Senate Bill No. SLS 24RS-1443, introduced by Senator Cathey, aims to enhance the management of underground utilities and facilities by requiring municipalities or parish governments that own or operate drainage, sewer, or water systems to become members of, participate in, and share the costs of regional notification centers. The bill amends R.S. 40:1749.21(B) and enacts R.S. 40:1749.19(C), which mandates that these local governments must engage with regional notification centers to ensure proper mapping and identification of their underground utilities in connection with state broadband projects.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the responsibilities of governing authorities regarding the distribution of information related to excavation or demolition activities. It specifies that regional notification centers must furnish this information to governing authorities, and it maintains that the failure of these authorities to distribute the information does not create liability for them or the permittee, nor does it diminish the responsibilities of excavators or demolishers. The proposed changes will take effect on August 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
SB490 Original: 40:21(B)
SB490 Engrossed: 40:21(B)
SB490 Reengrossed: 40:21(B)