The bill amends the Washington State Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act to enhance safe excavation practices and protect underground utilities. Key provisions include the establishment of a comprehensive damage prevention program that requires excavators to provide a "work-to-begin date" when notifying a one-number locator service and mandates facility operators to accurately mark their underground facilities free of charge. The bill also emphasizes the use of a web-based platform and a toll-free number for notifying utility operators, outlines penalties for non-compliance, and introduces new terms such as "blind boring," "potholing," and "positive response" to clarify excavation methods and communication protocols.

Additionally, the bill amends RCW 19.122.130 and RCW 19.122.150 to enhance oversight and enforcement of regulations related to underground and above-ground facilities. It establishes a safety committee composed of various stakeholders to advise on best practices and review complaints about violations, while also granting the commission the authority to investigate and enforce violations related to pipeline facilities directly. This streamlining of the enforcement process allows for quicker imposition of penalties and remedial actions. Overall, the bill aims to improve safety and accountability in excavation practices, thereby reducing the risk of damage to vital underground infrastructure.

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