of the person's trade, business, profession, or occupation.deleted text end new text begin the individual is registered with the Department of Labor and Industry, if required under subdivision 4a, and the individual:new text end

new text begin (1) maintains a separate business with the individual's own office, equipment, materials, and other facilities; new text end

new text begin (2)(i) holds or has applied for a federal employer identification number or (ii) has filed business or self-employment income tax returns with the federal Internal Revenue Service if the individual has performed services in the previous year; new text end

new text begin (3) is operating under contract to perform the specific services for the person for specific amounts of money and under which the individual controls the means of performing the services; new text end

new text begin (4) is incurring the main expenses related to the services that the individual is performing for the person under the contract; new text end

new text begin (5) is responsible for the satisfactory completion of the services that the individual has contracted to perform for the person and is liable for a failure to complete the services; new text end

new text begin (6) receives compensation from the person for the services performed under the contract on a commission or per-job or competitive bid basis and not on any other basis; new text end

new text begin (7) may realize a profit or suffer a loss under the contract to perform services for the person; new text end

new text begin (8) has continuing or recurring business liabilities or obligations; and new text end

new text begin (9) the success or failure of the individual's business depends on the relationship of business receipts to expenditures. new text end

new text begin (b) If an individual is an owner or partial owner of a business entity, the individual is an employee of the person for whom the individual is performing services in the course of the person's trade, business, profession, or occupation, and is not an employee of the business entity in which the individual has an ownership interest, unless: new text end

new text begin (1) the business entity meets the nine factors in paragraph (a); new text end

new text begin (2) invoices are submitted in the name of the business entity; new text end

new text begin (3) the business entity is registered with the secretary of state, if required; and new text end

new text begin (4) the business entity is registered with the Department of Labor and Industry, if required under subdivision 4a. new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 181.723, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 4a. new text end

new text begin Registration pilot project. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall implement a pilot project, effective July 1, 2012, for the registration of persons who perform public or private sector commercial or residential building construction or improvement services as described in subdivision 2. The purpose of the pilot project is to evaluate whether the information obtained through registration assists the Department of Labor and Industry, the Department of Employment and Economic Development, and the Department of Revenue to enforce laws related to misclassification of employees. The commissioner shall issue a report to the legislature no later than January 1, 2014, on recommendations for amendments to the registration program, including reasonable registration fees to be used to aid in enforcing misclassification laws. The commissioner must not charge a fee for registration under the pilot project, but may take the enforcement action specified in subdivision 8a. The pilot project shall expire on June 30, 2014, unless extended by the legislature. new text end

new text begin (b) Except as provided in paragraph (c), any person who performs construction services in the state on or after September 15, 2012, must register with the commissioner as provided in subdivision 5 before performing construction services for another person. The requirements for registration under this subdivision are not a substitute for, and do not relieve a person from complying with, any other law requiring that the person be licensed, registered, or certified. new text end

new text begin (c) The registration requirements in this subdivision do not apply to: new text end

new text begin (1) a person who, at the time the person is performing the construction services, holds a current license, certificate, or registration under chapter 299M or 326B; new text end

new text begin (2) a person who holds a current independent contractor exemption certificate issued under this section that is in effect on September 15, 2012, except that the person must register under this section no later than the date the exemption certificate expires, is revoked, or is canceled; new text end

new text begin (3) a person who has given a bond to the state under section 326B.197 or 326B.46; new text end

new text begin (4) an employee of the person performing the construction services, if the person was in compliance with laws related to employment of the individual at the time the construction services were performed; new text end

new text begin (5) an architect or professional engineer engaging in professional practice as defined in section 326.02, subdivisions 2 and 3; new text end

new text begin (6) a school district or technical college governed under chapter 136F; new text end

new text begin (7) a person providing construction services on a volunteer basis, including but not limited to Habitat for Humanity and Builders Outreach Foundation, and their individual volunteers when engaged in activities on their behalf; or new text end

new text begin (8) a person exempt from licensing under section 326B.805, subdivision 6, clause (5). new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 181.723, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

new text begin Registration new text end application.

