HF47

The bill changes the rules for people who install underground telecommunications, such as cables and wires, in Minnesota. The main points of the bill include:

1. Installations near or crossing other underground utilities (such as gas or water lines) must be done by certified professionals known as safety-qualified underground telecommunications installers. Specific activities like locating existing utilities or monitoring the drilling process must be done by these certified installers.

2. It sets a new rule that starting July 1, 2025, all such installations in the seven-county metropolitan area of Minnesota must also be performed by these safety-qualified installers.

3. By January 1, 2026, this rule will apply to all such installations across the entire state of Minnesota.

4. The requirements do not apply to installations of telecommunications infrastructure on private property if they are less than 36 inches deep.

This bill aims to enhance the safety and standardization of installing underground telecommunications across Minnesota.