ST. PAUL, MN – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting workers engaged in commercial diving for aquatic plant removal. Chief authored by Rep. Dave Baker (R–Willmar), HF 1355, known as the Brady Aune and Joseph Anderson Safety Act, sets common-sense safety standards for a rapidly growing and largely unregulated line of work.
The bill is named in memory of Joseph Anderson and Brady Aune—two young men who tragically lost their lives while working under dangerous and unregulated conditions. Joseph, on just his third day on the job, entered a lake without proper training, supervision, or emergency equipment. Brady, working for a separate company, drowned after being sent into deep water with gear that was improperly fitted and uninspected. In both cases, no one on site had the training to perform life-saving measures.
“These were preventable tragedies,” Rep. Baker said. “This bill honors the lives of Brady and Joseph by ensuring future workers in this industry have the safety training, equipment, and supervision they need to do their jobs safely.”
HF 1355 establishes three core safety requirements for commercial divers in aquatic plant removal:
- Mandatory scuba certification for all workers.
- Use of buoyancy control devices to help workers safely ascend in emergencies.
- Trained on-site supervision, including CPR/first aid certification and prior diving experience.
“This is not overregulation—it’s simply doing the right thing,” said Rep. Baker. “Many reputable companies are already meeting these safety standards. HF 1355 ensures that all businesses, without exception, follow the same baseline protocols to keep workers safe.”
The bill was developed in collaboration with the boys’ families and industry stakeholders. Rep. Baker recognized the courage and commitment of Bill and Dina Aune and David and Laurie Anderson, Brady and Joseph's parents. The mothers were present in the gallery during the vote.
“From day one, these families have advocated for meaningful change,” he said. “Their involvement helped shape a solution that honors their sons and balances safety, responsibility, and industry partnership, preventing future tragedies.”
The House adopted a technical amendment to align with Senate language, allowing the bill to move swiftly toward the Governor’s desk for signature. The overall bill passed with unanimous support, 127-0.
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