SB 661 Summary

• Establishes the Dig Safe Act of 2016 requiring excavators to delineate work areas and notify regional notification centers before excavation, with operators required to locate and mark subsurface installations within two working days before the legal excavation start date.

• Creates the California Underground Facilities Safe Excavation Board under the Office of the State Fire Marshal to coordinate education, develop safety standards, investigate violations, and enforce excavation safety requirements, with 9 appointed members and 2 ex officio members serving 4-year terms.

• Implements a continual excavation ticket system valid for one year (renewable) for areas where excavation is ongoing business activity, with mandatory onsite meetings required when high-priority subsurface installations are within 10 feet of the excavation area.

• Protects excavators from liability for damages caused by inaccurate field marks by operators if the excavator complied with notification and safety requirements; establishes civil penalties of up to $10,000 for negligent violations and $50,000 for knowing violations.

• Establishes the Safe Energy Infrastructure and Excavation Fund to support board operations and public education programs promoting safe excavation practices, with enforcement authority delegated to the Public Utilities Commission, State Fire Marshal, and local governing boards.