HF984 Summary

• Oil refinery owners and operators must require all contractors and subcontractors performing construction, alteration, demolition, installation, repair, maintenance, or hazardous material handling work to use a skilled and trained workforce.

• "Skilled and trained workforce" requires a minimum of 85 percent of employees to be currently registered apprentices, graduated apprentices, or have completed all classroom and work hour requirements in a registered apprenticeship program.

• Registered apprenticeship programs must be registered with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry under chapter 178 or with the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.

• Violations result in fines of $5,000 to $10,000 per violation, with each shift constituting a separate violation; the Division of Labor Standards receives complaints and the commissioner determines penalties.

• Injured persons may bring civil actions against oil refinery owners or operators for violations and recover damages, attorney fees, costs, and other appropriate relief; effective October 15, 2021.