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HF844 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Provisions governing broadband workforce plan data modified, investigative authority modified, and provisions governing underground telecommunications infrastructure modified.

AI Generated Summary

This bill, sponsored by Schultz and Baker, seeks to amend and update certain provisions within Minnesota's telecommunications laws and regulations. The following are the key changes proposed by the bill:

  1. Broadband Workforce Reporting:

    • Broadband grantees serving over 100,000 customers and receiving funding must now include detailed annual workforce reports. This includes data on:
      • Hours worked by direct employees and contractors/subcontractors.
      • Subtotals for hours worked by Minnesota residents, people of color, Indigenous individuals, women, and people with disabilities.
      • Detailed information on contractors and subcontractors, including business names, addresses, and hours worked.
      • Information on the percentage of the workforce paid at least $25 per hour and those receiving benefits like medical coverage and retirement plans.
    • These reporting requirements are defined as enforceable conditions of the funding contracts.

  2. Regulatory Authority Over Utility Infractions:

    • The bill empowers the commission to investigate and take action against telecommunications carriers, phone companies, or cable communication system providers that cause damage to or interfere with public or private utility infrastructure.
    • Actions can be taken against these providers if their conduct impacts the functionality of utility infrastructure.

  3. Underground Telecommunications Infrastructure:

    • Definitions are updated for clarity on what constitutes 'underground telecommunications utilities' and other associated terms like 'directional drilling'.
    • Introduces the term 'safety-qualified underground telecommunications installer', defining this role as someone hired post-2027 who must have specific certifications related to underground utilities installation.

This legislation aims to enhance regulatory oversight, improve reporting and operational standards in the telecommunications sector, and ensure safety and compliance in the installation of underground telecommunication infrastructure.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 16, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toWorkforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
March 16, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New requirements for detailing the workforce demographic data and compensation levels."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies reporting requirements for grantees related to broadband workforce plan data under section 116J.395.",
      "modified": [
        "Increases the customer base threshold for reporting from 10,000 to 100,000 broadband customers."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116J.395"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies investigative authority concerning telecommunications and cable communications systems under section 216B.17.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the commission's authority in investigating telecommunications infrastructure issues in conjunction with sections 216B.52 to 216B.61."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "216B.17"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section includes definitions relevant to telecommunications.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies definitions for telecommunications carrier and telephone company as used in modified section 216B.17."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "237.01"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section defines cable communications systems providers.",
      "modified": [
        "Provides definition for cable communications system provider in context of 216B.17."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "238.02"
  }
]

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