The bill seeks to improve safe excavation practices and protect underground utilities by amending the Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act. It introduces new definitions such as "blind boring" and "design locating," and emphasizes the use of a one-number locator service for notifying facility operators prior to excavation. Key provisions include the requirement for excavators to provide a work-to-begin date when notifying the locator service, and the establishment of a web-based platform for the locator service that must offer the same services as the existing toll-free number at no cost to users. The bill also mandates that facility operators subscribe to the locator service and outlines penalties for non-compliance, while encouraging best practices for underground damage prevention.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the responsibilities of both excavators and facility operators, particularly regarding the location of gas and hazardous liquid pipelines, and introduces penalties for violations, including increased fines for non-compliance with excavation requirements. It establishes a safety committee with representatives from various stakeholders to review complaints related to underground facilities and allows the commission to investigate and enforce violations without needing a referral from the committee. The bill aims to enhance cooperation between excavators and facility operators, ensuring accurate information is provided and improving overall safety measures related to underground utility operations.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 19.122.010, 19.122.020, 19.122.027, 19.122.030, 19.122.031, 19.122.050, 19.122.055, 19.122.160, 19.122.090, 19.122.100, 19.122.130, 19.122.150
Substitute Bill: 19.122.010, 19.122.020, 19.122.027, 19.122.030, 19.122.031, 19.122.050, 19.122.055, 19.122.160, 19.122.090, 19.122.100, 19.122.130, 19.122.150
Engrossed Substitute: 19.122.010, 19.122.020, 19.122.027, 19.122.030, 19.122.031, 19.122.050, 19.122.055, 19.122.160, 19.122.100, 19.122.130, 19.122.150
Bill as Passed Legislature: 19.122.010, 19.122.020, 19.122.027, 19.122.030, 19.122.031, 19.122.050, 19.122.055, 19.122.160, 19.122.100, 19.122.130, 19.122.150
Session Law: 19.122.010, 19.122.020, 19.122.027, 19.122.030, 19.122.031, 19.122.050, 19.122.055, 19.122.160, 19.122.100, 19.122.130, 19.122.150