Committee adopts amendment and advances bill to modernize state 'dig' law

The Washington House Appropriations Committee on Oct. 12 adopted amendment H2140.3 and reported Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5627 out of committee with a due-pass recommendation by a roll-call vote of 31-0.

Vice Chair Macri moved that the engrossed substitute bill, without an amendment adopted earlier by the Committee on Environment and Energy, be reported out with a due-pass recommendation; members then considered the striking amendment H2140.3. Representative D'Aio (recorded as Dolio in the transcript) told the committee that the amendment "represents work that was done between PUDs, the excavators, and the general contractors and is agreed to."

Supporters said the bill will modernize the state's dig law and introduce a coordinated process for multiple excavations at a single site, which sponsors described as a "one-call/one-ticket multi" approach intended to increase efficiency and protect utilities. "This bill modernizes our dig law and, also introduces the concept of, 1 call multi, 1 ticket multi multiple excavations," Representative Villio said. "I think it's gonna really make it a lot more efficient." Representative Dye also expressed support, noting the provision will help protect utilities when people are doing work.

The committee adopted the striking amendment H2140.3 by voice vote and then recorded an oral roll call that yielded 31 ayes, 0 nays and 0 excused. The committee reported the engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5627 as amended with a due-pass recommendation.

The transcript records broad stakeholder negotiation (public utility districts, excavators, and general contractors), the adoption of the negotiated amendment, and unanimous committee approval; it does not record floor scheduling or appropriation details.