The bill amends the 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 notification requirements for individuals intending to excavate are updated to require notification to a 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 modifies the responsibilities of Class A underground facility operators regarding marking the locations of their facilities. Operators must mark the approximate location by 11:59 p.m. on the second business day after receiving notification of intent to excavate, or at a mutually agreed time. The bill also mandates that operators notify excavators if they do not plan to mark the location of their facilities by the same deadline. Certain provisions of the Utilities Code are repealed to streamline the notification process, and the act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.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)