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Bill

Bill

SB 401

TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS UNDERGROUND FACILITIES DAMAGE PREVENTION ACT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brandon Achor and 2 co-sponsors

Arkansas modernizes underground utility damage prevention rules, adjusting liability, notification, and enforcement procedures for excavation projects statewide.

Notification that SB401 is now Act 448
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 401

Legislative bill overview

SB 401 amends Arkansas's Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act, which governs how excavation and construction projects interact with underground utility lines. The bill modifies existing regulations to update damage prevention procedures, likely addressing notification requirements, liability standards, or enforcement mechanisms for protecting buried infrastructure like gas, electric, water, and telecommunications lines.

Why is this important

Underground utility damage causes significant public safety hazards, service disruptions, and costly repairs annually. These amendments affect construction companies, utility providers, homeowners, and excavators—essentially anyone conducting digging operations—by clarifying legal responsibilities and procedures for preventing accidents that could injure workers, disrupt essential services, or cause environmental damage.

Potential points of contention

  • Liability allocation: Changes to who bears financial responsibility for damages may shift costs between excavators, utility companies, or property owners, affecting insurance and project budgeting
  • Notification procedures: Modifications to call-before-you-dig requirements could impose new burdens on contractors or create compliance complications for small operators
  • Enforcement and penalties: Adjustments to penalties or inspection procedures may affect how aggressively violations are pursued or what consequences contractors face

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

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