HB5491 Summary

• Residential property owners who willfully fail to comply with the Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act during excavation or demolition on their property are exempt from penalties for a first-time offense, but face penalties of up to $500 for each subsequent willful violation.

• Any residential property owner who fails to comply with the Act while excavating or demolishing on residential property becomes liable for damage to underground utility facilities, unless the damage resulted from the facility owner or operator's failure to comply with the Act.

• The Illinois Commerce Commission may impose administrative penalties as provided in the Act when enforcing its provisions.

• The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.