The bill amends the Revised Code to enhance the safety and efficiency of excavation activities involving underground utility facilities. It introduces a new definition for "protection service," which is now defined as a notification center that receives notices from public authorities and disseminates information to its members. The responsibilities of public authorities and utility owners are modified to ensure accurate identification and marking of underground facilities prior to construction. Additionally, the bill extends the notification timeline for contractors to a maximum of sixteen calendar days before commencing excavation work, while clarifying the roles of contractors and public authorities when unmarked utilities are encountered.

Moreover, the legislation establishes a centralized database for tracking underground facility damage notifications, which will improve safety and damage prevention education. It mandates that nonconfidential damage data be publicly accessible on the protection service's website and that reports related to underground facility damage be available to the public utilities commission upon request. The bill also reduces the required notice period for excavators from at least forty-eight hours to at least two working days, while emphasizing the importance of training for all parties involved in the excavation process. Overall, the bill aims to improve communication and coordination between excavators and utility providers, thereby enhancing safety during excavation activities.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3781.25, 3781.26, 3781.27, 3781.271, 3781.28
As Reported By House Committee: 153.64, 3781.25, 3781.26, 3781.27, 3781.271, 3781.28, 3781.29
As Passed By House: 153.64, 3781.25, 3781.26, 3781.27, 3781.271, 3781.28, 3781.29
As Reported By Senate Committee: 153.64, 3781.25, 3781.26, 3781.261, 3781.27, 3781.271, 3781.28, 3781.29, 3781.30, 4913.01
As Passed By Senate: 153.64, 3781.25, 3781.26, 3781.261, 3781.27, 3781.271, 3781.28, 3781.29, 3781.30, 4913.01
As Enrolled: 153.64, 3781.25, 3781.26, 3781.261, 3781.27, 3781.271, 3781.28, 3781.29, 3781.30, 4913.01