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Senate advances bill delaying new broadband installer training deadline to Jan. 1, 2026
Summary
The Minnesota Senate passed Senate File 908 to push back a July 1 training deadline for underground telecommunications installers, preserve a 40‑hour safety curriculum while allowing recent training to count toward the requirement and ease some safety‑personnel rules.
The Minnesota Senate on April 30 approved Senate File 908, a bill that delays implementation of a new underground telecommunications installer training deadline and adjusts training and staffing rules for broadband projects.
Senator Eric Kupec, the sponsor, said the bill preserves the 40‑hour safety training requirement while allowing recent industry training to count toward that total and loosens restrictions on the number of required safety personnel. “With this July 1 deadline looming, we’re passing this bill today to make sure contractors and inspectors know the playing field before that date,” Kupec said on the Senate floor.
The bill moves the effective deadline from July 1 to Jan. 1, 2026, a change Kupec and supporters said will let workers complete training in the off season. Senator Dornick, who helped negotiate the measure, described it as “a good compromise” reached with both labor and industry representatives.
Senator Westrom spoke in favor of the bill’s immediate passage but criticized the original 2024 law that imposed the 40‑hour standard, calling that process rushed and lacking public hearings. “If we don't pass this, we are jeopardizing $650,000,000 of federal money set to come into Minnesota to help build out rural broadband,” he said, urging colleagues to support the compromise.
Senate File 908 was moved to final passage and the roll was taken per rule 40.7; the motion carried and the bill was reported agreed to by the body.