deleted text begin To obtain an independent contractor exemption certificate, the individual must submitdeleted text end new text begin (a) Persons required to register under subdivision 4a must submit electronicallynew text end , in the manner prescribed by the commissioner, a complete application deleted text begin and the certificate fee required under subdivision 14deleted text end new text begin according to paragraphs (b) to (d)new text end .

deleted text begin (a)deleted text end new text begin (b)new text end A complete application must include all of the following informationnew text begin about any individual who is registering as an individual or a sole proprietor, or who owns 25 percent or more of a business entity being registerednew text end :

(1) the individual's fullnew text begin legalnew text end namenew text begin and title at applicant's businessnew text end ;

(2) the individual's deleted text begin residencedeleted text end new text begin businessnew text end address and telephone number;

(3) the deleted text begin individual's business name, address, and telephone number;deleted text end new text begin percentage of the applicant's business owned by the individual; andnew text end

deleted text begin (4) the services for which the individual is seeking an independent contractor exemption certificate; deleted text end

deleted text begin (5)deleted text end new text begin (4)new text end the individual's Social Security numberdeleted text begin ;deleted text end new text begin .new text end

deleted text begin (6) the individual's or the individual's business federal employer identification number, if a number has been issued to the individual or the individual's business; deleted text end

deleted text begin (7) any information or documentation that the commissioner requires by rule that will assist the department in determining whether to grant or deny the individual's application; and deleted text end

deleted text begin (8) the individual's sworn statement that the individual meets all of the following conditions: deleted text end

deleted text begin (i) maintains a separate business with the individual's own office, equipment, materials, and other facilities; deleted text end

deleted text begin (ii) holds or has applied for a federal employer identification number or has filed business or self-employment income tax returns with the federal Internal Revenue Service if the person has performed services in the previous year for which the individual is seeking the independent contractor exemption certificate; deleted text end

deleted text begin (iii) operates under contracts to perform specific services for specific amounts of money and under which the individual controls the means of performing the services; deleted text end

deleted text begin (iv) incurs the main expenses related to the service that the individual performs under contract; deleted text end

deleted text begin (v) is responsible for the satisfactory completion of services that the individual contracts to perform and is liable for a failure to complete the service; deleted text end

deleted text begin (vi) receives compensation for service performed under a contract on a commission or per-job or competitive bid basis and not on any other basis; deleted text end

deleted text begin (vii) may realize a profit or suffer a loss under contracts to perform service; deleted text end

deleted text begin (viii) has continuing or recurring business liabilities or obligations; and deleted text end

deleted text begin (ix) the success or failure of the individual's business depends on the relationship of business receipts to expenditures. deleted text end

deleted text begin (b) Individuals who are applying for or renewing a residential building contractor or residential remodeler license under sections 326B.197, 326B.802, 326B.805, 326B.81, 326B.815, 326B.821 to 326B.86, 326B.87 to 326B.885, and 327B.041, and any rules promulgated pursuant thereto, may simultaneously apply for or renew an independent contractor exemption certificate. The commissioner shall create an application form that allows for the simultaneous application for both a residential building contractor or residential remodeler license and an independent contractor exemption certificate. If individuals simultaneously apply for or renew a residential building contractor or residential remodeler license and an independent contractor exemption certificate using the form created by the commissioner, individuals shall only be required to provide, in addition to the information required by section 326B.83 and rules promulgated pursuant thereto, the sworn statement required by paragraph (a), clause (8), and any additional information required by this subdivision that is not also required by section 326B.83 and any rules promulgated thereto. An independent contractor exemption certificate that is in effect before March 1, 2009, shall remain in effect until March 1, 2013, unless revoked by the commissioner or canceled by the individual. deleted text end

deleted text begin (c) Within 30 days of receiving a complete application and the certificate fee, the commissioner must either grant or deny the application. The commissioner may deny an application for an independent contractor exemption certificate if the individual has not submitted a complete application and certificate fee or if the individual does not meet all of the conditions for holding the independent contractor exemption certificate. The commissioner may revoke an independent contractor exemption certificate if the commissioner determines that the individual no longer meets all of the conditions for holding the independent contractor exemption certificate, commits any of the actions set out in subdivision 7, or fails to cooperate with a department investigation into the continued validity of the individual's certificate. Once issued, an independent contractor exemption certificate remains in effect for four years unless: deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) revoked by the commissioner; or deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) canceled by the individual. deleted text end

deleted text begin (d) If the department denies an individual's original or renewal application for an independent contractor exemption certificate or revokes an independent contractor exemption certificate, the commissioner shall issue to the individual an order denying or revoking the certificate. The commissioner may issue an administrative penalty order to an individual or person who commits any of the actions set out in subdivision 7. The commissioner may file and enforce the unpaid portion of a penalty as a judgment in district court without further notice or additional proceedings. deleted text end

deleted text begin (e) An individual or person to whom the commissioner issues an order under paragraph (d) shall have 30 days after service 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 facsimile number specified in the order by the 30th day after service of the order. If the individual does not request a hearing or if the individual's request for a hearing is not served on or faxed to the commissioner by the 30th day after service 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 individual serves or faxes a timely request for hearing, the hearing shall be a contested case hearing and shall be held in accordance with chapter 14. deleted text end

new text begin (c) A complete application must also include the following information: new text end

new text begin (1) the applicant's legal name; assumed name filed with the secretary of state, if any; designated business address; physical address; telephone number; and e-mail address; new text end

new text begin (2) the applicant's Minnesota tax identification number, if one is required or has been issued; new text end

new text begin (3) the applicant's federal employer identification number, if one is required or has been issued; new text end

new text begin (4) evidence of the active status of the applicant's business filings with the secretary of state, if one is required or has been issued; new text end

new text begin (5) whether the applicant has any employees at the time the application is filed; new text end

new text begin (6) the names of all other persons with an ownership interest in the business entity who are not identified in paragraph (b), and the percentage of the interest owned by each person, except that the names of shareholders with less than ten percent ownership in a publicly traded corporation need not be provided; new text end

new text begin (7) information documenting compliance with workers' compensation and unemployment insurance laws; new text end

new text begin (8) a certification that the person signing the application has: reviewed it; determined that the information provided is true and accurate; and determined that the person signing is authorized to sign and file the application as an agent of the applicant. The name of the person signing, entered on an electronic application, shall constitute a valid signature of the agent on behalf of the applicant; and new text end

new text begin (9) a signed authorization for the Department of Labor and Industry to verify the information provided on or with the application. new text end

new text begin (d) A registered person must notify the commissioner within 15 days after there is a change in any of the information on the application as approved. This notification must be provided electronically in the manner prescribed by the commissioner. However, if the business entity structure, legal form of the business entity, or business ownership has changed, the person must submit a new registration application and registration fee, if any, for the new business entity. new text end

new text begin (e) The registered person must remain registered while providing construction services for another person. The provisions of sections 326B.091 and 326B.094 to 326B.097 apply to this section. new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 181.723, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 5a. new text end

new text begin Web site. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall develop and maintain a Web site on which applicants for registration can submit a registration application. The Web site shall be designed to receive and process registration applications and promptly issue registration certificates electronically to successful applicants. new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall maintain the certificates of registration on the department's official public Web site, which shall include the following information: new text end

new text begin (1) the registered person's legal business name, including any assumed name, as filed with the secretary of state; new text end

new text begin (2) the person's business address designated on the application; and new text end

new text begin (3) the effective date of the registration and the expiration date. new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 181.723, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Prohibited activities.

new text begin (a) The prohibited activities in this subdivision are in addition to those prohibited in sections 326B.081 to 326B.085. new text end

deleted text begin (a)deleted text end new text begin (b)new text end An individual shall notdeleted text begin :deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) perform work as an independent contractor who meets the qualifications under subdivision 6 without first obtaining from the department an independent contractor exemption certificate; deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) perform work as an independent contractor when the department has denied or revoked the individual's independent contractor exemption certificate; deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) transfer to another individual or allow another individual to use the individual's independent contractor exemption certificate; deleted text end

deleted text begin (4) alter or falsify an independent contractor exemption certificate; deleted text end

deleted text begin (5) misrepresent the individual's status as an independent contractor; or deleted text end

deleted text begin (6) make a false material statement, representation, or certification; omit material information; or alter, conceal, or fail to file a document required by this section or any rule promulgated by the commissioner under rulemaking authority set out in this section. deleted text end new text begin hold himself or herself out as an independent contractor unless the individual meets the requirements of subdivision 4. new text end

deleted text begin (b)deleted text end new text begin (c)new text end A personnew text begin who provides construction services in the course of the person's trade, business, occupation, or professionnew text end shall not:

