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SB 95

Public utilities; Underground Damage Prevention Program; certain statutory sunset clauses deleted

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gerald Allen

SB 95 makes Alabama's Underground Damage Prevention Program permanent by deleting automatic expiration dates, eliminating the need for periodic legislative reauthorization.

Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar (Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure)
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Bill Summary · SB 95

Legislative bill overview

SB 95 removes sunset clauses from Alabama's Underground Damage Prevention Program, making the program permanent rather than subject to automatic expiration. The bill eliminates scheduled termination dates that would otherwise require legislative reauthorization to continue the program's operations.

Why is this important

Underground damage prevention programs protect workers and the public from injuries caused by excavation accidents that hit buried utilities like gas, electric, and water lines. By removing sunset provisions, the bill ensures continuous operation of safety protocols without requiring periodic legislative renewal, providing stability for utility companies and contractors relying on the system.

Potential points of contention

  • Reduced legislative oversight: Removing sunset clauses means the program operates indefinitely without mandatory periodic review, potentially allowing outdated or ineffective practices to continue unchecked
  • Fiscal accountability: Permanent authorization may reduce pressure to demonstrate program efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared to programs requiring regular reauthorization
  • Policy flexibility: Future legislatures lose the built-in opportunity to modify or improve the program during standard reauthorization processes, unless they initiate new legislation

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

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