Minnesota House Bill HF793

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/25
• Refer: 2/17/25

Caption

Certified salt applicator program established, liability limited, and report required.

Impact

The bill aims to limit liability for certified applicators regarding hazards arising from the accumulation of snow and ice on properties maintained by them, provided they follow approved best management practices. This could reduce legal risks for applicators and encourage more professionals to obtain certification, thereby promoting higher standards in deicing practices. Furthermore, the bill implements mandatory reporting requirements that necessitate commercial applicators to report on the types and amounts of deicers used, contributing to better tracking of environmental impacts.

Summary

HF793 proposes the establishment of a certified salt applicator program in Minnesota, which focuses on creating standards and certifications for individuals who apply deicer for snow and ice removal. The bill emphasizes the importance of water quality and mandates that the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency develops a training program that promotes best management practices for snow and ice removal. By completing this program and passing an examination, individuals can achieve the certification needed to be recognized as water-friendly applicators.

Contention

While the bill holds promise for enhancing professional standards in the application of deicers, it may face opposition from stakeholders who feel that it could lead to increased regulatory burdens or economic impacts on smaller businesses unable to bear certification costs. Additionally, the balance between enabling efficient snow and ice removal practices while preserving environmental integrity will likely remain a point of debate among legislators and industry professionals alike.