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Committee advances 'Brady and Joe' safety bill requiring scuba certification for lake weed removal work
Summary
After testimony from the families of two workers who drowned, the committee advanced Senate File 1346, which would add worker‑safety requirements and require scuba certification for employees who use scuba gear for aquatic plant management. An amendment to mandate minimum equipment was adopted.
The Environment, Climate, and Legacy Committee advanced Senate File 1346 on March 6, 2025 after emotional testimony from the families of two men who died while performing aquatic plant management with scuba equipment. The bill would add worker‑safety requirements to the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) permitting process for aquatic plant management and require anyone using scuba gear for that work to hold at least an open‑water scuba certification from a nationally recognized training provider.
Why it matters: Testimony from relatives described two recent drownings that committee members said were preventable. The bill’s supporters told the committee that the industry lacks consistent standards, training and oversight for commercial diving used in lake weed removal. Families urged prompt action before the coming season.
Family testimony: Dina Aune, who identified herself as the mother of Brady, described the circumstances investigators found after her son’s death and urged passage of the “Brady and Joe Safety Act.” “They stole our son,” Aune told the committee, and asked lawmakers to act so “these boys would not become the next Brady.” David and Laurie Anderson, whose son Joseph drowned in a similar incident less than two years later, also urged swift passage, saying that the companies involved remained in operation and were scheduling work for the upcoming season.
Provisions adopted in committee: The committee adopted an amendment to require minimum safety equipment and clarify training expectations (amendment A16). The bill would: require scuba certification for employees who use scuba gear during aquatic plant management; add worker safety requirements to the DNR permit process; and require safety consultation and reporting steps described in the bill. Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) staff participated in drafting language and lawmakers said they would continue refining statutory language to align with federal and state regulations.
Support and implementation: Sponsors said the amendment received review in the Labor Committee and that they consulted DLI and DNR staff and diving experts. The DNR confirmed it could absorb a one‑time $7,000 cost identified during committee discussion. Supporters described the measure as narrowly focused on preventing fatalities in a hazardous work activity.
Vote and next steps: The author moved adoption and the committee recommended passage; the bill will be referred to the Finance Committee and additional committees as required by the legislative process. Committee members emphasized continued work with agencies and technical experts to finalize definitions, certification standards and equipment lists before final passage.
