Bill > HB376

This bill adds a new provision to Louisiana law that requires municipalities and parish governments to notify excavators or demolishers working on broadband infrastructure projects about their ability (or inability) to locate and mark underground utilities within 48 hours of receiving an excavation or demolition notice. Specifically, if a municipality or parish government cannot locate, mark, or provide information about its underground utilities (such as drainage, sewer, or water systems), it must inform the excavator within that 48-hour window. Importantly, if the municipality or parish fails to provide such notification, the excavator becomes responsible for any damage to underground utilities during the project. The bill applies to broadband projects funded through various federal programs like the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, the Enhanced Alternative Connect America Model, and the Rural Development Broadband ReConnect Program, among others. This legislation aims to clarify responsibilities and improve communication between local governments and infrastructure developers during broadband deployment projects.

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https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=HB376&sbi=y