SB401

Senate Bill 401 seeks to amend the Arkansas Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act by modifying the notice requirements for excavators. The bill explicitly defines exemptions from the requirement to notify a One Call Center before starting excavation work. These exemptions include the use of specialized equipment, such as vacuum excavation tools or human-powered tools, when performed outside of utility rights-of-way or easements. It also clarifies exemptions for utility operators performing system maintenance or leak detection within their own rights-of-way using specific equipment. Furthermore, the bill preserves and clarifies exemptions for agricultural activities on private property, grave openings, and routine state or county road maintenance that does not involve excavation or demolition.