Minnesota2026Passed Legislature
HF4233
New Rules for Excavation Notices and Electronic Responses
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 3:39 AM
In one sentence
This law requires utility operators to send an electronic message confirming the status of underground lines before their time limit ends, which must then be shared with people planning to dig or survey land.
What it does
- Defines 'electronic positive response' as a digital notification from an operator about the status of locating underground facilities in areas where digging or boundary surveys are planned.
- Requires the state notification center to share these electronic responses with excavators and land surveyors using digital tools.
- Mandates that operators send an electronic positive response before their time limit for marking underground facilities ends.
- Updates rules so operators must provide current contact information, including a phone number for locate requests, to the notification center whenever changes occur or at least every three months.
Who it affects
- Utility companies and other facility owners who operate underground lines (operators).
- People planning to dig in the ground (excavators).
- Land surveyors conducting boundary surveys.
- The state notification center that manages excavation notices.
Limits and unknowns
- Most new rules take effect on August 1, 2026.
- Requirements for updating contact information start later, on January 1, 2027.
- The text does not specify penalties or fines if operators fail to send the required electronic response.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Electronic positive response
- A digital message sent by a utility operator to the notification center regarding whether they have marked underground lines or if no work is needed in an area where digging or surveying is planned.
- Locate period
- The specific amount of time given for operators to find and mark their underground facilities after receiving a notice about excavation or boundary surveys.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Excavation notice system governing requirements modified, including electronic positive response requirement.
Official activity
Bill history
- See Senate file in House SF4339House
- Author added SextonHouse
- Bills identical, SF substituted on General RegisterHouse
- Referred to Chief Clerk for comparison with SF4339House
- Committee report, to adopt as amendedHouse
- Introduction and first reading, referred to Energy Finance and PolicyHouse