Senate Bill No. 490, 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 associated with regional notification centers. This 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, particularly in connection with state broadband projects funded through various programs.

Additionally, the bill modifies the language regarding the responsibilities of governing authorities in distributing information related to excavation or demolition activities. It specifies that regional notification centers must furnish this information to governing authorities, and clarifies 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 changes are set to take effect on August 1, 2024.

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