Iowa House Bill HSB538

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to required timing for notices regarding underground facility excavations.(See HF 2581.)

Impact

One of the significant implications of HSB538 is the potential to reduce delays and enhance safety in excavation operations. By establishing a clear timeline for notifications and responses, the bill could lead to more efficient planning and execution of excavation projects. This straightforward approach is expected to help excavators avoid damaging underground utility lines, thus preventing potential hazards and costly service interruptions. If implemented effectively, this bill could have positive effects on public safety and construction efficiency in the state.

Summary

House Study Bill 538 (HSB538) focuses on the timing and procedural requirements for notifying relevant parties prior to underground facility excavations in Iowa. The bill explicitly defines a mandatory forty-eight-hour notice period, which begins at 6:00 a.m. on the next business day after the notification center receives a notice. This change aims to streamline the notification process by clarifying when notices must be given and operates within specified exclusions for weekends and holidays. Additionally, the bill modifies existing provisions to ensure that operators who receive notification must respond within the same forty-eight-hour timeframe regarding the status of underground facilities in the excavation area.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, HSB538 may encounter pushback regarding the adequacy of the proposed notification timelines. Some stakeholders might argue that the forty-eight-hour notification requirement could still lead to challenges, particularly in urgent excavation situations. Furthermore, questions about the enforcement of such timelines and the potential consequences for non-compliance could arise during discussions. Overall, the bill aims to balance the need for expedience in construction with public safety concerning underground utilities.