AR HB1583

Expands the definition of "excavation" to explicitly include tools manipulated by human or animal power, and removes language limiting the list of excavation methods.

Increases civil penalties for violations of federal pipeline marking and safety requirements from a maximum of $25,000 per violation to $200,000 per violation, and from $500,000 to $2,000,000 for related series of violations.

Exempts State Highway Commission, Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, county judges, and their road departments from penalty provisions.

Creates new felony crimes under Arkansas Code § 5-69-103 for knowingly violating pipeline damage prevention laws, with penalties ranging from Class A misdemeanor to Class B felony depending on damage amounts and circumstances.

Adds exceptions to notification requirements for certain activities including operator maintenance work, agricultural purposes, preengineered public projects, cemetery work, and routine road maintenance (excluding demolition and excavation).