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SB 355

Oklahoma Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act; modifying certain definition. Effective date.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Todd Gollihare

SB 355 modifies Oklahoma's underground facilities damage prevention law definitions, potentially affecting which utilities must comply with excavation notification requirements and safety protocols.

Coauthored by Senator Frix
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 355

Legislative bill overview

SB 355 modifies the definition of "underground facilities" under Oklahoma's damage prevention laws. The bill was introduced in early February 2025 and is currently in committee review at the Local and County Government level. The specific textual changes to the definition are not detailed in the available legislative summary.

Why is this important

Underground facilities damage prevention laws protect critical infrastructure like natural gas lines, electrical conduits, and water mains from accidental excavation damage. Clarifying definitional language can affect which utilities must comply with notification requirements (like "Call 811 before you dig"), potentially impacting contractor practices, safety standards, and liability protections across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of coverage: Changes to what qualifies as an "underground facility" could expand or contract which utility operators must participate in damage prevention programs, affecting compliance costs
  • Industry compliance burden: Utilities may resist broader definitions requiring additional notification protocols or expanded liability, while safety advocates may oppose narrower definitions
  • Implementation clarity: Ambiguous definitional language could create confusion about which excavation projects trigger notification requirements, potentially leading to inconsistent enforcement

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

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