Minnesota Senate approves bill requiring electronic confirmations for 811 locate requests

The Minnesota Senate on April 15, 2026 approved Senate File 4339, a measure that requires utility operators to provide an electronic positive response to 811 locate requests and to periodically update the contact information for persons who locate underground utilities. Senator Hoffman presented the bill and urged colleagues to vote in favor.

Supporters said the bill codifies industry best practices for marking underground utilities and gives contractors real-time confirmation before excavation work begins. "Electronic positive responses allows contractors to view response in real time before starting the work," Senator Hoffman said, arguing that the change would reduce risks, including strikes on gas lines.

Senate File 4339 defines the electronic positive response to indicate whether lines have been marked, whether no utility is located in the work area, or whether additional coordination is required. The bill was brought to the Senate with backing from a broad group of stakeholders listed by the sponsor, including the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota, the Minnesota Transportation Alliance, the Cable Association, the Asphalt Pavement Association, the Concrete Pavers Association and Dig In Midwest.

The secretary read the bill for third reading and the Senate proceeded to final passage. Individual recorded votes were read on the floor; the tally was 64 ayes and 0 nays. The bill passed and its title was agreed to. The measure will proceed according to regular enrollment and transmittal procedures.