Committee backs electronic positive‑response requirement for utility locators

Contractors, safety managers and Associated General Contractors representatives told the Senate Transportation Committee that electronic positive response (EPR) systems improve field safety by giving crews real‑time confirmation that utilities have been located.

“My crews are working around underground utilities every day … EPR gives our crews real‑time, clear status,” said James Over, a safety manager who testified in support of Senate File 43‑39. Sarah Passaic of the Associated General Contractors said the bill aligns Minnesota with national best practices but noted a late amendment that would expand the definition of excavation to submerged or marine work requires more stakeholder review.

Committee members adopted an author's amendment to address technical language but held a portion of the amendment — the proposed inclusion of marine/submerged excavation in the definition — for further stakeholder discussion. The committee recommended the bill be passed and referred to the Senate floor.

The sponsor and stakeholders emphasized the bill's safety purpose: reducing guesswork in the field and ensuring accurate contact information so issues are resolved quickly.