SB289 Alabama 2018 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Cam Ward
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2018
Title: Electric lines, high voltage overhead lines, operation of equipment, etc, near prohibited under certain conditions, distance increased, warning signs on certain equipment required, Secs. 37-8-52, 37-8-53 am'd.
Summary: The bill raises the safe distance from high-voltage overhead lines from six to ten feet and requires warning signs on certain equipment to prevent contact near those lines.
What This Bill Does
If passed, it increases the required clearance to ten feet for operating tools, machinery, or moving buildings near high-voltage lines. It also requires warning signs on equipment like cranes, derricks, and power shovels when they operate near these lines, and allows safety measures such as barriers, deenergizing/grounding, or relocating the line to meet the clearance. Violations are misdemeanors with fines up to $500 and up to 12 months in jail, with daily penalties for ongoing noncompliance, and the bill notes an exemption from local-funds rules because it creates or amends a crime.

Who It Affects
Construction workers and equipment operators who work near high-voltage lines; they must maintain a ten-foot clearance and follow required safety measures.
Equipment owners and employers (e.g., crane, derrick, power shovel operators) who must post durable warning signs on equipment and ensure safe operation near overhead lines.

Key Provisions
Raises the prohibited distance from six feet to ten feet from high-voltage overhead conductors in §37-8-52, with safety options including barriers, deenergizing/grounding, or relocating the conductor.
Requires warning signs on certain equipment (cranes, derricks, power shovels, drilling rigs, pile drivers, etc.) and makes failure to post a warning sign a misdemeanor with penalties; each day of noncompliance is a separate offense.
Penalties for violations: misdemeanor, fine up to $500, imprisonment up to 12 months, or both.
Effective date: January 1, 2019.
States the bill is exempt from Amendment 621 local-funds requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.

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