Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) is pleased to announce that Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 778 into law, marking a significant step forward in improving excavation safety in California. This bill, which updates the "Call Before You Dig" law, introduces important technical and functional changes aimed at reducing the risk of damage to underground utilities during excavation projects.
“I want to extend my sincere thanks to Governor Newsom for signing SB 778 and to my legislative colleagues for their bipartisan support,” said Senator Ochoa Bogh. “This law is crucial for improving public safety and protecting vital underground infrastructure, which is especially important to growing communities like ours.”
SB 778 addresses several issues identified by the California Regional Common Ground Alliance (CARCGA), a group dedicated to improving excavation safety. These updates include clarifications on excavation start dates, better collaboration between utility operators and excavators, and improved protocols for identifying underground utilities, ensuring that California’s infrastructure is protected and workers are kept safe.
“The passage of SB 778 streamlines and clarifies the 811 process. Contacting 811 before digging protects workers, homeowners and the public from accidently hitting potentially dangerous underground utility lines,” explained Ann Diamond, President of Underground Service Alert of Southern California, commonly known as DigAlert. “Between the two notification centers in California, over 2.5 million requests are processed every year. When dealing with such large volumes, it is vitally important that the rules and process are clear for all. Lives depend on it. Senator Ochoa Bogh’s SB 778 improves upon our existing process and in so doing protects everyone from underground lines being hit while digging.”
Why This Matters for Local Communities
The updates provided by SB 778 will benefit local communities by more quickly identifying and reporting damage to essential utilities like water, gas, and electricity during excavation projects. This law ensures that both contractors and homeowners have clear guidelines, reducing the risk of costly and dangerous utility disruptions. Ultimately, the successes of SB 778 and the “Call Before You Dig Law” reduce construction times and costs for both public and private construction projects.
Key improvements in SB 778 include:
- Clarifying start dates and times for excavation projects;
- Enhancing communication between utility operators and excavators;
- Codifying the use of vacuum excavation devices;
- Encourages keeping the service free for excavators; and
- Expanding the pool of qualified candidates for the Underground Safety Board.These changes will streamline the excavation process and ensure that safety remains the top priority, which ensures increased protection of workers, utilities, and communities across the state.
These changes will streamline the excavation process and ensure that safety remains the top priority, which ensures increased protection of workers, utilities, and communities across the state.