Underground facilities; requiring operators install underground facility in certain consistent manner; effective date.
Impact
In an effort to streamline compliance and promote safety, the bill also amends existing statutes related to the liability of excavators. It stipulates that excavators who damage underground facilities due to negligence will be accountable for repair costs. Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions enabling excavators and property owners to seek damages if facilities are improperly marked or placed outside designated easements. These changes could lead to increased protections for property owners and reduced accidental damage incidents related to excavation activities.
Summary
House Bill 2564 aims to enhance the consistency and safety of underground facility installations in Oklahoma. The bill mandates that operators adhere to specific depth and alignment parameters when installing these facilities, ensuring they remain within six inches of the established guidelines. This regulation targets the recognition of consistent installation practices to minimize future damages and accidents related to underground utilities.
Contention
Discussion around HB2564 highlights a potential tension between utility operators and excavators. While proponents argue that these stringent measures will lead to improved safety and reduced incidents of damage to underground facilities, some stakeholders may view the increased liabilities as burdensome. Critics could argue that the regulations, while well-intentioned, may disproportionately impact smaller contractors who might struggle to absorb the costs associated with repairs and liability.
Oklahoma Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act; modifying definitions; requiring certain information to be provided to underground facilities within certain timeframe. Effective date.
Long-term care; requiring certain regulation of intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities with sixteen or fewer beds. Effective date.
Long-term care; requiring certain regulation of intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities with sixteen or fewer beds. Effective date.
Wrecker operators; requiring certain inspection; requiring certain documentation and time for appeal; defining certain term; allowing payment for responding operators. Effective date.
Roads, bridges and ferries; requiring certain information be kept confidential; requiring utilities make certain information available; effective date.
Long-term care; exempting certain facilities from long-term care certificate of need requirement; eliminating certificate of need requirement for psychiatric and chemical dependency facilities. Effective date.
Environmental protection: underground storage tanks; placement distance of underground storage tanks from a public water supply system; revise. Amends sec. 21102a of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.21102a) & adds sec. 21102b.
Requesting The Public Utilities Commission To Address Certain Recommendations For Undergrounding The State's Utility Facilities As Outlined In The 1999 Legislative Reference Bureau Report Entitled "undergrounding Public Utility Lines".