The bill seeks to improve safe excavation practices and protect underground utilities by amending the Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act. It introduces a free web-based platform for notifying facility operators about excavation plans, which must include a work-to-begin date. Key provisions require hazardous liquid and gas pipeline operators to locate underground facilities and provide information about unlocatable facilities, including their approximate location and contact details. The bill also establishes penalties for non-compliance, mandates accurate mapping records for underground facilities, and emphasizes the use of white lining for marking excavation boundaries.

Significant changes include the insertion of terms like "free" locating services and "health" in emergency definitions, along with new definitions such as "design locating" and "positive response." The bill requires electronic submission of excavation notices with geographic mapping, allows general contractors to submit notices on behalf of excavators, and holds both parties liable for damages. Civil penalties for violations are increased, with a maximum penalty of $25,000 for damaging hazardous facilities. Additionally, it establishes a safety committee to promote safe excavation practices and grants the commission authority to investigate violations and impose penalties without needing initial referral to the committee.

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