The bill amends the Arkansas Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act, specifically focusing on the notice requirements to the One Call Center. It clarifies that compliance with these notice requirements is not necessary for certain activities involving the movement of earth. These activities include the use of specialized equipment designed to excavate without damaging underground facilities, such as equipment that utilizes pressurized water or air with a vacuum system, as well as tools operated solely by human power for specific maintenance and leak detection purposes.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that allow for the use of hand-operated tools to a depth of no more than twelve inches within twelve inches of the operator's terminal for various purposes. It also maintains exemptions for agricultural activities, cemetery grave openings, and routine road work performed by state or county maintenance departments, provided that such work does not involve demolition or excavation. The amendments aim to streamline the process while ensuring the protection of underground facilities.

Statutes affected:
SB 401: 14-271-109(a)
Act 448: 14-271-109(a)