FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6703

                                   C 99 L 88

BYSenate Committee on Energy & Utilities (originally sponsored by Senators Benitz and Madsen)

Changing provisions relating to underground facilities.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Utilities have primary responsibility for marking underground utilities.  Excavators are responsible for determining the placement of underground facilities before digging and are required to use reasonable care to avoid damaging underground facilities.  Where damage occurs as a result of failure to comply with statutory duties imposed on utilities and excavators, the party that failed to perform its duty is liable for damages.  Common law remedies for personal injury or for property are allowed.

SUMMARY:

Where available, owners of underground facilities are required to subscribe to a one-number locator service.  Excavators who comply with the law are not liable for damages to fiber optics facilities other than the cost to repair the facility.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    33    12

      House 95   0 (House amended)

      Senate    36     5(Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:June 9, 1988