Bill > SB232

This bill modifies Alabama's Underground Damage Prevention Program by extending the sunset clause for utility operator participation in the One-Call Notification System from January 1, 2027, to January 1, 2035. The bill removes several specific membership requirements for operators, but maintains the core requirement that operators with underground facilities must participate in the One-Call Notification System, which is a centralized system for excavators to notify utility companies before digging. The bill preserves provisions allowing smaller electrical utility operators with less than five percent underground trench miles to be exempt from membership costs. It also maintains requirements for the One-Call Notification System, such as providing an individual reference number for excavation notifications, maintaining records for at least three years, and ensuring operators update their facility location information annually. The bill makes several minor language modifications, such as changing "non-profit" to "nonprofit," and clarifies that operators who fail to join the system may forfeit their right to recover damages if their underground facilities are damaged during excavation. The act is set to become effective on January 1, 2026, providing utility operators and the One-Call Notification System time to prepare for the updated requirements.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search