The bill amends the Texas Utilities Code to update the time frame required for excavation notification and clarify definitions related to underground facilities. It introduces the term "business day," defined as any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, and establishes a new category called "Class A underground facility," which includes 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.

Additionally, the bill modifies the timeline for operators of Class A underground facilities to mark the location of their facilities, requiring them to do so by 11:59 p.m. on the second business day after receiving notice of intent to excavate. It also stipulates that operators must inform the excavator of their plans not to mark the location by the same deadline. The bill repeals certain existing provisions related to excavation notifications, streamlining the process and ensuring compliance with the updated timelines. 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)