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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 18, 2024 04:02 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Lisa Baker |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Reauthorization of the PA One Call Law |
| This year, the Pennsylvania Underground Utility Line Protection Law celebrates 50 years. This important law has served to protect not only the general public but also the health and safety of field employees whose job it is to repair, replace, and install new underground utility, gas, oil, water, wastewater, and telecommunications lines. Though there have been several updates over this time, the most recent amendment is found in Act 50 of 2017. Together with relevant stakeholders, we were able to make several meaningful gains in public safety, including the transfer of oversight of the Underground Utility Line Protection Law and the PA One Call System (think dial 811 before you dig) to the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Two other important additions were placement of unconventional gas lines in rural Class 1 areas under PUC oversight, and the creation of a Damage Prevention Committee within the agency. In keeping with past precedent, the sunset date was extended 7 years, to December 31, 2024. Generally, this law works well, but there will always be items that can be improved as time and technology advance. In the near future, I will introduce legislation to offer various amendments, many of which are minor in scope, and at the request of the PUC, as well as to extend the expiring sunset date. I invite you to join this effort to enhance the safety of consumers and workers alike. |
Introduced as SB1237
Memo Updated: January 18, 2024 04:03 PM