(1) require an individual through coercion, misrepresentation, or fraudulent means to adopt independent contractor statusnew text begin or form a business entitynew text end ;

(2) knowingly misrepresent deleted text begin that an individual who has not been issueddeleted text end new text begin or misclassify an individual asnew text end an independent contractor deleted text begin exemption certificate or is not performing services for the person under an independent contractor exemption certificate is an independent contractordeleted text end ; deleted text begin ordeleted text end

(3)new text begin contract with or perform construction services for another person without first being registered if required by subdivision 4a;new text end

new text begin (4)new text end deleted text begin make a false material statement, representation, or certification; omit material information; or alter, conceal, or fail to file a document required by this section or any rule promulgated by the commissioner under rulemaking authority set out in this section.deleted text end new text begin contract with or pay another person to perform construction services if the other person is not registered if required by subdivision 4a. All payments to an unregistered person for construction services on a single project site shall be considered a single violation. It is not a violation of this clause:new text end

new text begin (i) for a person to contract with or pay an unregistered person if the unregistered person was registered at the time the contract for construction services was entered into; or new text end

new text begin (ii) for a homeowner or business to contract with or pay an unregistered person if the homeowner or business is not in the trade, business, profession, or occupation of performing building construction or improvement services; or new text end

new text begin (5) be penalized for violations of this subdivision that are committed by another person. This clause applies only to violations of this paragraph. new text end

deleted text begin (c) A person for whom an individual is performing services must obtain a copy of the individual's independent contractor exemption certificate before services may commence. A copy of the independent contractor exemption certificate must be retained for five years from the date of receipt by the person for whom an individual is performing services. deleted text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 181.723, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 8a. new text end

new text begin Enforcement; remedies; and penalties. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding the maximum penalty amount in section 326B.082, subdivisions 7 and 12, the maximum penalty for failure to register is $2,000, but the commissioner shall forgive the penalty if the person registers within 30 days of the date of the penalty order. new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 181.723, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10.

Notice requirements.

Unless otherwise specified, service of a document on a person under this section may be by mail, by personal service, or in accordance with any consent to service filed with the commissioner. Service by mail shall be accomplished in the manner provided in Minnesota Rules, part 1400.5550, subpart 2. Personal service shall be accomplished in the manner provided in Minnesota Rules, part 1400.5550, subpart 3.new text begin Notice of a penalty order for failure to register must include a statement that the penalty shall be forgiven if the person registers within 30 days of the date of the penalty order.new text end

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 181.723, subdivision 15, is amended to read:

Subd. 15.

Notice to commissioner; review by commissioner of revenue.

When the commissioner has reason to believe that deleted text begin an individual who holds a certificate has failed to maintain all the conditions required by subdivision 6 or is not performing services for a person under the independent contractor exemption certificatedeleted text end new text begin a person has violated subdivision 7, paragraph (b); or (c), clause (1) or (2)new text end , the commissioner must notify the commissioner of revenue and the commissioner of employment and economic development. Upon receipt of notification from the commissioner deleted text begin that an individual who holds a certificate has failed to maintain all the conditions required by subdivision 6 or is not performing services for a person under the independent contractor exemption certificatedeleted text end , the commissioner of revenue must review the information returns required under section 6041A of the Internal Revenue Code. The commissioner of revenue shall also review the submitted certification that is applicable to returns audited or investigated under section 289A.35.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 181.723, subdivision 16, is amended to read:

Subd. 16.

Data classified.

