The bill amends the Texas Utilities Code to update the time frame for excavation notification and clarify definitions related to underground facilities. It introduces the term "business day" to mean any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, and defines "Class A underground facility" to include various types of utilities such as electrical energy, natural gas, and telecommunications services. The notification requirements for individuals intending to excavate are revised to mandate that they notify a notification center no earlier than the 14th business day and no later than the 3rd business day before the excavation begins, replacing the previous requirement of notifying at least 48 hours in advance.

Additionally, the bill specifies that operators of Class A underground facilities must mark the approximate location of their facilities by 11:59 p.m. on the second business day after receiving notice of intent to excavate. It also requires operators to inform the excavator of their plans not to mark the location by the same deadline, using verifiable electronic methods for communication. The bill repeals certain provisions of the Utilities Code that are no longer applicable, streamlining the excavation notification process. The changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Utilities Code 251.002, Utilities Code 251.151, Utilities Code 251.157 (Utilities Code 251)