summary
Introduced
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
In Committee
03/04/2025
03/04/2025
Crossed Over
02/28/2025
02/28/2025
Passed
05/08/2025
05/08/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/27/2025
05/27/2025
Introduced Session
126th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Amending Section 58-36-20, Relating To Definitions, So As To Add Definitions For "commencement Date," "large Project," "large Project Facility Location Agreement," "notice," "pre-marking," "private Facility," "project Initiator," And "soft Digging," And To Amend The Definitions Of "excavate," "excavator," And "operator"; By Amending Section 58-36-50, Relating To The Operators Association Notification Center, So As To Clarify Operator Penalty For Failure To Be A Member Of The Association, The Notification Center's Duties, And Other Changes; By Amending Section 58-36-60, Relating To Notices Of Intent To Excavate Or Demolish, So As To Clarify Certain Notice Requirements, Provide Additional Time For Notice For Certain Excavations Or Demolitions, And Other Changes; By Amending Section 58-36-70, Relating To Information Supplied By Operators, So As To Require Notice To Excavators Prior To The Commencement Date, Require Quarterly Reports Of Damages Caused By Excavations Or Demolitions, And To Clarify Payments Of Civil Penalties In Certain Circumstances; By Amending Section 58-36-80, Relating To Emergency Excavations Or Demolitions Exempt From Notice Requirements And Liability For Damages, So As Establish Additional Notification And Response Requirements In The Event Of An Emergency And To Make A False Claim Of An Emergency A Violation Of This Chapter; By Amending Section 58-36-90, Relating To Notices Of Damages, So As To Require Excavators To Immediately Report Any Known Damages To The Notification Center And Facility Operator; By Amending Section 58-36-100, Relating To Design Requests And Operator Responses, So As To Add References To Large Projects; By Amending Section 58-36-110, Relating To Exemptions From Notice Requirements, So As To Strike Current Provisions; By Amending Section 58-36-120, Relating To Penalties And Civil Remedies, So As To Provide For A Complaint Process And To Provide For Penalties; And By Adding Section 58-36-75 So As To Provide A Process For Large Projects. - Ratified Title
AI Summary
This bill amends South Carolina's underground facility damage prevention law to enhance safety and coordination for excavation and demolition projects. The bill adds several new definitions, including "large project," which refers to extensive excavation or demolition work spanning more than 90 days, such as highway, development, or utility infrastructure projects. It establishes a comprehensive process for managing large projects, requiring project initiators to provide early notice to the notification center, conduct planning meetings with all affected parties, and negotiate a facility location agreement that outlines specific notice and response procedures. The bill strengthens existing requirements for operators and excavators, such as mandating that all operators join the notification center's association, providing more detailed notice and marking requirements, and establishing a more robust complaint and penalty process through the Attorney General's Office. Key changes include requiring immediate reporting of facility damage, creating specific protocols for emergency excavations, and implementing stricter penalties for violations, with fines ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 depending on the severity and nature of the infraction. The overall goal is to improve underground facility protection, reduce damages during excavation projects, and establish clear communication and safety standards for all parties involved in underground infrastructure work.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry, Justice
Sponsors (6)
Davey Hiott (R)*,
Brandon Guffey (R),
Jermaine Johnson (D),
Mike Neese (R),
Brandon Newton (R),
Fawn Pedalino (R),
Last Action
Act No. 65 (on 05/27/2025)
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