summary
Introduced
12/02/2025
12/02/2025
In Committee
12/02/2025
12/02/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Line maintenance in public rights-of-way. Sets forth minimum standards and requirements for the installation and maintenance of communications service or utility service facilities (facilities) in a public right-of-way. Defines a "permittee" as: (1) a person to whom an initial permit or authorization for the installation of a facility in a public right-of-way is granted by a unit; or (2) a service provider responsible for maintaining a facility that has been installed in a public right-of-way. Defines a "line pollution violation" as a violation attributable to a permittee and involving: (1) noncompliance with any standard or requirement set forth in the bill; or (2) the presence of any damaged, abandoned, loose, or improperly secured facilities within a public right-of-way. Provides that a permittee responsible for a line pollution violation is liable to the unit owning the public right-of-way for a fine in an amount determined by the unit, but not to exceed: (1) $500 per violation for each day the violation remains uncured; or (2) a total fine of $2,500. Requires a permittee to ensure that any person responsible for installing, replacing, relocating, or repairing any underground facility that is owned or operated by the permittee and located within a public right-of-way complies with the requirements set forth in: (1) Indiana's statute concerning underground utility facilities; and (2) any applicable local ordinance or regulation; with respect to any work involving drilling, trenching, boring, hand digging, or plowing.
AI Summary
This bill establishes comprehensive standards for the installation and maintenance of communication and utility facilities in public rights-of-way, effective July 1, 2026. The legislation defines key terms such as "permittee" (the entity responsible for installing or maintaining facilities), "facility" (which includes lines, cables, conduits, and equipment used for communications or utility services), and "line pollution violation" (any non-compliance with installation standards or the presence of damaged, abandoned, or improperly secured facilities). The bill sets forth detailed requirements for facility installation, including proper securing of aerial and underground cables, marking of equipment with contact information, and timely repair or removal of damaged structures. Permittees who violate these standards can be fined up to $500 per day for each violation, with a total fine not exceeding $2,500. The legislation also preserves local units' authority to impose more stringent standards and does not limit existing regulations regarding underground utility facilities. Additionally, the bill requires permittees to ensure that any agents or contractors working on underground facilities comply with state and local regulations related to drilling, trenching, and other excavation activities.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Representative Bartels removed as coauthor (on 01/20/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1041/details |
| BillText | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/house/bills/HB1041/HB1041.01.INTR.pdf |
| Fiscal Note #1: Introduced | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/house/bills/HB1041/fiscal-notes/HB1041.01.INTR.FN001.pdf |
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