Committee sends scuba weed‑removal safety bill to Environment Committee after families recount two recent fatalities

The Minnesota House Workforce, Labor and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee voted to re‑refer House File 1355 to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee after emotional testimony from the families of two men who died while working as scuba weed removal divers and testimony from scuba‑training and industry experts.

Representative Baker introduced the bill and moved an author’s amendment (the “A2” amendment) that the sponsor described as naming the measure for the families involved; the chair called the amendment the “Brady Ahn(e) and Joseph Anderson Safety Act” in the hearing record. The committee approved the amendment by voice vote and then voted to send the bill to the Environment Committee.

Family members described the circumstances of two recent deaths. David and Laurie Anderson testified about their son Joseph Anderson, who drowned on his third day on the job after receiving under 15 minutes of on‑site instruction and working near a steep underwater drop‑off. William and Dina Ahne (sometimes transcribed as Aune) described the June death of their son Brady Ahne while working for another commercial weed‑removal company; their testimony and investigative summaries cited inadequate training, lack of required safety gear and the absence of on‑site CPR‑certified supervisors.

Witnesses and scuba professionals who testified supported minimum training and equipment standards. Dan Gruber, a scuba instructor and instructor‑trainer, explained that standard recreational certification includes 7–9 hours of online or classroom training, 4–5 hours of pool training and 4–6 hours of open‑water instruction with an instructor before a diver operates independently. He and other witnesses said training teaches responses to common underwater emergencies and that certified rescue divers are typically CPR‑certified. Several speakers urged requiring buoyancy control devices (BCDs) with an emergency ascent handle, daily equipment maintenance and a buddy‑or‑supervisor watch for murky inland waters.

Industry operators who spoke said many established companies already require certification and safety equipment; small operators may not. Tom Seworth, founder of Waterfront Restoration, said his company requires training and has operated for 22 years without a serious incident, and he supported the bill as a way to hold all operators to baseline standards. Family members and public safety witnesses underscored urgency: two deaths in under two years and companies continuing to schedule work for the coming spring, they said, make prompt legislative action important.

Committee discussion highlighted specific policy elements under consideration: mandatory scuba certification (detailed in testimony as classroom/online, pool, and supervised open‑water segments), mandatory BCDs and other standard scuba equipment, on‑site CPR‑certified supervisors, and equipment maintenance and cleaning to address mud and silt. Representative Greenman suggested including a requirement for at least one CPR‑certified person on site; he and others urged an effective date that would allow the bill to take effect immediately upon enactment to address the upcoming season. Minnesota State OSHA staff were reported to have participated in prior drafting and to support the legislation.

Action recorded: Chair Baker moved to refer House File 1355 as amended to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee; the motion prevailed on a voice vote. The bill will be presented to that committee for further drafting and possible inclusion in an omnibus package. The sponsor said work will continue in a bipartisan manner to refine technical requirements prior to further committee review.

Votes and formal action recorded Motion: Adopt A2 author’s amendment (naming the bill for the families) — approved by voice vote. Motion: Move House File 1355 to Environment and Natural Resources Committee (as amended) — approved by voice vote.