DE HB386

Amends Title 26, Chapter 8 (Underground Utility Damage Prevention and Safety Act) to grant the Public Service Commission authority to promulgate and enforce underground excavation and demolition rules and regulations.

Requires the Commission to establish regulations for safe excavation and demolition practices and distribute them to all persons designing, constructing, or operating underground facilities and those engaged in excavation or demolition activities.

Authorizes the Commission to impose civil penalties for excavation or demolition actions that damage underground utility facilities or injure the public, proportional to the damage caused and frequency of violation.

Establishes that Commission regulations supersede all inconsistent local ordinances and regulations.

Empowers the Commission to issue stop work orders and take enforcement action alongside the Attorney General and utility operators to prevent unsafe excavation or demolition activities.