Chapter 326B — Minnesota Electrical Act

326B.01 Definitions Defines key terms used in the construction codes chapter, like commissioner, department, and day. 326B.02 Powers Transfers building, plumbing, electrical, and fire code authority to the commissioner of labor and industry. 326B.04 Deposit of Money Requires the commissioner to deposit fees and penalties into a special revenue fund. 326B.06 Bonds Clarifies that bonds required under this chapter are not state bonds or state contracts. 326B.07 Construction Codes Advisory Council Creates a Construction Codes Advisory Council to advise the commissioner on building code matters. 326B.075 Commissioner Not Subject to Subpoena Protects the commissioner from being forced to testify about construction licensing matters in private lawsuits. 326B.081 Definitions Defines terms used in the enforcement sections, such as administrative order and cease and desist order. 326B.082 Enforcement Gives the commissioner power to enforce construction codes through orders, penalties, and license actions. 326B.083 Amount of Penalty; Contents of Administrative and Licensing Orders Sets the maximum penalty amounts and what must be included in enforcement orders. 326B.084 False Information; Unlicensed Advertising Makes it illegal to provide false information or advertise without a required license. 326B.085 Recovery of Litigation Costs and Expenses Allows the commissioner to recover litigation costs when enforcing construction codes. 326B.091 Definitions Defines terms used in the general licensing sections, like license, licensee, and qualifying person. 326B.092 Fees Lists the fees for construction licenses, permits, and other filings with the department. 326B.0921 Bond Requirements Sets the requirements for surety bonds that construction licensees must maintain. 326B.093 Licenses Requiring Examination Administered by Commissioner Lists which construction licenses require a written exam given by the commissioner. 326B.094 Renewal of Licenses Sets the rules for renewing construction licenses, including deadlines and late fees. 326B.095 Incomplete License Applications Explains what happens when a license application is incomplete or missing information. 326B.096 Reinstatement of Licenses Allows former license holders to reinstate an expired license under certain conditions. 326B.097 Prohibition of Transfer Prohibits transferring a construction license from one person or company to another. 326B.098 Continuing Education Requires licensed construction professionals to complete continuing education to keep their license. 326B.0981 Continuing Education; Nondepartment Seminars Sets rules for continuing education seminars offered by non-department providers. 326B.099 Continuing Education; Courses Lists approved continuing education course requirements for construction license holders. 326B.101 Policy and Purpose States the purpose of the State Building Code: to set uniform standards for building safety. 326B.103 Definitions Defines terms used in the State Building Code sections, like building official and municipality. 326B.106 General Powers of Commissioner of Labor and Industry Gives the commissioner broad powers to adopt, amend, and enforce the State Building Code. 326B.107 Public Buildings and State-licensed Facilities Applies building code requirements to public buildings and state-licensed facilities. 326B.108 Places of Public Accommodation Subject to Code Makes places of public accommodation subject to building code requirements. 326B.109 Restroom Facilities Sets requirements for restroom facilities in certain buildings. 326B.112 Bleacher Safety Sets safety standards for bleachers and other public seating structures. 326B.115 This section has been repealed or reserved for future use. 326B.118 Energy Code Adopts energy efficiency standards as part of the State Building Code. 326B.121 State Building Code; Application and Enforcement Describes how the State Building Code is applied and enforced by local and state officials. 326B.124 Exemptions Lists exemptions from the State Building Code, such as agricultural buildings and certain renovations. 326B.125 Exemption for Members of Federally Recognized Tribes Exempts members of federally recognized tribes from certain building code requirements on tribal land. 326B.127 State Building Official Creates the position of State Building Official to oversee building code administration. 326B.13 Application of Administrative Procedure Act Requires the commissioner to follow the Administrative Procedure Act when making rules. 326B.133 Building Officials Sets qualifications and duties for local building officials who enforce building codes. 326B.135 Construction Code Inspectors Sets qualifications for construction code inspectors who check work for code compliance. 326B.136 Certain Inspections Allows the commissioner to require inspections for certain types of construction work. 326B.139 Appeals Gives people the right to appeal building code decisions to the commissioner. 326B.142 Certain Certificates Requires certificates of occupancy and other certificates for completed construction. 326B.145 Annual Report Requires the commissioner to file an annual report on building code activities. 326B.148 Surcharge Adds a surcharge on building permits to fund the department's building code programs. 326B.151 Permit Fees, to Whom Applicable Defines who must pay building permit fees, including contractors and property owners. 326B.153 Building Permit Fees Sets the schedule and structure for building permit fees charged by municipalities. 326B.154 Industrialized Modular or Prefabricated Buildings Plan Review and Inspection Fees Sets plan review and inspection fees for manufactured modular or prefabricated buildings. 326B.16 Enforcement of Requirements for Persons With Disabilities Enforces accessibility requirements for people with disabilities in buildings. 326B.163 Definitions; Elevators Defines terms used in the elevator licensing and inspection sections. 