Senate Bill 19

Chair's Name: Vance Smith

Committee: Transportation

Senate Sponsor: Jim Whitehead

House Sponsor: Tom Graves

SB 19 authorizes the Department of Transportation to pay for the costs in whole or in part for the removal, relocation, or adjustment to utilities in conjunction with road construction. The bill sets out in detail the process for notice to the utility; working with the utility to accomplish the removal, relocation, or adjustment; covering the costs of utility; and  the resolution of any disputes.

This bill received a Do Pass recommendation from the Transportation Committee and comes to the House Floor under the Open Rule. 

Chairman Smith's opinion of this legislation:

WHAT PROBLEM/OPPORTUNITY DOES THIS LEGISLATION ADDRESS?

This bill gives authority to the DOT to pay for the removal and location of utilities necessitated by construction of public roads.

WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THIS LEGISLATION?

Expedition of the processes in public road construction.