The bill amends the Texas Utilities Code to establish a new framework for excavation notification timelines. It defines "business day" to exclude Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, and introduces the term "Class A underground facility," which encompasses various types of underground utilities, including electrical energy, natural gas, and telecommunications services. The bill modifies the notification requirements for individuals intending to excavate, mandating that they notify a notification center no earlier than the 14th business day and no later than the 3rd business day before excavation begins, replacing the previous requirement of notifying at least 48 hours in advance.

Additionally, the bill stipulates 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 notification of intent to excavate. It also requires operators to inform the excavator if they will not mark the location by the same deadline. The bill repeals certain provisions of the Utilities Code that are no longer applicable under the new framework. 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)