MN SF740

Removes "workforce best practices" as a grant priority criterion for the border-to-border broadband development grant program, eliminating requirements that grant recipients pay prevailing wages or provide 40 hours of annual training, employer-paid family health insurance, and retirement benefits of at least 15% of wages

Eliminates the requirement that at least 50% of general fund grant awards go to applicants agreeing to implement workforce best practices

Repeals workforce plan data reporting requirements for broadband grantees serving more than 10,000 customers, which had mandated detailed reporting on installation labor hours, contractor information, and wage/benefit data

Repeals the safety-qualified underground telecommunications installer certification program, which required a 40-hour training course and certification for workers installing underground telecom infrastructure near existing utilities

Repeals Public Utilities Commission authority to investigate telecommunications and cable providers for conduct that damages public utility or electric cooperative infrastructure; effective January 1, 2026