1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to labor and industry; mandating certain contractor recovery fund projects; 
1.3 	requiring a report.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. CONTRACTOR RECOVERY FUND PROJECTS.
 1.6 	(a) In fiscal years 2020 and 2021 the commissioner of labor and industry shall utilize 
1.7 	funds in the contractor recovery fund for a statewide consumer awareness campaign 
1.8 	highlighting the importance of hiring licensed contractors as well as the consequences of 
1.9 	hiring unlicensed contractors.
1.10 	(b) In fiscal years 2020 and 2021 the commissioner of labor and industry shall utilize 
1.11 	funds in the contractor recovery fund for the development and implementation of continuing 
1.12 	education relating to financial management and financial obligations of licensed residential 
1.13 	building contractors.
1.14 	(c) In fiscal years 2020 and 2021 the commissioner of labor and industry shall utilize 
1.15 	funds in the contractor recovery fund for a code administration, builder licensure, and 
1.16 	subcontractor registration research project to be implemented in one or more code or 
1.17 	non-code enforced local government jurisdictions. At a minimum, the research project must: 
1.18 	(1) evaluate the local government compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 326B.815, 
1.19 	(2) examine the results of expanded use of licensed contractors and inspections, (3) identify 
1.20 	opportunities to support local governments to implement code administration functions, (4) 
1.21 	develop best practices and technical guidelines to expand the use of licensed contractors 
1.22 	and inspection, and (5) convey program information and guidance to local governments. 
1.23 	By October 31, 2021, the commissioner must submit a report on the research project to the 
2.1 	members and staff of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over labor and industry 
2.2 	policy and finance. At a minimum, the report must summarize the research project activity, 
2.3 	review results, and identify steps for increasing statewide use of licensed contractors and 
2.4 	local government code administration. The commissioner shall consult with members of 
2.5 	the building officials associations, builders associations, and local government units to 
2.6 	contribute to the report.