SB 778 Summary

• Revises procedures for excavators when tickets expire, requiring immediate cessation of excavation, contact with the regional notification center, and issuance of a new ticket before resumption of work.

• Modifies requirements for using vacuum excavation devices by requiring excavators to inform the regional notification center of intent to use such equipment and obtain operator agreement before proceeding.

• Requires local agencies charging fees for field marking services to consider whether fees could deter excavators from contacting the notification center and to consider recouping costs through existing permit fees instead.

• Eliminates the requirement for regional notification centers to compile and submit annual incident reports; allows the Dig Safe Board to investigate excavator downtime, damages, near misses, and complaints.

• Revises Dig Safe Board composition requirements, including modifying knowledge and experience requirements for three Governor-appointed members and allowing the Senate-appointed member to be employed by an operator.