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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ch. SL 2025-212025-06-26

Vote Breakdown

Plain Language Summary

This bill updates North Carolina's underground utility safety laws by clarifying definitions, extending notification timelines, expanding safe excavation methods, and revising the enforcement process through the Underground Damage Prevention Review Board. It introduces soft dig technologies (air and water pressure excavation), adjusts work notice periods from 3-12 days to a minimum of 3 days with a 28-calendar-day validity period, and modifies liability protections and penalty procedures for violations.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill improves worker safety by allowing safer excavation methods like soft dig technologies and requiring better facility location practices.
• •It clarifies ambiguous definitions and timelines that previously caused confusion, extends protections for excavators who follow proper procedures and operators fail to locate utilities, and streamlines the enforcement process by establishing clearer procedures for handling violations and appeals through the Utilities Commission.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may contend that extending notice periods and relaxing some requirements could delay critical infrastructure work or create liability gaps for utility operators.
• •Some may argue that the expanded liability protections for excavators could reduce incentives for careful work, and the shift from stricter timelines to calendar days (versus working days) might make scheduling more difficult.
• •Additionally, changing from a 15-day to 28-day notice validity period significantly lengthens the window during which conditions could change.