Certain energy generating facilities required to be certified as child labor free, and certain products required to be certified as child labor free.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Walter Hudson

Minnesota would require permits only for solar/wind facilities and sales of EV batteries, solar devices, and wind systems if they are certified as produced without child labor.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Energy Finance and Policy

#childrenandminors #consumerprotection

Purpose and intent

HF 2803 would require that certain energy-related facilities and products meet a “child labor free” certification standard. Specifically, it bans issuing permits for certain energy generating facilities unless they can demonstrate that no child labor was used to manufacture the equipment used to construct and operate those facilities. It also creates a state-wide prohibition on selling certain energy devices unless the manufacturer certifies they were produced without child labor.

Key provisions

Section 1: Prohibition on permits for solar and wind facilities

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (referred to as “the commission”) may not issue a permit for a solar energy generating system or a wind energy conversion system unless the applicant demonstrates, to the commission’s satisfaction, that no child labor was used to manufacture the equipment used to construct and operate the facility.
This prohibition also applies to solar or wind projects that are subject to local review under section 216I.08.

Section 2: Child labor free products certification

Establishes a new section (325D.75) defining “child labor free products.”
Definitions:
“Child labor” aligns with the International Labour Organization’s Minimum Age Convention No. 138.
Definitions for “solar photovoltaic device” and “wind energy conversion system” reference existing Minnesota statutes for consistency.
Prohibition:
It is an unlawful trade practice to offer for sale in Minnesota any electric vehicle (EV) battery, solar photovoltaic device, or wind energy conversion system unless the manufacturer certifies that no child labor was used in its manufacture.
Remedies:
Violations are subject to penalties under Minnesota Statutes, section 325D.56.

Affected parties

Electric utility project developers and project permitting bodies (e.g., the Public Utilities Commission) for solar and wind facilities.

Manufacturers and sellers of:

EV batteries
Solar photovoltaic devices
Wind energy conversion systems

Retailers and distributors enabling sale of these devices within Minnesota.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and first reading occurred on March 26, 2025; referred to Energy Finance and Policy.

The bill’s effective date and any implementation timeline are not specified in the text provided. If enacted, it would require permitting determinations and product certification processes to align with the new standards, potentially affecting issuance timelines for solar/wind projects and the sale of relevant devices.

Practical impact

Adds a supply-chain due diligence requirement for energy infrastructure and clean energy devices.

Creates potential compliance costs for manufacturers to obtain or verify child labor-free certifications.

Could influence project timelines if certification processes are lengthy or verification resources are limited.

Signals Minnesota’s policy intent to discourage child labor in the manufacturing processes behind renewable energy equipment and related products.

Bill