House Bill 2024 aims to enhance underground utility damage prevention measures in Tennessee. Key amendments include the substitution of "digging, ditching" with "digging, dredging, ditching" in the definition of excavation activities. The bill introduces a new definition for "digital locating," which refers to the use of visual indicators on digital imagery or electronic maps to mark the locations of underground utilities. Additionally, the notice period for excavation has been extended from fifteen to twenty calendar days, and the requirements for electric white lining have been revised to necessitate a meeting between the excavator and utility operators before excavation begins.

Further provisions include the introduction of vacuum excavation as a method for locating or protecting underground facilities, and updates to the records referenced in utility documentation to include "digital locating." These changes are designed to improve communication and safety regarding underground utility work, ultimately reducing the risk of damage during excavation activities. The bill is set to take effect upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 65-31-102(12)(A), 65-31-102, 65-31-106(a)(1), 65-31-106, 65-31-106(b), 65-31-106(e), 65-31-118(b)(1)(B), 65-31-118