MS HB1226

Defines "impending emergency" as circumstances potentially dangerous to life, health, property, or customer services that would likely become an emergency if excavation is delayed beyond normal notification requirements.

Extends pre-excavation advance notification period from two (2) working days to three (3) working days for standard excavations, and requires twelve (12) hours minimum notice for impending emergency excavations.

Requires excavators to provide contact information for a person readily available to discuss impending emergency excavations with operators.

Increases the renewal notification period from at least two and not more than three days to at least three and not more than four days prior to expiration, and reduces the response time for operators to contact excavators from four (4) hours to two (2) hours.

Makes misrepresentation of either an emergency excavation or an impending emergency a violation of the act, effective July 1, 2023.