The proposed bill aims to modernize the Underground Facilities Statutes by implementing significant changes to excavation practices and coordination for large projects. It would remove the requirement for excavators to mark excavation boundaries upon request by underground facilities operators and instead require excavators to mark the area to be excavated with white lining before submitting a location request to the one-call notification center. The bill also mandates that all excavations, including large projects and residential properties, adhere to these white lining requirements and requires underground facility operators to notify excavators when marking is unnecessary through an interactive positive response system. Additionally, the bill enhances coordination for large projects by requiring excavators to notify the one-call notification center at least 15 business days prior to starting a large project and establishing meetings to discuss marking requests and excavation schedules. It introduces new definitions, such as "interactive positive response system" and "large project," and clarifies civil penalties for non-compliance. Overall, the updates aim to improve safety, efficiency, and communication in excavation activities while ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 40-360.21, 40-360.22, 40-360.23, 40-360.26, 40-360.28, 40-360.33, 33-1310, 33-2001, 33-1409, 1-301, 40-360.30, 32-1151, 40-360.32
Senate Engrossed Version: 40-360.21, 40-360.22, 40-360.23, 40-360.26, 40-360.28, 40-360.33, 33-1310, 33-2001, 33-1409, 1-301, 40-360.30, 32-1151, 40-360.32