326B.164 Licenses Requires licenses for elevator contractors, mechanics, and inspectors in Minnesota. 326B.166 Elevator Inspection and Reporting Requires regular inspection and reporting for elevators and escalators. 326B.169 This section has been repealed or reserved for future use. 326B.172 Licensing Authorities Identifies who can issue elevator contractor licenses in Minnesota. 326B.175 Elevators, Entrances Sealed Allows sealing the entrance to an elevator that fails inspection until it is repaired. 326B.178 Violations, Penalties Sets penalties for violating elevator safety and licensing requirements. 326B.181 This section has been repealed or reserved for future use. 326B.184 Fees for Licensure and Permit Sets the fees for elevator licenses, permits, and inspections. 326B.187 Rules Authorizes the commissioner to adopt rules for elevator safety and licensing. 326B.188 Timeline and Exemption for Compliance With Elevator Code Changes Affecting Existing Elevators and Related Devices Gives building owners a timeline to comply with new elevator code changes affecting existing elevators. 326B.191 Conflict of Laws Resolves conflicts between elevator laws and other state or local laws. 326B.194 Interstate Compact on Industrialized/modular Buildings Authorizes Minnesota to join the Interstate Compact on Industrialized/Modular Buildings. 326B.197 Bond Required for Certain Contractors Requires certain contractors to post a bond before starting work on public projects. 326B.198 Underground Telecommunications Infrastructure Regulates underground telecommunications infrastructure installation standards. 326B.31 Definitions Defines key terms for the electrical licensing sections, like master electrician and journeyworker. 326B.32 Board of Electricity Creates the Board of Electricity to help set electrical standards and policies. 326B.33 Licenses Sets the license types, requirements, and exemptions for electricians in Minnesota. 326B.34 Alarm and Communication Systems Regulates alarm and communication system installers under electrical licensing rules. 326B.35 Safety Standards Adopts the National Electrical Code and other safety standards for electrical work in Minnesota. 326B.36 Inspection Requires inspection of new electrical work for safety before it can be energized. 326B.37 Inspection Fee Schedule Sets the fee schedule for electrical inspections performed by the department. 326B.38 Manufactured Electrical Parts; Exemption Exempts HVAC contractors from electrical licensing for certain furnace and AC connections. 326B.399 Citation Provides the citation name for the electrical licensing sections of this chapter. 326B.41 Purpose States the purpose of the plumbing code: to protect public health through safe plumbing. 326B.42 Definitions Defines terms used in the plumbing licensing sections, like master plumber and journeyworker. 326B.43 Plumbing Standards; Rules; Agreement With Municipality; Exemption Authorizes plumbing standards, rules, and agreements with local governments for enforcement. 326B.435 Plumbing Board Creates the Plumbing Board to set plumbing standards and oversee plumbing licensing. 326B.437 Reduced Pressure Backflow Prevention Rebuilders and Testers Licenses people who test and rebuild backflow prevention devices on water systems. 326B.438 Medical Gas Systems Sets requirements for installing medical gas systems in hospitals and clinics. 326B.439 Ban on Lead in Plumbing Bans the use of lead in plumbing materials that carry drinking water. 326B.44 Local Regulations Allows local governments to set plumbing rules that are stricter than the state minimum. 326B.45 Violations to Be Reported to Commissioner Requires reporting plumbing code violations to the commissioner. 326B.46 Licensing, Bond and Insurance Sets licensing, bond, and insurance requirements for plumbers and plumbing contractors. 326B.47 Unlicensed Individuals Requires unlicensed plumbing workers to register with the state and work under supervision. 326B.475 Restricted Plumber License Creates a restricted plumber license for work in smaller cities and towns. 326B.48 Reciprocity With Other States Allows reciprocal licensing for plumbers licensed in other states. 326B.49 Applications, Fees Sets the application process and fees for plumbing licenses. 326B.50 Definitions Defines terms used in the water conditioning contractor sections. 326B.52 Water Conditioning Contractor and Installer Standards Sets standards for water conditioning contractors and installers. 326B.53 Local Regulations Allows local governments to regulate water conditioning work within their boundaries. 326B.54 Violations to Be Reported to Commissioner Requires reporting water conditioning code violations to the commissioner. 326B.55 Licensing; Qualifications; Rules Sets licensing qualifications and rules for water conditioning contractors and installers. 326B.555 Registered Unlicensed Individuals Requires unlicensed water conditioning workers to register with the state. 326B.56 Bonding and Insurance Requires water conditioning contractors to carry bonds and liability insurance. 326B.57 Rules Authorizes rules for water conditioning contractor licensing and standards. 326B.58 Fees; Renewal Sets fees and renewal requirements for water conditioning licenses. 326B.59 State License; Examination; Application; Exemption Describes the state licensing exam, application, and exemptions for water conditioning contractors. 326B.701 Construction Contractor Registration Requires contractors doing commercial or public construction work to register with the state. 326B.801 Scope Defines the scope of the residential contractor licensing sections. 326B.802 Definitions Defines key terms for residential contractor licensing, like builder, remodeler, roofer, and special skills. 326B.805 Licensing Requirements Sets the licensing requirements for residential contractors, remodelers, and roofers. 326B.809 Written Contract Required Requires residential contractors to provide homeowners with a written contract for most jobs. 326B.81 Residential Roofers Sets specific licensing rules for residential roofers in Minnesota. 326B.811 Residential Roofing Contract; Right to Cancel Gives homeowners a right to cancel a residential roofing contract within a set time period. 326B.814 Rehabilitation of Criminal Offenders Allows people with criminal records to get a construction license if they are rehabilitated. 326B.815 Fees Sets the fees for residential contractor, remodeler, and roofer licenses. 326B.82 This section has been repealed or reserved for future use. 326B.821 Continuing Education; Hours Sets the number of continuing education hours needed to renew residential contractor licenses. 326B.825 Loss of Qualifying Person Explains what happens when a company's qualifying person leaves or is no longer eligible. 326B.83 Application and Examination Describes the application and exam process for residential contractor licenses. 326B.835 Local Licenses Bars local governments from requiring separate local licenses for state-licensed residential contractors. 326B.84 Grounds for Sanctions Lists the grounds for denying, suspending, or revoking a residential contractor license. 326B.845 Penalties Sets penalties for violating residential contractor licensing laws. 326B.85 Building Permit Conditioned on Licensure; Notice of Permit Application Requires building departments to check for a valid license before issuing permits. 326B.855 Service of Process Requires licensees to consent to service of process through an agent in Minnesota. 326B.86 Bond; Insurance Requires residential contractors to carry a surety bond and liability insurance. 326B.865 Sign Contractor; Bond Requires sign contractors working on residential properties to carry a surety bond. 326B.87 License Number; Advertising Requires contractors to display their license number in advertising and on job sites. 326B.875 Disclosures Requires contractors to disclose important information to homeowners before work begins. 326B.88 Public Education Directs the department to educate the public about contractor licensing and consumer protections. 326B.885 License Renewal Sets the rules and deadlines for renewing residential contractor licenses. 326B.89 Contractor Recovery Fund Creates the Contractor Recovery Fund to help homeowners harmed by licensed contractors. 326B.90 Department to Supervise High Pressure Piping Gives the department authority to oversee high pressure piping systems in Minnesota. 326B.91 Definitions Defines terms used in the high pressure piping sections, like boiler and pressure vessel. 326B.92 Application, Permit, Filing, and Inspection Fees Sets fees for high pressure piping applications, permits, filings, and inspections. 326B.921 Licensing and Registration Requires licensing and registration for high pressure piping professionals. 326B.922 License Application and Renewal Sets the application and renewal process for high pressure piping licenses. 326B.925 Board of High Pressure Piping Systems Creates the Board of High Pressure Piping Systems to advise on piping safety standards. 326B.93 This section has been repealed or reserved for future use. 326B.94 Boats; Masters Sets special licensing rules for masters of boats and vessels with high pressure piping. 326B.95 Definitions Defines terms used in the boiler inspection sections. 326B.952 This section has been repealed or reserved for future use. 326B.953 Inspection Personnel Sets qualifications for personnel who inspect boilers and pressure vessels. 326B.954 Boiler Inspector License Creates a boiler inspector license and sets requirements for obtaining it. 326B.956 Historical Boilers Sets special rules for operating and inspecting historical boilers, like steam engines. 326B.958 Inspection and Registration Requires regular inspection and registration of boilers and pressure vessels. 326B.96 Inspection Requires all boilers and pressure vessels to be inspected for safety. 326B.961 Triennial Audits and Team Leader Certifications Requires audits every three years and team leader certifications for boiler inspection programs. 326B.962 This section has been repealed or reserved for future use. 326B.964 Standards of Inspection Sets the standards that boiler and pressure vessel inspections must follow. 326B.966 Inspection Procedures and Standards of Repairs Sets procedures and standards for boiler inspections and repairs. 326B.968 This section has been repealed or reserved for future use. 326B.97 Inspection of Boilers and Pressure Vessels Details the specific inspection requirements for boilers and pressure vessels. 326B.972 License Requirement Requires operators of certain boilers and pressure vessels to hold a license. 326B.974 School Engineer Requires school engineers who operate boilers to hold a valid license. 326B.976 This section has been repealed or reserved for future use. 326B.978 Examinations; Classifications; Qualifications Sets the exam process, license classes, and qualifications for boiler operators. 326B.98 Verification of Certificate Requires boiler insurance companies to verify certificates before providing coverage. 326B.982 This section has been repealed or reserved for future use. 326B.986 Fees for Inspection Sets the fee schedule for boiler and pressure vessel inspections. 326B.988 Exceptions Lists exceptions from boiler inspection requirements for certain equipment. 326B.99 Report of Insurer; Exemption From Inspection Allows insurance companies to report boiler conditions and exempts insured boilers from some inspections. 326B.992 Violations by Inspectors Sets penalties for boiler inspectors who violate their duties. 326B.994 Violations in Construction; Repair; Sale Sets penalties for violations in the construction, repair, or sale of boilers. 326B.996 This section has been repealed or reserved for future use. 326B.998 Penalty for Operators Sets penalties for boiler operators who work without a valid license.