Senate Bill 95 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Public utilities; Underground Damage Prevention Program; certain statutory sunset clauses deleted

Summary

SB95 would extend the sunset for Alabama's Underground Damage Prevention Program to January 1, 2036 and update the One-Call Notification System requirements.

What This Bill Does

SB95 extends the sunset date for Alabama's Underground Damage Prevention Program to January 1, 2036. It requires underground facility operators to join or remain in the One-Call Notification System, with phased deadlines based on size and exemptions for small operators until their trench miles exceed a threshold. It sets up a statewide, non-profit One-Call System with annual audits, reporting to the Public Service Commission, and a public awareness program, and requires operators to maintain and share notification data and update information within 30 days of changes. It also says that if a non-joining operator causes damage, that operator cannot seek recovery against a compliant excavator.

Who It Affects

• Underground facility operators in Alabama (electric, gas, hazardous liquids, and others) who must join or maintain membership in the One-Call Notification System, with cost exemptions and annual reporting requirements based on size and trench miles.
• Excavators, developers, public agencies, and the general public who rely on the One-Call System for excavation notices and safety information.

Key Provisions

• Extends the sunset date to January 1, 2036 for the Underground Damage Prevention Program.
• Requires operators to participate in the One-Call Notification System with phased join deadlines: existing members as of January 1, 2020 must remain; operators with >25,000 customers or >500 miles must join by January 1, 2021; others by January 1, 2022; small operators may have cost exemptions until their trench miles exceed a defined threshold; annual reporting of trench miles is required.
• Establishes a statewide One-Call System operated as a non-profit corporation, governed by a board, with a public awareness and damage prevention program and annual audits/reports to the Public Service Commission.
• Requires operators to provide and update notification area data, and to report changes within 30 days of completion (changes to names, addresses, or installations).
• Requires record-keeping of notifications for at least three years and allows reasonable cost-based access to records upon proper request.
• If an operator fails to join and that failure causes damage, the non-compliant operator loses the right to recover damages from a compliant excavator.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Telecommunications & Utilities