SRC-DPW S.B. 1099 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1099
By: Cain
State Affairs
4/12/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act,
Article 9033, V.T.C.S., exempts contractors of the Texas Department of
Transportation (TxDOT) from the required notification prior to excavation
work that is less than 24 inches in depth and no more than 10 feet from the
right of way line.  TxDOT generally limits the placement of utilities to an
area near a right of way line.  The TxDOT exemption exempts TxDOT
excavations in areas where utilities are located.  Compliance with the
Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act is projected to cost
TxDOT 17,280 manhours per year.  S.B. 1099 would revise the TxDOT exemption
to the Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act.   

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1099 sets forth guidelines for excavation work by
employees of the Texas Department of Transportation. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 3(d), Article 9033, V.T.C.S., to delete a
provision exempting an excavation by an employee of the Texas Department of
Transportation on a segment of the state highway system, provided the
excavation is less than 24 inches in depth.  Make a conforming change. 

SECTION 2.Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.