SJR56 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

J.T. WaggonerSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

One-Call Notification System Study Commission, created

Summary

SJR56 creates the Alabama One-Call Notification System Study Commission to study and recommend whether Alabama should have a single statewide One-Call system and to review enforcement, with a final report due by the end of 2015.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a study commission to evaluate options for a single statewide One-Call notification system and to assess the adequacy of current enforcement provisions. It outlines the commission's broad membership from state agencies, utilities, and industry groups, allows meetings by teleconference, and states members serve without pay. The commission must produce written recommendations for the Legislature and Governor, focusing on statewide system feasibility and enforcement adequacy, with a final report due December 31, 2015 to inform the 2016 legislative session.

Who It Affects

• Underground facility operators and utilities: potential requirements to participate in a single statewide One-Call notification system; possible changes to enforcement provisions.
• State and local government agencies and industry groups: includes Public Service Commission, regulated utilities, Department of Transportation, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Alabama 911, county and municipal associations, Electric Cities of Alabama, Alabama Rural Electric Association, Alabama Cable Telecommunications Association, construction associations, railway and related entities; these groups have appointment and oversight roles and could be affected by any adopted changes.
• General public: potential safety improvements from a more unified and strengthened One-Call system and protection of underground facilities.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Alabama One-Call Notification System Study Commission.
• Specifies the commission's composition, including representatives from PSC, regulated utilities, entities operating underground facilities, transportation, law enforcement, local government associations, and various industry groups; allows additional appointments by the Speaker, President Pro Tempore, and Governor.
• Provides that the commission chair is appointed by the President of the Public Service Commission from among the commission members.
• Allows the commission to meet by teleconference and requires meetings to be governed by adopted rules; members serve without compensation.
• Directs the commission to study options for amending Alabama's One-Call law, focusing on a single statewide system and the adequacy of enforcement provisions, and to consider other safety-related items.
• Requires written recommendations to the Legislature and Governor, addressing whether to require participation in a single statewide One-Call system and the adequacy of enforcement.
• Mandates presentation of the final report by December 31, 2015 to inform the 2016 Regular Session.
• Effectively organizes the commission immediately upon passage and keeps it in force until amended or rescinded by the Legislature.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative