MO HB678

Extends the deadline for the state highways and transportation commission to participate in underground facility notification centers from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2014, while allowing voluntary participation after that date.

Requires excavators to notify the notification center before beginning excavation in public streets, roads, alleys, rights-of-way, utility easements, or private property to obtain information about underground facilities.

Eliminates the requirement for excavators to separately notify non-participating underground facility owners as of January 1, 2003, making notification to the center sufficient notice to all facility owners and operators.

Relieves notification center participants of responsibility to respond to direct excavation notices, except for on-site clarification meetings and emergency location requests.

Requires excavators to clarify the excavation area through markings, project plans, or on-site meetings if underground facility owners cannot determine the area from the initial notice description.