Ohio House Passes Excavation Safety Legislation

Ohio State Representatives Monica Robb Blasdel (R-New Waterford) and Mark Johnson (R-Chillicothe) announced that the Ohio House of Representatives has passed House Bill 227. This legislation enhances excavation safety standards and restores Ohio’s eligibility for federal pipeline safety grant funding.

House Bill 227 updates several provisions within the Ohio Revised Code. These updates govern regulated excavation activities to improve public safety. They streamline coordination between excavators and utility operators. The bill ensures Ohio continues to meet federal standards established by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“This legislation is about safety, flexibility, and modernization,” says Blasdel. “By updating Ohio’s excavation laws, we’re giving operators the time and clarity they need to work safely and helping Ohio regain access to federal funding that promotes damage prevention.”

The bill gives utility operators two full working days, excluding the day of the call, to respond to excavation notices and mark underground utilities. It also extends the timeframe to begin excavation from 10 working days to 16 calendar days. This offers greater flexibility for project planning.

Finally, the bill modernizes the definition of “excavation” by replacing outdated blanket exemptions with specific shallow-depth activities under twelve inches. It removes obsolete references to “Limited Basis Participants,” a term no longer used in the industry.

“By aligning Ohio law with federal standards, we’re ensuring safer worksites and unlocking new opportunities for federal support,” says Johnson.

House Bill 227 now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration.

SOURCE – Ohio House of Representatives

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