MN HF3204

Amends Minnesota Statutes section 595.02 by adding new subdivision 1b establishing qualifications for expert witnesses in cases alleging earth currents from utility electric distribution systems harm dairy animals.

Requires expert witnesses testifying about mechanisms by which earth currents may interact with dairy animals to hold an undergraduate or graduate degree in electrical engineering from an accredited college or university.

Requires expert witnesses to be licensed as a professional engineer under Minnesota Statutes sections 326.02 to 326.15 or possess an equivalent license from another state.

Applies to any hearing or trial brought against a utility selling electricity at retail involving claims that grounded electric distribution system earth currents impact dairy animal health and production.

Effective the day following final enactment and applies to proceedings commenced on or after that date.