Committee hears bill to update Missouri 811 law; sponsors, contractors back tracer-wire requirement

The Missouri House Committee on Utilities heard testimony on House Bill 752, a proposal to update the state’s underground facility damage‑prevention statute (commonly known as 811). Representative Josh Herbert (R., District 8), speaking as sponsor, described the bill as “a long overdue update on Missouri’s underground facility law” and said it would require tracer wire on most new underground installations, add seats for excavators on the 811 board and change some liability rules for strikes of mismarked lines.

Supporters told the committee the measure is intended to reduce repair costs and improve worker and public safety. Ed Tweedhaus, vice president of Tweedhaus Excavating and representing the Associated General Contractors of Missouri, said Missouri’s current system has lagged industry practice and cited industry estimates that the state suffers large annual…