SB297

Senate Bill 297 amends the Arkansas Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act, which governs excavation and demolition near underground utility infrastructure. The bill clarifies and expands various definitions related to excavation, mechanized equipment, and infrastructure projects to improve clarity for operators and contractors. It updates the penalty structure for violations, increasing maximum civil penalties for damage to interstate or intrastate gas and hazardous liquid pipelines to reflect updated federal standards. Additionally, the bill mandates that enforcement settlements must include required training in damage prevention. It establishes new reporting requirements for the Attorney General to provide quarterly updates on complaints, settlements, and fines to the Legislative Council and the Arkansas Public Service Commission. The bill also declares an emergency, allowing it to take effect immediately upon passage to address immediate infrastructure safety and regulatory needs.