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HF 929

Contractor recovery fund modified to include private residential pools.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Wayne Johnson and 1 co-sponsor

Minnesota bill expands contractor recovery fund to cover private residential pool construction claims, providing consumer protection for homeowners harmed by unlicensed or uninsured pool contractors.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
#buildersandbuildingcontractors #labor #employment #andlaborandindustrydepartment
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Bill Summary · HF 929

Legislative bill overview

HF 929 expands Minnesota's contractor recovery fund to include claims related to private residential pool construction and installation work. Previously, the fund covered losses from unlicensed or uninsured contractors in other trades but excluded pool-related disputes. This modification adds a new category of eligible claims to the existing consumer protection mechanism.

Why is this important

Homeowners who hire contractors for pool work currently have no dedicated recovery fund if the contractor disappears, fails to complete work, or causes damage without adequate insurance. Pool construction represents significant investment (often $20,000-$100,000+), making consumer protection in this sector a material economic issue. Adding pools to the recovery fund would provide a safety net similar to what exists for other construction trades.

Potential points of contention

  • Fund solvency concerns: Expanding eligible claims could increase draw-downs on the fund; questions about whether current surcharges on contractor licenses generate sufficient revenue to cover pool claims
  • Defining scope: Ambiguity about what constitutes "pool work" (installation only vs. repairs/maintenance; above-ground vs. in-ground; related work like decking or electrical)
  • Moral hazard: Whether easier access to recovery funds might reduce homeowner diligence in contractor vetting or increase frivolous claims

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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