AL HB322

Extends the Underground Damage Prevention Program's sunset date from January 1, 2027 to January 1, 2037, continuing mandatory participation in the One-Call Notification System for underground facility operators

Creates new "complex or large project" requirements for excavations exceeding 40 working days, involving five or more concurrent work crews, or requiring multiple locate requests in the same area within a single notification period

Requires excavators on complex or large projects to provide at least five working days' notice before a pre-excavation planning meeting and negotiate working agreements with operators and locators covering scope, timeline, and location schedules

Adds "hand digging" to the definition of excavation, with exemptions for property owners using unmechanized tools on their own property, operators performing shallow maintenance (under 18 inches), and licensed land surveyors

Allows the Underground Damage Prevention Authority to contract with third-party administrators for administrative support as an alternative to the Public Service Commission, and allows excavators to begin work early if all operators submit completed positive responses