Ohio legislation mandates utility location checks before excavations

On April 7, 2025, the Ohio Legislature introduced House Bill 227, aimed at enhancing safety measures related to underground utility facilities during excavation projects. The bill seeks to address the critical issue of accidental utility strikes, which can lead to significant safety hazards, service disruptions, and costly repairs.

Key provisions of House Bill 227 include mandates for protection services, utilities, and commercial excavators to actively promote the importance of identifying underground utility locations prior to any excavation. The bill requires protection services to maintain detailed records of notifications received from developers and excavators, as well as notifications sent to utilities. This record-keeping is intended to ensure clear communication regarding the presence of underground facilities at proposed excavation sites.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that utilities participating in a protection service must engage in a positive response system, which allows for direct communication with excavators about potential conflicts with existing underground utilities. This provision aims to streamline the process of obtaining critical information before excavation begins, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.

Debate surrounding House Bill 227 has highlighted concerns regarding the potential burden on smaller excavation companies, which may struggle to comply with the new requirements. Some lawmakers have expressed the need for amendments to ease these burdens while still ensuring safety. Opponents of the bill argue that the additional regulations could lead to increased costs for construction projects, potentially impacting economic growth in the state.

The implications of House Bill 227 extend beyond safety; they also touch on economic and operational aspects of construction and utility management in Ohio. Experts suggest that while the bill may impose initial costs, the long-term benefits of preventing utility strikes could outweigh these expenses, leading to safer work environments and reduced liability for excavation companies.

As the legislative process continues, stakeholders from various sectors, including construction, utilities, and public safety, will be closely monitoring the bill's progress. The outcome of House Bill 227 could set a precedent for how Ohio manages underground utility safety in the future, potentially influencing similar legislation in other states.