Bill > HB517

This bill modifies Alabama's Underground Damage Prevention Program, focusing primarily on establishing new procedures for complex or large excavation projects. The bill introduces a detailed definition of "complex or large project" which includes excavations extending beyond 40 working days, involving five or more consecutive work crews operating simultaneously, or requiring multiple locate requests within a single working day. For such projects, excavators must now provide at least five working days' notice before commencing work, submit comprehensive project details, hold a pre-excavation planning meeting, and negotiate a "working agreement" with facility operators and locators that outlines project scope, timeline, and location completion schedule. The bill also expands definitions of existing terms like "excavation" and "hand digging," adds requirements for operators to provide more precise facility location information, and strengthens notification and marking procedures to minimize potential damage to underground facilities. Additionally, the bill establishes an enforcement mechanism through the Underground Damage Prevention Authority, which can levy civil penalties for non-compliance, with penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 depending on the violation's severity and frequency. The changes aim to improve communication, safety, and coordination during excavation projects by requiring more detailed planning and collaboration between excavators and underground facility operators.

Transportation and Infrastructure

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