Tennessee Senate Bill SB2152

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 65, Chapter 31, Part 1, relative to underground utility damage prevention.

Impact

The amendments proposed in SB2152 include extending the notification period for utility location from fifteen to twenty calendar days prior to excavation. This extra time is intended to allow utility operators sufficient notice to mark their respective underground facilities promptly. Moreover, the incorporation of 'digital locating'—a method that utilizes visual indicators on digital maps to showcase the positioning of underground utilities—aims to modernize and streamline the utility location process, potentially leading to increased accuracy and efficiency in excavation practices.

Summary

Senate Bill 2152 seeks to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 65, Chapter 31, Part 1, which deals with underground utility damage prevention. The primary objective of this legislation is to enhance and clarify the processes surrounding the prevention of damage to underground utilities during excavation activities. The bill introduces important updates to definitions, timeframes, and procedural requirements aimed at reducing the incidents of utility damage that can lead to service disruptions and safety hazards.

Contention

While SB2152 sets forth significant improvements, potential points of contention could arise regarding the operational impact on construction and excavation companies who may view the extended notification period as an increase in project timelines. There are also considerations about the costs associated with implementing digital locating technologies, which may be burdensome for some operators. This legislation thus presents a balance between the need for public safety and the practicalities of construction management.

Notable_points

Furthermore, the emphasis on pre-excavation meetings between operators and excavators could lead to better communication and coordination. The opponents of such measures might argue about the feasibility of compliance and the administrative burden that newcomers to the industry may face. However, overall, the bill signals a proactive approach to mitigating utility damage, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of cooperation among stakeholders in managing Tennessee's underground utility infrastructure.