

Dayton signs his first bill into law
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton signed his first bill into law today, and it was one that passed the Republican controlled House and Senate unanimously. The law is a bit arcane (description below) and is a long way from the more contentious issues such as the $6.2 Billion projected deficit Minnesota is facing. Governor Dayton and Republicans did say at the start of the session that they would first focus on things they could all agree on.
Senate File 139, a bill related to online notification of EPA-certified lead abatement licensed contractors. Under current law, a building inspector must prove that a contractor received their EPA certificate in lead specialization when remodeling pre-1978 houses, by confirming their certification online. Under SF139, contractors who receive their certification now have until August 1st to post their name on the verified list, viewable on the Department of Labor and Industry’s website.