Committee approves broader participation, BEAD‑focused provisions in 811 one‑call update

Sen. Abraham told the committee that Senate Bill 469 would require utility owners and operators to participate in Louisiana’s one‑call (811) system, mandate positive responses to locate tickets, and require a 30‑day pre‑notice for BEAD‑funded broadband projects (instead of a 10‑day timeline). Industry witnesses said mandatory membership carries a modest membership fee (witnesses gave figures around $100/year) and would reduce utility damages; Brad Desitel of AT&T and Brent Salzman of Louisiana 811 described operational benefits and failure‑to‑locate problems under the current system.

Local‑government representatives and committee members raised concerns about the cost to parishes that have been exempt from 811 participation and about whether the change would shift liability for damages from contractors back to parishes. Emery Belton, counsel for the one‑call board, clarified that the bill does not create blanket immunity and described how liability is apportioned under current law; the enforcement authority for the dig law remains with Louisiana State Police.

Industry witnesses stressed that in many jurisdictions the cost of membership and per‑call fees (witnesses described a typical locate cost under a dollar per call) is small relative to the cost of a major damage event. The bill includes a sunset for certain BEAD‑specific provisions (identified in the draft as ending 08/01/2030) because sponsors expect the federal program to end. The committee adopted technical amendments and reported SB469 as amended without objection. The transcript records a sustained, detailed policy discussion but no roll‑call vote.