Provisions governing the certification of underground telecommunications installers modified.

HF 47 modifies certification requirements for underground telecommunications installers in Minnesota. It mandates that workers performing installations near existing utilities or using directional drilling must be certified safety-qualified installers, requiring a 40-hour training course covering utility identification, incident response, and safety procedures. The law phases in requirements: certified installers must be used for new work in the seven-county metro area starting July 1, 2025, and statewide by January 1, 2026, with a 36-inch depth exemption for private property. Installers must pass an exam and complete refresher courses every three years to maintain certification. This directly affects telecommunications companies, installers, and construction projects involving underground utility work.