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HF1355 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Permit holders harvesting or destroying aquatic plants required to safely use scuba diving equipment, and commercial diving operation requirements established.

Related bill: SF1346

AI Generated Summary

This Minnesota bill introduces new safety regulations for individuals using scuba diving equipment when harvesting or destroying aquatic plants. It amends existing statutes and establishes new requirements for commercial diving operations:

  1. Permit Requirements for Aquatic Plant Management (Sec. 1 & 2):

    • The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) commissioner must verify if a permit applicant plans to use scuba diving equipment.
    • If scuba diving is involved, applicants must provide documentation confirming a third-party on-site hazard survey was conducted in the past year by a qualified safety professional.
    • The commissioner cannot issue permits to individuals or companies with willful violations of occupational safety standards related to scuba diving in the past two years.

  2. Regulations for Commercial Diving Operations (Sec. 3):

    • Requires individuals performing scuba diving at a workplace (such as for aquatic plant removal) to have a valid open-water scuba diver certification from a nationally recognized agency.
    • Employers must mandate the use of a buoyancy control device for scuba divers.
    • Violations by employers of these requirements can result in penalties under Minnesota occupational safety laws.
    • The commissioner must create an informational sheet outlining these safety requirements for employers and ensure its distribution through relevant state agencies.

The bill aims to improve occupational safety for commercial divers involved in aquatic plant management activities.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
April 01, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthors added
April 03, 2025HouseFloorActionAmended
April 03, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthors added
April 03, 2025HouseFloorActionAmended
April 03, 2025HouseFloorActionThird reading as amended
April 03, 2025HouseFloorActionBill was passed as amended
April 03, 2025HouseFloorActionThird reading as amended
April 03, 2025HouseFloorActionBill was passed as amended
April 03, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthors added
April 07, 2025SenateFloorActionReceived from House
April 07, 2025SenateFloorActionReceived from House
April 07, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
April 07, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
April 07, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toRules and Administration
April 07, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toRules and Administration
April 07, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
April 09, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: Rule 45-amend, subst. General Orders
April 09, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: Rule 45-amend, subst. General Orders
April 09, 2025SenateFloorActionSecond reading
April 09, 2025SenateFloorActionSecond reading
April 10, 2025SenateFloorActionSpecial Order: Rule 45 amendment stricken
April 10, 2025SenateFloorActionSpecial Order: Rule 45 amendment stricken
April 10, 2025SenateFloorActionAmended
April 10, 2025SenateFloorActionAmended
April 10, 2025SenateFloorActionThird reading Passed as amended
April 10, 2025SenateFloorActionThird reading Passed as amended
April 21, 2025HouseFloorActionHouse rule 1.15 (c), message requesting concurrence received
April 22, 2025HouseFloorActionReturned from Senate with amendment
April 22, 2025HouseFloorActionMotion to concur with Senate amendments
April 22, 2025HouseFloorActionMotion prevailed
April 22, 2025HouseFloorActionThird reading as amended by the Senate
April 22, 2025HouseFloorActionBill was repassed as amended by the Senate
SenateNoteActionPresentment date
SenateNoteActionPresentment date
SenateNoteActionGovernor's action Approval
SenateNoteActionGovernor's action Approval
SenateNoteActionSecretary of State
SenateNoteActionSecretary of State
SenateNoteActionEffective date
SenateNoteActionEffective date
HouseFloorActionPresented to Governor
HouseNoteActionGovernor approval
HouseNoteActionGovernor approval
HouseFloorActionSecretary of State, Filed
HouseNoteActionChapter number

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirements for scuba diving documentation and safety inspections in relation to aquatic plant permits."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill makes amendments to existing statute 103G.615 concerning permits for aquatic plant management.",
      "modified": [
        "Permit standards to incorporate scuba diving safety measures.",
        "Modification on issuance and denial of permits based on past scuba diving safety violations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.615"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Citations related to penalties for violations of scuba diving equipment requirements are linked to existing section 182.666.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "182.666"
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

Enacted

Sponsors