An organization focused on serving as the single point of contact for all public underground facilities in Missouri is applauding a new law.

The press release below is from Missouri 811: 

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe officially signed Senate Bill 133 into law, enacting the most significant updates in decades to the state’s Underground Facility Safety and Damage Prevention Act. The new law strengthens utility safety protocols, enhances communication among stakeholders, and streamlines processes for the entire Missouri 811 community. 

SB 133 introduces several key improvements aimed at reducing utility strikes and increasing operational efficiency across the construction and infrastructure sectors. Among the most impactful changes:
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Excavation notices are now valid for 21 calendar days, offering contractors and excavators more flexibility while promoting better project planning
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New underground facilities must include detectible location devices (such as tracer wire or locator tape), making future utility locates safer and more accurate
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Electronic white lining is now officially recognized, giving excavators a digital option to mark excavation zones
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Design request flexibility has increased, allowing utility data to be gathered well in advance of a project start
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Clear liability guidance outlines responsibilities among excavators, utility owners, and locators, placing accountability on those who provide inaccurate or incomplete marking information
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“This is a major step forward for safe digging in Missouri,” said Randy Norden, Executive Director of Missouri 811. “SB 133 brings clarity, consistency, and modern tools to everyone involved in excavation and underground utility safety. It will help reduce damages, protect infrastructure, and make the process more efficient for everyone.”
Missouri 811 encourages all stakeholders to review the changes and begin preparing for compliance.

More information about SB 133 and its impact can be found here:

https://blog.missouri-811.org/sb-133-major-changes-to-missouris-underground-facility-law-coming-in-august