This is a Senate resolution in the 119th Congress expressing support for National Safe Digging Month and the nationwide 811 call-before-you-dig program. It references the long-running public safety campaign to encourage homeowners and excavators to identify buried utilities before digging, and it notes the role of Common Ground Alliance and the 811 system in reducing damage incidents.
The resolution also cites historical actions, including the FCC-designated 811 number and related federal provisions, to frame the importance of safe digging practices.
Operatively, the resolution urges three things: (1) that the Senate publicly supports National Safe Digging Month, (2) that homeowners and excavators contact 811 by phone or online before digging, and (3) that damage prevention stakeholders educate the public about locating buried utilities before excavation. While aspirational, the measure relies on voluntary actions and existing programs rather than creating new statutory duties or penalties.
At a Glance
What It Does
The bill is a non-binding Senate resolution that endorses National Safe Digging Month and reinforces the 811 call-before-you-dig program. It reiterates the importance of contacting 811 to learn the approximate location of buried utilities before any digging.
Who It Affects
Directly relevant to homeowners, DIY-ers, and excavators who perform digging projects; also touches on the networks of damage prevention professionals and 811 centers that support notification activities.
Why It Matters
Promotes public safety and reliability of critical infrastructure by leveraging an established notification system and a public awareness campaign that addresses the leading cause of dig-related damage.
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What This Bill Actually Does
The Senate resolves to support National Safe Digging Month and to promote awareness of the 811 call-before-you-dig program. It highlights the dangers of unnotified digging near buried utility lines and cites federal actions that established the 811 system.
The resolution urges homeowners and excavators to notify 811 prior to digging and asks damage-prevention stakeholders to educate the public about locating buried utilities before starting work.
Although the measure speaks to safety culture and public awareness, it does not create new legal requirements or penalties. Instead, it relies on existing programs and voluntary compliance to reduce damage incidents and safeguard critical infrastructure.
The resolution aims to unify messaging across stakeholders and to reinforce best practices during the peak digging season in April, when excavation activity typically increases.
The Five Things You Need to Know
The bill is a Senate resolution, not a statute, and does not create enforceable obligations.
It explicitly endorses National Safe Digging Month and the 811 call-before-you-dig program.
The text cites the 811 designation and related federal actions as foundational to safe digging practices.
It relies on voluntary compliance and public education rather than new regulations or penalties.
Sponsors include Senator Young in addition to several co-sponsors, signaling broad legislative support for the messaging.
Section-by-Section Breakdown
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Findings and Purpose
This section lays out the purpose of the resolution and recognizes the ongoing risk of damage to underground utility infrastructure when digging occurs without first locating buried lines. It situates National Safe Digging Month within the broader public safety and infrastructure protection framework and acknowledges the role of industry and government campaigns in promoting safe practices.
Support for National Safe Digging Month and 811
This section states the Senate’s support for National Safe Digging Month and reiterates the nationwide 811 program as the standard mechanism for locating buried utilities before digging. It ties the designation of 811 to past federal actions and industry consensus around notification prior to excavation.
Encouragement of Public Education and Notifying Practices
This section urges damage prevention stakeholders to educate homeowners and excavators about the importance of contacting 811 and about locating buried utilities before digging. It emphasizes that this education should promote awareness of how marking locations with paint or flags helps prevent service interruptions, environmental harm, and personal injury.
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Who Benefits
- Homeowners executing personal or small-scale digging projects who learn and practice calling 811 before digging, reducing risk to themselves and their property.
- Excavation contractors and landscaping professionals who follow 811 protocols, leading to fewer damage incidents and smoother project timelines.
- Utility operators and infrastructure owners who benefit from reduced unplanned outages and safer excavation environments.
- 811 call-before-you-dig centers and the Common Ground Alliance that support nationwide safety campaigns.
- State and local government safety programs that align with established national messaging to protect public safety.
Who Bears the Cost
- Small excavation and landscaping businesses bear modest, upfront time and administrative costs to integrate 811 checks into project planning.
- 811 centers and state programs may incur additional outreach and education costs to sustain broad public awareness campaigns.
- Utility companies may experience higher volumes of location marking requests and related operational coordination.
- Local governments may devote resources to public education campaigns and awareness events.
- There are no new penalties or direct regulatory costs imposed by this resolution, but there is an implicit expectation of continued compliance with existing programs.
Key Issues
The Core Tension
The central dilemma is whether relying on voluntary education and awareness campaigns can achieve meaningful reductions in underground utility damages at scale, versus the potential need for stronger regulatory incentives or mandates to ensure uniform adoption across varied practice settings.
Because this is a non-binding resolution, it signals intent and policy emphasis rather than creating new legal duties or penalties. Its effectiveness depends on ongoing cooperation among homeowners, excavators, utilities, and outreach organizations.
The reliance on voluntary compliance means gaps could persist if outreach efforts are inconsistent or underfunded. The resolution’s impact is therefore contingent on the strength of public education campaigns and the responsiveness of stakeholders to 811 notifications.
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