The bill amends several sections of the Revised Code to update excavation requirements for underground utility facilities in Ohio. It introduces a new definition of "working days," which now runs from midnight to eleven fifty-nine p.m. on the same day, explicitly excluding weekends and legal holidays. The definition of "excavation" has also been broadened to exclude certain activities in the public right-of-way, such as milling asphalt surfaces and utility pole inspections, as long as they do not penetrate the earth beyond specified depths. Additionally, the bill mandates that utilities participate in a protection service to register the locations of their underground facilities, enhancing communication and safety during excavation projects.

The bill revises notification requirements for excavation activities, stipulating that an excavator must notify a protection service at least two working days, but no more than sixteen calendar days, before starting excavation, replacing the previous forty-eight hours to ten working days requirement. It clarifies that emergency repairs by utilities or governmental entities do not require prior notification. The bill also specifies that for large excavation areas, written notice with projected timelines must be provided to coordinate the marking of underground utilities. Furthermore, it removes references to "limited basis participants" in the notification process and clarifies the responsibilities of property owners and excavators, streamlining regulations to enhance safety and coordination in excavation activities.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3781.25, 3781.26, 3781.27, 3781.271, 3781.28