Committee backs bill making broadband contractors pay or repair utility damage on BED projects

Representative DeWitt told the committee HB259 addresses repeated incidents in rural districts where broadband installers damaged underground utilities and local systems were left to absorb repair costs. The bill requires at least one week’s preconstruction notice for BED‑funded projects, immediate notification and repair or payment when a line is damaged, and withholding of final contract payment until repairs are completed.

Sponsor amendments (set 2746) added preconstruction coordination and a designated project point of contact, clarified fault determination (protecting contractors from liability where operator markings are inaccurate or untimely), and added local accountability and emergency response provisions. Representative Landry described the package as shifting the emphasis from punishment to prevention and aligning the statute with field practice. Representative Newell noted local water utilities in the sponsor’s district had requested the change after real incidents.

The committee adopted the amendment set and reported HB259 favorable. Stakeholder cards of support from electrical cooperatives and industry contacts were noted on the record; the transcript does not record a roll‑call vote on the committee report.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 581 (bill read); topfinish SEG 938 (reported favorable).