SB 1137: underground facilities; excavations; notification - Arizona

Senate Engrossed Version (02/25/2026) → Chaptered Version · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill was finalized into law (Chapter 147) after being passed by the Senate. The substantive changes clarify that 'large projects' are defined by either length or duration, removing a previous requirement for ten contiguous land parcels. It also updates the coordination meeting rules to allow virtual meetings and removes the specific exemption for single-family residential properties from certain marking requirements, while adding new mandates for technical and data security standards for the one-call notification system.

Scope change

The bill's scope regarding 'large projects' was narrowed by removing the 'ten contiguous land parcels' criterion, and the applicability of marking rules was slightly adjusted to explicitly include single-family residential properties in the general marking requirement.

DEFINITION

The definition of a 'large project' was changed from meeting one of three criteria to meeting either of two criteria, specifically removing the requirement that the project include at least ten contiguous land parcels.

REQUIREMENT

The exemption for single-family residential properties was removed from the general marking requirement, expanding the rule's applicability to include excavations on single-family homes.

The coordination meeting rules were updated to allow parties to decide if the meeting is virtual or on-site, rather than giving the excavator sole discretion.

TECHNICAL

New requirements were added for the one-call notification center to establish minimum technical and data security standards for its interactive positive response system.

TIMELINE

The one-call notification center is now required to adopt the necessary rules and procedures within one year of the act's effective date.

House Engrossed Version (04/15/2026) → Senate Engrossed Version (02/25/2026) · 4 edits · Feb 25, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was revised from a House version to a Senate version, primarily expanding the definition of a 'large project' to include sites with at least ten contiguous land parcels. The Senate version also broadens the list of participants required to use the interactive positive response system to include designers and clarifies meeting logistics for virtual coordination. Additionally, the rulemaking authority was shifted from the one-call center to the Corporation Commission, which must now adopt specific rules to implement the article.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to cover larger, multi-parcel excavation sites and to include designers in the coordination process.

DEFINITION

Added a new criterion defining a 'large project' as any excavation involving at least ten contiguous land parcels.

REQUIREMENT

Expanded the list of stakeholders for the interactive positive response system to include designers, in addition to excavators and underground facilities operators.

Clarified that virtual coordination meetings require the excavator to provide a joining link, giving them discretion on whether to hold the meeting virtually or on-site.

ENFORCEMENT

Transferred the authority to adopt implementation rules from the one-call notification center to the Corporation Commission.

Introduced Version → House Engrossed Version (04/15/2026) · 6 edits · Feb 25, 2026

MODERATE

This bill updates Arizona's underground facility safety laws by modernizing definitions, clarifying liability for homeowners, and introducing a new 'Interactive Positive Response System' for better communication between excavators and utility operators. It also establishes specific protocols for large-scale construction projects to prevent damage during major excavations.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of 'large projects' by defining them based on length, duration, and parcel count, requiring mandatory coordination meetings. It also clarifies that landlords are responsible for marking facilities in apartment communities and mobile home parks.

DEFINITION

Updated definitions to include new terms like 'Interactive positive response system,' 'Large project,' and 'White lining,' while renumbering existing terms.

REQUIREMENT

Added a mandatory requirement for excavators to 'white line' (mark with paint, flags, or chalk) the excavation area before requesting utility locates, except for single-family residential properties.

Introduced a new 'Large Project' process requiring excavators to notify the one-call center at least 15 business days in advance to schedule a coordination meeting with utility operators and local officials.

ELIGIBILITY

Clarified that landlords are liable for marking underground facilities in apartment communities and mobile home parks, and tenants cannot be forced by lease to perform these duties.

TECHNICAL

Added a new section requiring the one-call notification center to develop and publish technical and data security standards for the new electronic response system within one year.

ENFORCEMENT

Increased the civil penalty for violating the bill from $5,000 to 'not to exceed five thousand dollars more than $5,000' (effectively allowing penalties up to $10,000).

underground facilities; excavations; notification

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