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Bill

HR 403

A Resolution designating the month of April 2026 as "Pennsylvania 8-1-1 Safe Digging Month."

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and 15 co-sponsors

Designates April 2026 as Pennsylvania 8-1-1 Safe Digging Month to raise awareness of calling 8-1-1 before digging and promote safe digging practices.

Adopted
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 403

Summary of Bill HR 403 (2025-2026, Pennsylvania)

Title

A Resolution designating the month of April 2026 as “Pennsylvania 8-1-1 Safe Digging Month.”

Purpose and intent

  • The bill designates April 2026 as a state-recognized month to promote and raise awareness about 8-1-1, the national “call before you dig” number, and the safe digging process.
  • The primary goal is to educate residents, contractors, utilities, and the public about contacting 8-1-1 prior to digging to prevent damage to underground utilities and to promote safety.

Key provisions and changes

  • Official designation: The resolution designates April 2026 in Pennsylvania as “Pennsylvania 8-1-1 Safe Digging Month.”
  • Awareness and education emphasis: While not creating new statutory duties, the resolution implicitly encourages public and private sector outreach, education campaigns, and coordination with relevant agencies and stakeholders on safe digging practices.
  • Recognition: The resolution publicly recognizes the importance of the 8-1-1 system and the role of safeguarding life, property, and critical infrastructure through proper digging notification.

Who/what is affected

  • Residents, contractors, and businesses engaging in excavation, digging, or construction activities within Pennsylvania.
  • Utilities, excavators, and construction professionals who must consider safe digging practices and the 8-1-1 process.
  • State agencies, local governments, and non-governmental organizations involved in safety outreach and public awareness campaigns related to underground utility protection.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Referral history:
    • Referred to: Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities (2026-01-28)
    • Reported as committed (passage through committee) (2026-03-23)
    • Adopted (2026-04-15)
  • Status: The resolution has completed the bill process within the House and has been adopted.
  • Effective date: As a resolution, it designates a period (April 2026) for observance; it does not create new law or ongoing regulatory requirements, but it signals state-level recognition and may prompt further educational activities during the designated month.

Sponsors

  • Primary and co-sponsors include a broad bipartisan group of Pennsylvania House members, indicating cross-chamber support for public safety and digging education initiatives.
  • Notable co-sponsors listed: Jeremy Shaffer, Bob Freeman, Dan Deasy, Ed Neilson, Gina Curry, La'Tasha Mayes, Nikki Rivera, Dan Williams, Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, Maureen Madden, Scott Conklin, Rob Matzie, Dan Goughnour, Ben Sanchez, Joe Ciresi, Carol Hill-Evans, among others.

Overall impact

  • The bill has a ceremonial and educational impact, fostering awareness of the 8-1-1 call-before-you-dig program during a designated month.
  • It supports safety and infrastructure protection by encouraging compliance with the national safe-digging process, potentially reducing damage to underground utilities and associated hazards.
  • There are no new regulatory requirements or penalties imposed by this resolution; its influence is largely through awareness, emphasis on best practices, and public messaging during April 2026.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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