The bill amends Chapter 39-1.2 of the General Laws, titled "Excavation near Underground Utility Facilities," by updating definitions and procedures related to excavation activities near underground utilities. The definition of "damage" to utility lines is clarified to exclude intentional penetration or severance by a public utility or its contractors when repairing or replacing a utility line. The bill also introduces a new definition for "PHMSA," which stands for the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, administered by the United States Department of Transportation.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the protocol for reporting damage to underground facilities. It requires immediate notification to the affected public utility by the person or public agency responsible for the excavation causing the contact or damage, and prohibits backfilling the excavation until the utility has addressed the damage. In the case of an unanticipated release of hazardous gas or liquid from a damaged pipeline regulated by PHMSA, the responsible party must promptly report the release to first responders by calling 9-1-1. The bill also removes language regarding the escape of dangerous fluids or gases and the requirement to call 911 if there is an immediate danger to life and health, replacing it with the new PHMSA-related reporting requirement. The act will take effect upon passage.