Senate Bill No. SLS 26RS-752, introduced by Senator Abraham, seeks to amend the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law by establishing regional notification centers and enhancing enforcement measures for excavation and demolition activities. The bill introduces new definitions such as "clear or no conflict," "locate request," "positive response," and "ticket," which aim to clarify communication between excavators and utility operators. It specifically requires excavators involved in broadband development projects funded by the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program to provide advance notice to utility operators and to seek mutual agreements regarding excavation activities.

Additionally, the bill outlines training requirements for individuals engaged in excavation or demolition, with certain exemptions for those certified under specific operator qualification programs. It mandates that facility operators must provide a positive response regarding the status of their utilities before excavation begins. The legislation also modifies opt-out provisions for municipalities and parish governments, limiting exemptions to those with a home rule charter established before January 1, 1958, and requires these entities to maintain a permitting process for underground facility information. The bill empowers the Department of Public Safety and Corrections and local law enforcement to halt excavation or demolition activities if violations are suspected, with all provisions set to expire on August 1, 2030.

Statutes affected:
SB469 Original: 40:13(B)(6), 40:14(A), 40:18(B)(4)
SB469 Engrossed: 40:13(B)(6), 40:14(A), 40:18(B)(4)
SB469 Reengrossed: 40:13(B)(6), 40:14(A), 40:18(B)(4)