HB 227: Modify excavation requirements - Ohio

As Passed by the Senate → As Enrolled · 7 edits · Mar 10, 2026

MODERATE

This bill updates Ohio's underground utility protection laws to clarify definitions, expand protections for interstate pipelines, and streamline training requirements. It adds specific rules for handling interstate gas and hazardous liquid pipelines, requiring operators to provide special notices and contact information to public authorities. The bill also modernizes terminology for excavation activities and clarifies the responsibilities of contractors, utilities, and public authorities to prevent damage to buried infrastructure.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of protection to explicitly include interstate gas and hazardous liquid pipelines, which were previously covered under general terms. It also clarifies the definition of 'excavation' to include specific activities like localized pavement repairs and pole inspections that were previously ambiguous.

DEFINITION

Added new definitions for 'Commercial excavator', 'Positive response system', 'One-call notification system', 'Project', 'Emergency', 'Nondestructive manner', 'Cable service provider', 'Electric cooperative', 'Utility appurtenances', 'Localized pavement repair', and 'Excavation site' to clarify roles and activities.

Modified the definition of 'Excavation' to explicitly include localized pavement repairs, utility wood pole inspections, and tilling for erosion control, while clarifying exclusions for coal mining and shallow activities.

Modified the definition of 'Public authority' to explicitly include designers acting on behalf of public entities, ensuring they are covered under excavation notification rules.

Added a new definition for 'Utility appurtenances' to include physical components like meters and valves, as well as legal easements necessary for utility access.

REQUIREMENT

Modified requirements for public authorities to include specific pipeline operator contact information and notices regarding special notification requirements when working near interstate pipelines.

Added explicit requirements for pipeline operators to provide written notices of special notification requirements and pipeline right-of-way information to public authorities and developers/designers.

Added a requirement for employers to provide initial excavation safety training to employees and retrain them every five years or when laws change.

As Passed by the House → As Passed by the Senate · 6 edits · Feb 18, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was amended to expand its scope by adding new sections and updating definitions to better address modern excavation risks, particularly involving interstate pipelines. Key changes include adding a new section on interstate pipeline safety, redefining 'excavation' to clarify exclusions for minor activities like tilling, and updating training requirements to cover new terminology. These updates aim to improve safety protocols and clarify responsibilities among developers, utilities, and excavators.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded to explicitly include interstate hazardous liquids and gas pipelines, requiring specific notification procedures for projects near these facilities. Additionally, the definition of 'excavation' was refined to exclude minor activities like shallow tilling and localized pavement repairs, narrowing the regulatory burden for small-scale work.

REQUIREMENT

Added new Section 3781.30 requirements for reporting damage to underground utilities and protecting markings during excavation.

Added specific notification requirements for projects within 660 feet of interstate hazardous liquid or gas pipelines.

Added Section 3781.261 to mandate training for excavators, contractors, and utilities on protection services and one-call notification processes.

DEFINITION

Updated the definition of 'excavation' in Section 3781.25 to explicitly exclude minor activities like shallow tilling and localized pavement repairs.

Added new definitions for terms like 'commercial excavator,' 'positive response system,' and 'localized pavement repair' to clarify regulatory obligations.

Added new definitions for 'interstate gas pipeline' and 'interstate hazardous liquids pipeline' to align with federal safety standards.

As Introduced → As Passed by the House · 6 edits · Oct 15, 2025

MODERATE

This bill significantly expands the list of Ohio public entities and designers required to contact utility notification services before digging, adds new definitions for terms like 'commercial excavator' and 'emergency,' and updates excavation exclusions to allow deeper pavement repairs. It also clarifies procedures for handling interstate pipelines and establishes clearer rules for liability and dispute resolution.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of entities required to follow 'one-call' notification rules to include public authorities, designers, and commercial excavators, and adds specific requirements for projects near interstate pipelines.

DEFINITION

Added new definitions for 'commercial excavator,' 'emergency,' 'nondestructive manner,' 'cable service provider,' and 'project' to clarify who and what is covered by the law.

Expanded the definition of 'underground utility facilities' to include items owned by public or private entities, partnerships, and associations, not just individuals or companies.

Added a definition for 'positive response system' to describe automated tools that help utilities communicate conflicts to excavators.

REQUIREMENT

Modified excavation exclusions to allow milling and grinding of asphalt up to six inches (previously four) and localized pavement repairs up to twelve inches, while maintaining the twelve-inch depth limit for tilling.

Added specific requirements for public authorities and interstate pipelines, including mandatory inclusion of pipeline safety notices in project plans and earlier notification timelines for pipeline owners.

Added a requirement for public authorities to notify all known utility owners of the awarded contractor's name and address within ten days of contract award.

Modify excavation requirements

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