Bill > HB4464

This bill makes several changes to West Virginia's laws regarding underground facility damage prevention. It clarifies the definition of "emergency" to include situations requiring immediate correction for continuity of service or safety, and it allows for mutual agreement between excavators and operators to extend the standard 48-hour response time for locating underground facilities, provided this agreement is documented. The bill also grants the Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Board (the "Board") enhanced powers to investigate damages, assess penalties, require training, and even place liens on property for unpaid penalties. Furthermore, it specifies that appeals of final orders from the Board will now go to the intermediate court of appeals. The core purpose of these changes is to improve the safety and efficiency of excavation and demolition work by ensuring better communication and compliance with procedures designed to prevent damage to underground utilities.

Government Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4464&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill