FL S0288

Expands notification requirements to include all member operators with state-owned underground facilities in state highway rights-of-way, removing their previous exemption from excavation notifications and marking obligations.

Broadens the definition of "high-priority subsurface installation" to include all underground pipelines or facilities (not just gas transmission/distribution), allowing operators to designate facilities as high-priority and requiring excavators to notify operators of planned start dates and provide current contact information.

Eliminates the exemption for industrial activities on secured property and removes the exemption for state agency maintenance activities within public road rights-of-way without proper notice.

Creates a new noncriminal infraction for excavators who fail to notify member operators of start date and time for excavations near high-priority subsurface installations when timely notified by the operator.

Allows the Division of Administrative Hearings to approve settlement agreements for alleged incidents involving high-priority subsurface installations in lieu of full hearings, and changes venue from the facility location county to the incident location county.