The bill seeks to improve safe excavation practices and protect underground utilities by amending the Washington State Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act. It establishes a comprehensive damage prevention program that includes new definitions and requirements, such as the obligation for excavators to provide a "work-to-begin date" when notifying a one-number locator service. Facility operators are mandated to accurately mark their underground facilities free of charge, and the bill emphasizes the use of a web-based platform alongside a toll-free number for notifying operators about excavation plans. Notable insertions include definitions for "blind boring," "design locating," and "force majeure," as well as the requirement for excavators to use white lining or flags for marking excavation boundaries.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding the excavation and marking of underground facilities, particularly for gas and hazardous liquid pipelines. It clarifies the responsibilities of facility operators and end users, establishes new penalties for violations, and increases the maximum civil penalty for excavators who damage underground facilities to $25,000. The bill also modifies the composition and procedures of the safety committee overseeing underground utility practices by adding a labor organization representative and allows the commission to investigate and enforce violations related to pipeline facilities without needing an initial referral from the safety committee. Overall, these changes aim to enhance safety, accountability, and compliance in excavation practices related to underground utilities.

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