The bill amends the Arkansas Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act to enhance definitions and penalties related to the protection of underground facilities. It introduces new definitions for "contract locator," "excavator," "extraordinary circumstances," and "infrastructure project," which clarify the roles and situations affecting underground facility operations. The bill also specifies the use of specialized equipment for excavation that minimizes damage to underground facilities and establishes a tiered penalty structure for violations, including mandatory training for first-time offenders and increased fines for repeat violations.

Additionally, the bill requires the Attorney General to produce quarterly reports on complaints, settlements, and fines collected under the Act, and clarifies the notification process for operators of underground facilities, mandating electronic responses to the One Call Center regarding facility locations. It emphasizes timely communication between operators and excavators, particularly in extraordinary circumstances, and modifies notice requirements to ensure that each entity involved in a project provides notice individually. An emergency clause is included, allowing the act to take effect immediately upon approval by the Governor or under specific conditions if not vetoed.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB297 Original - 2-21-2023 11:57 AM: 14-271-102, 14-271-104, 14-271-109, 14-271-109(a), 14-271-110, 14-271-112(b), 14-271-112(c)
Old version SB297 V2 - 3-6-2023 01:44 PM: 14-271-102, 03-06-2023, 14-271-104, 14-271-109, 14-271-109(a), 14-271-110, 14-271-112(b), 14-271-112(c)
SB 297: 14-271-102, 03-06-2023, 14-271-104, 14-271-109, 14-271-109(a), 14-271-110, 14-271-112(b), 14-271-112(c)
Act 309: 14-271-102, 03-06-2023, 14-271-104, 14-271-109, 14-271-109(a), 14-271-110, 14-271-112(b), 14-271-112(c)