GA HB1342

Utilities must submit facility relocation plans within 30-120 days of receiving preliminary highway project plans from the Georgia Department of Transportation; failure to submit within 120 days shifts relocation costs from the department to the utility

Utility work plans that would delay highway projects beyond department completion timeframes cannot be approved; utilities have 30 days to submit acceptable plans after written notice or the department will proceed with the project

Department shall suspend a utility's permit if removal, relocation, or adjustment work falls 20 percent or more behind the approved schedule until progress reaches at least 80 percent compliance

Utility owners shall be liable (changed from "may be liable") to the department and contractors for documented damages and delay costs resulting from failure to comply with approved work plans or submit timely plans

Repeals existing mediation board provisions that previously allowed utilities to request mediation for disputes over work plans, delay costs, and other relocation-related matters; utilities now have 45 days to pay damages upon notification