This bill amends the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law by updating definitions and procedures related to excavation and demolition activities. It introduces a new definition for "large project excavation or demolition," specifying that such activities must be completed within a contiguous area and establishes timeframes for routine and agricultural, forestry, or marine projects. The bill also mandates that excavators or demolishers provide notice to regional notification centers at least 48 hours in advance of their activities, with a maximum of 120 hours allowed before commencement. If work does not begin within this timeframe, the excavator or demolisher may be found in violation unless there is a mutual agreement to extend the time or extraordinary circumstances arise.

Additionally, the bill requires that at least one person on any excavation or demolition site must have completed training provided by the Regional Notification Center, which is available free of charge. It allows for voluntary agreements between operators of underground utilities and excavators to determine mark-by times and project durations for large projects. If a mutual agreement cannot be reached within 30 days, the large project notification will be deemed null and void, and the excavator or demolisher must cancel the large project notice and request a routine notice instead.

Statutes affected:
HB392 Original: 40:13(B)(1)
HB392 Engrossed: 40:12(11), 40:13(B)(1)
HB392 Reengrossed: 40:12(11), 40:13(B)(1)
HB392 Enrolled: 40:12(11), 40:13(B)(1)
HB392 Act : 40:12(11), 40:13(B)(1)