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Bill

LC 332

Generally revise 811 laws

2025 Regular Session

Montana bill to comprehensively revise underground utility locating and damage prevention laws to modernize safety and liability standards.

(LC) Draft Died in Process
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Bill Summary · LC 332

Legislative bill overview

LC 332 is a bill request in Montana to comprehensively revise Title 81, Chapter 1 of Montana Code Annotated (811 laws), which governs underground utility locating and damage prevention. The bill would undertake a general revision of these statutes, likely modernizing or reorganizing the legal framework around how utilities mark their lines and how excavation work is coordinated to prevent accidents.

Why is this important

Underground utility damage causes thousands of accidents annually, injures workers, damages infrastructure, and can disrupt essential services. Clear, updated laws around utility locating requirements protect public safety, reduce costly service interruptions, and establish liability standards for both utility companies and excavators. Modernizing these statutes could reflect current technology and industry practices.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and cost allocation: Revisions may shift financial burden between utility companies and excavation contractors regarding locating requirements and damage liability
  • Compliance complexity: Modernized regulations could impose new compliance costs on small contractors or rural utilities with limited resources
  • Industry standards alignment: Disagreements may arise over whether revised laws align with national standards (like those from APWA or Common Ground Alliance) or create Montana-specific requirements

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

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