MS SB2603

Defines "locate request ticket" as an electronic document generated by Mississippi 811, Inc., and "trenchless excavation" as horizontal excavation parallel to the earth's surface including directional boring, tunneling, or augering.

Exempts qualified operators using hand-powered probe rods for underground facility mapping from the requirement to provide advance notice to Mississippi 811, Inc.

Limits the proposed excavation area in notices to only the area the excavator reasonably believes can be completed within 14 calendar days from when the locate request ticket is entered into the system and excludes areas where excavation is already completed.

Requires excavators to pre-mark the proposed excavation boundary with white paint, flags, or stakes before notifying Mississippi 811, Inc., unless the area can be defined by street address, lot and block number, or other geographical descriptions.

Establishes procedures for trenchless excavation requiring excavators to use noninvasive methods such as hand digging or vacuum excavation when crossing or working parallel to marked underground facility locations and to monitor device location carefully.