Legislation eases broadband installation staffing, training rules

A new law rolls back provisions of a 2024 law that imposed stricter training and staffing requirements on broadband installation projects.

Effective May 20, 2025, it eliminates a mandate that two installers be present at all times when directional digging is used for broadband installation near underground utilities.

The new law also amends classroom training requirements by removing an early deadline of July 1, 2025, for metro-area workers; all installers statewide now have until July 1, 2026, to complete their coursework.

Additionally, approved trainers may retroactively seek approval for past course offerings, and if granted, they can apply that approval to individuals who previously completed training under them. However, those individuals must still pass the required exam to obtain certification

Rep. Isaac Schultz (R-Elmdale Township) and Sen. Robert Kupec (DFL-Moorhead) sponsor the law.

HF47/SF908*/CH23

SF0908* / HF0047 / CH23