H.B. No. 3004 amends various sections of the Health and Safety Code and the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to enhance safety regulations regarding work performed near high voltage overhead lines. The bill introduces new definitions, such as "overhead line" and "electric utility," and establishes that a person is responsible for work, activities, or functions performed near these lines if they directly perform the work, hire others to do so, or are involved in the work in any capacity. It also clarifies that individuals must notify the operator of a high voltage line at least 48 hours before beginning any work that may be conducted closer than prescribed distances to the line.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific restrictions on activities and machinery operation near high voltage lines, mandating that responsible persons ensure safety measures are in place to prevent contact with the lines. It stipulates that all individuals responsible for work are jointly liable for any damages resulting from violations of these regulations, including defense and indemnification costs, and bars them from recovering damages in tort from the line's owner or operator. The changes in law will apply only to causes of action that accrue on or after the effective date of the Act.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 51.014, Health and Safety Code 752.008, Chapter , Health and Safety Code 31.002, Health and Safety Code 752.002, Health and Safety Code 752.003, Health and Safety Code 752.004, Health and Safety Code 752.005, Health and Safety Code 752.007 (Chapter , Health and Safety Code 31, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 51, Health and Safety Code 752)
House Committee Report: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 51.014, Health and Safety Code 752.008, Chapter , Health and Safety Code 31.002, Health and Safety Code 752.002, Health and Safety Code 752.003, Health and Safety Code 752.004, Health and Safety Code 752.005, Health and Safety Code 752.007 (Chapter , Health and Safety Code 31, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 51, Health and Safety Code 752)