Bill > SB480

This bill modifies West Virginia's laws regarding underground facilities damage prevention by clarifying definitions and strengthening enforcement mechanisms. Key changes include expanding the definition of "emergency" to encompass situations requiring immediate correction for continuity of service or public/operator safety, and granting 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. The bill also refines the notification process for operators of underground facilities, ensuring they are promptly informed by the one-call system (a communication system that alerts facility owners about planned excavation) and have a defined timeframe to mark the location of their facilities or confirm their absence. Furthermore, it outlines a tiered system of civil penalties for violations, ranging from mandatory training for first offenses to significant fines for repeated or grossly negligent actions, and specifies that appeals of board orders will now go to the intermediate court of appeals.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=480&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill