SB 152 Summary

• Creates the Underground Protection Commission of Ohio within the Department of Commerce (3 appointed members) and the State Underground Protection Advisory Committee (9 appointed members) to enforce underground utility protection laws and investigate complaints

• Modifies "call before you dig" notification requirements by changing notification timelines from 48 hours to 2 working days (excluding the day notice is given) and introducing "tolerance zones" (facility width plus 18 inches on all sides) to replace "approximate locations"

• Requires all commercial excavators to join a protection service within 4 years and utilities to fully participate in protection services within 4 years (currently allowing limited basis participation)

• Establishes the State Underground Protection Fund through protection service membership fees (capped at $50,000 annually) and violation penalties (up to $10,000 per violation) to fund commission operations and public education programs

• Expands definitions and requirements for excavation procedures, including pre-marking excavation sites in white, exposing utility facilities in nondestructive manner within tolerance zones, and specific procedures for trenchless excavation methods