HF4292 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Fees charged by commissioner of commerce for license applications and renewals modified.
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
The bill adds a licensing system for selling scrap metal copper and adjusts how the state regulates these transactions. It also changes the fees the state charges for license applications and renewals, and sets enforcement rules for the new requirements.
Key Provisions
- Beginning January 1, 2025, a person may not sell scrap metal copper unless they have a license issued by the commissioner.
- On the first Friday of April and October each year, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., a scrap metal dealer may buy up to 25 of scrap metal copper from people who do not have a license. Other rules still apply and must be documented.
- Sellers must apply to the commissioner using a form that includes at least name, permanent address, telephone number, date of birth, and an acknowledgment that the copper was obtained legally.
- Each license is valid for one year. Renewal requires a renewal form and a renewal fee.
- Fees: application fee is 250 (nonrefundable); renewal fee is 250; late renewal fee is 500 if renewed after the deadline.
- The commissioner may request additional information to verify an applicant and must issue a license within 90 days after a completed application, possibly with restrictions.
- A license can be considered valid if the applicant already holds certain credentials, such as:
- A license to perform work under chapter 326B or section 103I.501, or
- A municipal document certifying competency to perform a trade and authorize selling scrap copper, or
- EPA Section 608 Technician Certification.
- The commissioner can deny a license renewal for violations of state or federal law or failure to submit renewal information on time. Instead of denial, the commissioner may require a corrective action plan.
- The commissioner may suspend, revoke, or place a license on probation for fraud, consumer complaints, failure to pay fees, or failure to comply with rules.
- The licensing requirements do not apply to auction transfers by an auctioneer acting in an official role under chapter 330 to facilitate a scrap metal auction.
- The commissioner will enforce these provisions under chapter 45.
Licensing and Eligibility Details
- Licenses may be issued with restrictions or limitations as needed.
- If the applicant is not qualified, the commissioner must notify them and explain the reasons for denial.
Processing Timelines
- The commissioner has 30 days to request additional information after receiving an application.
- The commissioner has 90 days after a completed application to review and issue a license if qualified.
Exemptions and Special Cases
- The auction-related exemption applies when an auctioneer is acting in their official capacity to facilitate a scrap metal auction (under chapter 330).
Effective Date
- The license requirement goes into effect January 1, 2025.
Enforcement
- The new requirements are to be enforced under Chapter 45.
Relevant Terms scrap metal copper, license, licensee, commissioner, license application, renewal, fees, nonrefundable, late fee, 250, 500, first Friday, April, October, 8:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m., 30 days, 90 days, chapter 326B, section 103I.501, municipal certificate, certificate of competency, building trades, Section 608 Technician Certification, fraudulent activity, consumer complaints, suspension, revocation, probation, enforcement, chapter 45, auctions, chapter 330, 2025.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 16, 2026 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Commerce Finance and Policy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Introduces a license requirement to engage in the sale of scrap metal copper (beginning January 1, 2025).",
"Requires license applications to include basic applicant information and an acknowledgment that copper was obtained by lawful means.",
"Imposes nonrefundable application fee (250) and renewal fee (100).",
"Allows the commissioner to request additional information and to review and license applicants within specified timeframes.",
"Specifies license validity for one year and outlines renewal procedures, potential additional information, and a late renewal fee (500).",
"Authorizes suspension, revocation, or probation of licenses for specified misconduct or noncompliance, and allows corrective action plans as an alternative to denial.",
"Exempts certain transfers by auctioneers under compliance with chapter 330.",
"Requires enforcement of the subdivision by the commissioner under chapter 45."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 325E.21, subdivision 2c, to establish a licensing regime for the sale of scrap metal copper, including application and renewal processes, fees, and enforcement mechanisms.",
"modified": [
"Creates a new licensing framework for scrap metal copper sales, effectively adding a regulatory layer to the existing statute."
]
},
"citation": "325E.21",
"subdivision": "2c"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cross-reference to Minnesota Statutes chapter 326B, which governs professional licenses and licensing processes; the bill ties the scrap metal copper license to existing licensing structures.",
"modified": [
"Uses existing licensing framework (chapter 326B) to contextualize the new scrap metal copper license."
]
},
"citation": "326B",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cross-reference to Minnesota Statutes section 103I.501, recognizing eligibility pathways or qualifications that may relate to licensing or credentialing.",
"modified": [
"References to section 103I.501 as part of qualifying credentials (e.g., other licenses or certifications) connected to the scrap metal copper licensing framework."
]
},
"citation": "103I.501",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Notices that the licensing and enforcement provisions are to be administered and enforced under Minnesota Statutes chapter 45.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies enforcement authority and processes by referencing chapter 45."
]
},
"citation": "45",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "References the transfer and auctioneer provisions under Minnesota Statutes chapter 330, providing an exemption for certain transfers by auctioneers acting in their official role.",
"modified": [
"Specifies an exemption for certain scrap metal transfers by auctioneers in compliance with chapter 330."
]
},
"citation": "330",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Federal law reference to the EPA's Section 608 Technician Certification program, indicating compliance or alignment with federal certification standards for related credentials.",
"modified": [
"Incorporates federal Section 608 certification framework via 40 CFR Part 82 as an applicable credential reference."
]
},
"citation": "40 CFR Part 82",
"subdivision": ""
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee