SB58 Summary

• Establishes the Underground Damage Prevention Fund within the State Treasury to be administered by the Underground Damage Prevention Authority, with all penalties collected from violations deposited into the fund.

• Creates a tiered civil penalty structure for violations of underground utility protection laws: up to $500 for first violation, $1,000 for second or subsequent within 12 months, $3,000 for third or subsequent within 12 months, and up to $10,000 for gross negligence or willful noncompliance.

• Requires violators to complete compliance training courses at their own expense; organizations must have at least one manager or supervisor attend training.

• Establishes a 17-member authority board composed of stakeholder representatives from utilities, excavation, government agencies, and other related industries, with initial appointments required by March 31, 2020, and subsequent three-year terms.

• Specifies that excess fund monies support public awareness programs and training for excavators, operators, and locators to reduce violations.