MS HB1198

Renames "Mississippi One-Call System, Inc." to "Mississippi 811, Inc." throughout Chapter 77-13 regulating excavations near underground utility lines.

Adds three new options for operators responding to excavation notices: marking facilities, reporting no facilities in the area, or advising that facilities can only be located by excavation (with up to 2 additional working days allowed).

Allows excavators to commence work before the full 2 working-day waiting period if all identified facility owners have responded through the PRIS system indicating no conflicts or that facilities have been marked.

Requires all utility facilities installed on or after January 1, 2010, to be locatable using generally accepted electronic locating methods.

Provides that operators who do not participate as members of Mississippi 811, Inc. waive their right to recover damages from excavators who comply with the chapter, except for municipalities.