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A 6879

Relates to excavation of underground facilities; expands the definition of "excavation" for the purposes of the protection of underground facilities

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gary Pretlow

The bill expands what counts as excavation for protecting underground facilities, extending safeguards and notice requirements to more near-surface activities.

REFERRED TO CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS
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Bill Summary · A 6879

Summary of NY A 6879 — Excavation of Underground Facilities

Bill at a Glance

  • Bill Number: A 6879
  • Title: Relates to excavation of underground facilities; expands the definition of "excavation" for the purposes of the protection of underground facilities
  • Status: Referred to the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
  • Introduced: March 18, 2025
  • Prime Sponsor: J. Gary Pretlow
  • Related Bills (prior sessions): A 2648, A 3964, A 2321, A 2466, A 3082, A 1016, A 3260, A 1696, A 4459

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill seeks to broaden the scope of activities deemed to be "excavation" under New York’s framework for the protection of underground facilities. By expanding the definition, more activities would fall under the statutory regime designed to protect underground utility lines and related infrastructure during near-surface work.

Key Provisions (as stated)

  • Expansion of the Definition: The central provision expands what constitutes "excavation" for purposes of the underground facilities protection program. The specific statutory language changes are not included in the summary provided, but the core aim is to bring additional activities within the protective umbrella that governs excavation near underground facilities.
  • Protection Framework: By enlarging the excavation definition, more projects or activities could be subject to mandatory safeguards, notice requirements, or other protective measures designed to prevent damage to underground facilities.

Note: The summary does not include the exact statutory amendments, regulatory triggers, or enforcement mechanisms. The precise scope of activities added to the definition would be determined by the bill’s text in committee.

Affected Parties

  • Excavators and Contractors: Those undertaking ground-disturbing or near-surface work would fall under the expanded definition and any associated protections or obligations.
  • Underground Facility Owners/Operators: Entities responsible for utility lines and related infrastructure would be protected under the broader regulatory framework.
  • Local Governments and Agencies: Agencies that issue excavation or construction permits and oversee enforcement could see changes in permit requirements and compliance expectations.
  • Developers and Property Owners: Any project involving near-ground excavation could be impacted by new requirements.

Procedural and Timeline Context

  • Committee Referral: The bill has been referred to the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions. No further action date is specified in the summary.
  • Timeline: As a introduced and committee-referred bill, it would require committee hearings and potential amendments before moving to floor votes and eventual passage or defeat.

Context and Related Legislation

  • A 6879 has several related bills from prior sessions (A 2648, A 3964, A 2321, A 2466, A 3082, A 1016, A 3260, A 1696, A 4459), indicating ongoing interest in refining and expanding the underground facilities protection regime.

Practical Considerations

  • If enacted, the expansion could increase compliance responsibilities for more activities and projects, potentially affecting scheduling, permitting, and bidding processes for construction and excavation work.
  • Stakeholders may seek clarifications through committee hearings to understand the exact scope and enforcement implications of the expanded definition.

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

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