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SB 25-204

Revision to Local Government Utility Relocation Statute

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Ball and 5 co-sponsors

SB 25‑204 — Revision to Local Government Utility Relocation Statute (Governor Signed) Bill at a glance- Bill number: SB 25‑204 - Title: Revision to Local Government Utility Reloca

Governor Signed
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Bill Summary · SB 25-204

SB 25‑204 — Revision to Local Government Utility Relocation Statute (Governor Signed)

Bill at a glance

  • Bill number: SB 25‑204
  • Title: Revision to Local Government Utility Relocation Statute
  • Status: Governor signed (signed into law 2025‑05‑16)
  • Introduced: 2025‑03‑21
  • Sponsors: Stephanie Luck, Matt Ball, Michael Carter, Marc Catlin (primaries); B. Bradley, M. Duran (cosponsors)
  • Legislative passage: Passed both chambers without amendments; enrolled and transmitted to governor in early May 2025.

Purpose / intent

SB 25‑204 revises the statute that governs when and how local governments require utility providers to relocate facilities for public improvement projects. The stated intent (from the bill title and legislative routing) is to clarify responsibilities, timing, and financial arrangements between local governments (cities, counties, special districts) and utility owners/operators when utilities must be moved to accommodate public works.

Key features (summary and expected scope)

The bill text is not included here. Based on the title and common issues addressed by similar legislation, SB 25‑204 likely does one or more of the following:

  • Clarifies which party (local government vs. utility owner) is responsible for relocation costs in various situations (e.g., public projects vs. private development).
  • Establishes or refines procedures and timelines for notice, design coordination, and completion of utility relocations to reduce project delays.
  • Sets standards for reimbursement, cost allocation, or payment schedules for relocation work (including potential use of escrow, bonds, or inclusion in project budgets).
  • Defines the circumstances under which local governments may order relocations (including emergency relocations) and any limits on authority or liability.
  • Adds or amends definitions (e.g., “utility,” “relocation,” “public improvement”) to reduce disputes.
  • May include provisions to streamline permitting, inspections, or dispute resolution between utilities and local governments.

Note: Because the bill text was not provided, the list above describes the types of substantive changes such a bill typically contains rather than item-by‑item language of the enacted statute.

Who is affected

  • Local governments (cities, counties, special districts) — changes how they plan and finance public improvements that require utility moves.
  • Utility owners/operators (electric, gas, water, sewer, telecommunications) — potential changes to relocation obligations, timelines, and reimbursement processes.
  • Contractors and developers — potential impacts on project schedules, costs, and contracting responsibilities.
  • Ratepayers and taxpayers — possible fiscal effects depending on how relocation costs are allocated.

Procedural timeline / status

  • Introduced in Senate: 2025‑03‑21 (assigned to Transportation & Energy)
  • Passed Senate and House without amendments during April 2025 (committee referrals and readings noted)
  • Enrolled and signed by legislative leaders in early May 2025; Governor signed 2025‑05‑16 — bill is enacted.

Impact and next steps

  • Practical impacts depend on the enacted statutory language (allocation of costs, timelines, enforcement mechanics). Municipal officials and utility managers should review the final statute to determine operational or budgetary changes needed for project planning and contracts.
  • For implementation guidance, check the enacted bill text and any agency rulemaking or guidance issued by state or local authorities following enactment.

If you’d like, I can locate and summarize the final enacted statutory text (citation and full language) and produce a detailed, provision‑by‑provision explanation of what changed.

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

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