Virginia House Bill HB913

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/22
• Refer: 1/12/22

Caption

Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act; duties of operator, liability of excavator.

Impact

The legislation impacts existing state utility laws by amending provisions related to the responsibilities of utility companies and excavators. Specifically, it sets out strict timelines for operators to mark utility lines and respond to notifications regarding excavation projects. Additionally, operators must maintain accurate records of both active and abandoned utility lines. These changes aim to create a safer environment for construction workers and the general public while promoting communication between utility operators and those performing excavations.

Summary

House Bill 913, also known as the Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act, seeks to enhance safety measures and establish clear responsibilities for operators and excavators when working around underground utility lines. The bill outlines mandatory actions that utility operators must take before excavation projects, including marking the locations of underground utilities and participating in preconstruction meetings with relevant authorities. This proactive approach is intended to minimize the risk of damage to utility lines during excavation, which can result in dangerous situations and costly repairs.

Contention

Although there is general consensus regarding the need for improved utility damage prevention, there may be points of contention surrounding the enforcement mechanisms and potential penalties introduced in the bill. Critics may argue that the liabilities imposed on operators and excavators could lead to disputes over responsibility and costs associated with damages. Furthermore, the training requirements for contract locators may raise concerns about the burden placed on smaller operators and the adequacy of enforcement in monitoring compliance with the new standards.