The bill amends the Arkansas Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act, specifically focusing on the membership requirements for the One Call Center. It replaces the term "commission" with "Arkansas Public Service Commission" and allows the Commission to provide exemptions or waivers for membership requirements through rules or orders, as long as these do not conflict with existing statutes or federal law.
Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for operators of underground facilities who fail to join the One Call Center within thirty days of receiving a written warning. A fine of $1,000 will be imposed, with an additional $500 fine for every thirty days of non-compliance thereafter. The bill also allows other individuals or entities that own or control underground facilities to apply for membership in the One Call Center. Membership is confirmed through participation and payment for the services provided by the Center.