East SBV Times

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 778 into law, as announced by Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa). The bill aims to improve excavation safety in California by updating the "Call Before You Dig" law. It introduces changes to reduce the risk of damage to underground utilities during excavation projects.

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to Governor Newsom for signing SB 778 and to my legislative colleagues for their bipartisan support,” said Senator Ochoa Bogh. “This law is crucial for improving public safety and protecting vital underground infrastructure, which is especially important to growing communities like ours.”

SB 778 addresses issues identified by the California Regional Common Ground Alliance (CARCGA), a group focused on improving excavation safety. The updates include clarifications on excavation start dates, enhanced collaboration between utility operators and excavators, and improved protocols for identifying underground utilities.

“The passage of SB 778 streamlines and clarifies the 811 process. Contacting 811 before digging protects workers, homeowners, and the public from accidentally hitting potentially dangerous underground utility lines,” explained Ann Diamond, President of Underground Service Alert of Southern California, also known as DigAlert. “Between the two notification centers in California, over 2.5 million requests are processed every year. When dealing with such large volumes, it is vitally important that the rules and process are clear for all. Lives depend on it. Senator Ochoa Bogh’s SB 778 improves upon our existing process and in so doing protects everyone from underground lines being hit while digging.”

The updates provided by SB 778 will benefit local communities by more quickly identifying and reporting damage to essential utilities like water, gas, and electricity during excavation projects. This law ensures that both contractors and homeowners have clear guidelines, reducing the risk of costly and dangerous utility disruptions.

Key improvements in SB 778 include:

- Clarifying start dates and times for excavation projects;

- Enhancing communication between utility operators and excavators;

- Codifying the use of vacuum excavation devices;

- Encouraging keeping the service free for excavators;

- Expanding the pool of qualified candidates for the Underground Safety Board.

These changes aim to streamline the excavation process while ensuring safety remains a priority across California.