The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 321, aims to amend Section 16-353 of the general statutes concerning excavation projects. The bill clarifies that local ordinances and laws requiring permits for excavation in public highways or demolition of structures on private property remain unaffected. It specifies that obtaining a permit does not exempt individuals from adhering to the chapter's provisions, and any failure to comply will not result in liability for the public agency that issued the permit.

A significant insertion in the bill states that individuals who obtain a permit to excavate in a public highway will not be required to keep the excavation site open after the completion of the work unless such a requirement is explicitly stated as a condition of the permit. This change is intended to provide clarity and reduce unnecessary burdens on permit holders. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 16-353