HF3651 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
State Fire Code alcohol-blended fuel equipment compatibility standards established.
Related bill: SF3840
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill adds a new rule to help ensure safety for equipment used in alcohol-blended fuel dispensing systems. Specifically, it targets fuels with more than 10% ethanol and sets requirements so that the equipment meets fire and life safety standards through recognized certifications.
Main Provisions
- New rule: Establishes a state standard called "ALCOHOLBLENDED FUEL EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY" for equipment used with alcohol-blended fuels containing more than 10% ethanol.
- Certification requirements:
- The equipment must have a UL listing or a similar third-party certification for use with alcohol-blended fuels at an ethanol concentration within five percentage points of the ethanol concentration being dispensed.
- The equipment manufacturer must provide written certification of compatibility with the specific ethanol blend being dispensed, in accordance with Minnesota Rules part 7150.0100 subpart 9 item C.
- Scope of equipment: Applies to the main components of dispensing systems, including dispensers, hoses, nozzles, breakaway fittings, swivels, flexible connectors, dispenser emergency shutoff valves, vapor recovery systems, leak detection devices, and pumps.
- Interaction with other rules:
- If Minnesota Rules part 7150.0100 does not address a particular issue, then the applicable provisions of the State Fire Code apply.
- Limitations:
- The section does not change fire and life safety requirements related to electrical classification, emergency shutoff systems, impact protection, or other safety provisions not specifically tied to equipment compatibility certification.
Significant Changes to Law
- Creates a specific compatibility certification requirement for alcohol-blended fuel equipment, tying compliance to UL or similar third-party listings and to manufacturer-provided written compatibility statements.
- Introduces a precise ethanol concentration tolerance (within five percentage points of the blend being dispensed) to determine eligibility for the safety standard.
- Integrates with existing rules and codes (Minnesota Rules part 7150.0100 and the State Fire Code) for issues not expressly covered by this new provision.
Practical Impact
- Equipment used with high-ethanol fuels will need to carry appropriate third-party certification and manufacturer-written compatibility statements.
- Station operators and equipment manufacturers may incur additional certification and documentation steps to ensure compliance.
- Provides a clearer, codified safety expectation for alcohol-blended fueling equipment.
Relevant Terms alcohol-blended fuels ethanol concentration UL listing third-party certification written certification of compatibility Minnesota Rules part 7150.0100 subpart 9 item C State Fire Code dispensers hoses nozzles breakaway fittings swivels flexible connectors dispenser emergency shutoff valves vapor recovery systems leak detection devices pumps electrical classification emergency shutoff systems impact protection equipment compatibility certification ethanol percentage points
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Past committee meetings
- Public Safety Finance and Policy on: March 18, 2026 15:00
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 23, 2026 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Public Safety Finance and Policy | |
| March 02, 2026 | House | Action | Author added | ||
| March 18, 2026 | House | Action | Author added |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Adds new section 299F.0135 establishing alcohol-blended fuel equipment compatibility standards."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill proposes adding new section 299F.0135 within Minnesota Statutes to establish alcohol-blended fuel equipment compatibility standards for equipment used in dispensing alcohol-blended fuels, and references the State Fire Code and Minnesota Rules for related safety and certification requirements.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "299F",
"subdivision": ""
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee