IN HB1247

Excavators may hire third-party utility locators when utility operators fail to mark underground facilities or provide required electronic responses within the statutory deadline after June 30, 2026

Operators must reimburse excavators three times the cost paid to third-party locators when the operator's failure to respond triggers the use of those services

Each utility operator must submit a list of authorized third-party locators to the Indiana Underground Plant Protection Service by June 1, 2026

The association must compile and maintain a listing of authorized locators for each operator and provide it to excavators upon receiving a notice of intent after June 30, 2026

The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and amends IC 8-1-26-18 (Indiana's 811 law)