MS HB576

Excludes routine road and railroad maintenance activities from excavation definition when performed with reasonable care to protect underground facilities and within original excavation limits.

Increases validity period for utility markings from 10 working days to 14 calendar days from the date locate ticket is issued by Mississippi 811, Inc.

Establishes State Fire Marshal as enforcement authority for underground utility damage prevention laws with power to impose civil penalties under tiered structure ($500 for training non-compliance, $811.11 for third offense, $8,811.11 for fourth+ offense in same calendar year).

Creates advisory committee on 811 Enforcement subordinate to State Fire Marshal with representatives from utility companies, excavators, government agencies, and other stakeholders to assist in enforcement.

Establishes Underground Utility Damage Prevention Special Fund as revolving fund to collect civil penalties and support public awareness, training, and education programs to reduce violations.