Data in applications deleted text begin for an independent contractor exemption certificatedeleted text end and any required documentation submitted to the commissionernew text begin under this sectionnew text end are private data on individualsnew text begin or nonpublic datanew text end as defined in section 13.02. Data in deleted text begin exemptiondeleted text end new text begin registrationnew text end certificates issued by the commissioner are public datanew text begin ; except that registration information published on the department's Web site may be accessed for registration verification purposes onlynew text end . Data that document a revocation or cancellation of deleted text begin an exemptiondeleted text end new text begin anew text end certificate are public data. Upon request of the Department of Revenue ornew text begin thenew text end Department of Employment and Economic Development, the commissioner may release to the requesting department data classified as privatenew text begin or nonpublicnew text end under this subdivision or investigative data that are not public under section 13.39 that relate to the issuance or denial of applications or revocations of certificates.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 289A.31, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Withholding tax, withholding from payments to out-of-state contractors, and withholding by partnerships and small business corporations.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), an employer or person withholding tax under section 290.92 or 290.923, subdivision 2, who fails to pay to or deposit with the commissioner a sum or sums required by those sections to be deducted, withheld, and paid, is personally and individually liable to the state for the sum or sums, and added penalties and interest, and is not liable to another person for that payment or payments. The sum or sums deducted and withheld under section 290.92, subdivision 2a or 3, or 290.923, subdivision 2, must be held as a special fund in trust for the state of Minnesota.

(b) If the employer or person withholding tax under section 290.92 or 290.923, subdivision 2, fails to deduct and withhold the tax in violation of those sections, and later the taxes against which the tax may be credited are paid, the tax required to be deducted and withheld will not be collected from the employer. This does not, however, relieve the employer from liability for any penalties and interest otherwise applicable for failure to deduct and withhold. This paragraph does not apply to an employer subject to paragraph (g)deleted text begin , or to a contractor required to withhold under section 290.92, subdivision 31deleted text end .

(c) Liability for payment of withholding taxes includes a responsible person or entity described in the personal liability provisions of section 270C.56.

(d) Liability for payment of withholding taxes includes a third-party lender or surety described in section 270C.59.

(e) A partnership or S corporation required to withhold and remit tax under section 290.92, subdivisions 4b and 4c, is liable for payment of the tax to the commissioner, and a person having control of or responsibility for the withholding of the tax or the filing of returns due in connection with the tax is personally liable for the tax due.

(f) A payor of sums required to be withheld under section 290.9705, subdivision 1, is liable to the state for the amount required to be deducted, and is not liable to an out-of-state contractor for the amount of the payment.

(g) If an employer fails to withhold tax from the wages of an employee when required to do so under section 290.92, subdivision 2a, by reason of treating such employee as not being an employee, then the liability for tax is equal to three percent of the wages paid to the employee. The liability for tax of an employee is not affected by the assessment or collection of tax under this paragraph. The employer is not entitled to recover from the employee any tax determined under this paragraph.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for payments made after June 30, 2012. new text end

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 326B.081, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Applicable law.

"Applicable law" means the provisions of sections new text begin 181.723, new text end 327.31 to 327.36new text begin ,new text end and this chapter, and all rules, orders, stipulation agreements, settlements, compliance agreements, licenses, registrations, certificates, and permits adopted, issued, or enforced by the department under sections new text begin 181.723, new text end 327.31 to 327.36new text begin ,new text end or this chapter.

Sec. 13.

new text begin REPEALER. new text end

new text begin (a) new text end new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 181.723, subdivision 17, new text end new text begin is repealed effective May 15, 2011. new text end

new text begin (b) new text end new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 181.723, subdivisions 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 14, new text end new text begin and new text end new text begin Minnesota Rules, parts 5202.0100; 5202.0110; 5202.0120; 5202.0130; 5202.0140; 5202.0150; and 5202.0160, new text end new text begin are repealed July 1, 2012, except they shall remain in effect for the regulation of an individual holding an independent contractor exemption certificate issued before July 1, 2012, under Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 181.723, subdivision 5, until the exemption certificate expires, is revoked, or is canceled. new text end

new text begin (c) new text end new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 290.92, subdivision 31, new text end new text begin is repealed effective for payments made after June 30, 2012. new text end

Sec. 14.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin Sections 1 to 10 and 12 are effective July 1, 2012, except that those sections do not apply to the regulation of an individual who holds an independent contractor exemption certificate issued before July 1, 2012, under Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 181.723, subdivision 5, until the exemption certificate expires, or is revoked or canceled. new text end

Presented to the governor May 11, 2012

Signed by the governor May 14, 2012, 2:53 p.m.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes