HF 3593 Summary

• Economic Development Appropriations: Appropriates $4.365 million in 2010 and $11.343 million in 2011 for employment, economic development, workforce development, state-funded administration, and transfers from various funds totaling $15.708 million.

• Grant Program Merger: Merges the Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program with the Bioscience Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program into a single program with 30% of funds reserved for bioscience projects statewide and 50% reserved for non-metropolitan areas.

• Licensing Fees and Requirements: Establishes new and modified licensing fees across multiple professions including plumbers, electricians, water conditioning contractors, building officials, and various engineers; implements examination and renewal requirements with specified fee schedules.

• Plumbing and Water Conditioning Licensing: Defines new license classifications (master, journeyman, restricted versions), establishes bond and insurance requirements ($25,000 for plumbers, $3,000 for water conditioning contractors), and implements contractor recovery fund fees.

• Effective Date: Most provisions become effective January 1, 2012, with various amendments to Minnesota Statutes chapters 326B and 327B regarding professional licensing and regulation.