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WashingtonSB 56272025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Improving safe excavation practices and preventing damage to underground utilities.

Sponsored By: Bill Ramos (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Bigger penalties and faster enforcement

If a violation damages a hazardous liquid or gas pipeline, the penalty is up to $25,000 per violation. If no damage occurs, the maximum is $5,000 per violation. The utilities commission can investigate pipeline-related violations without first going to the safety committee, impose penalties, and require training. You have 15 days after a penalty notice to ask for mitigation or a hearing; collection is paused while pending, and unpaid penalties can be collected in court.

Lower locate fees and cost sharing

Facility operators generally may not charge for locating and marking, and pipeline operators must follow federal locating rules and give locatable information free. Markings expire after 45 days. You must keep marks accurate; if you do not and need repeat locates, operators may charge you. Either side may seek reasonable compensation when the other fails to meet notice or locating duties. Design locating fees are allowed in some cases, but not charged to the state department of transportation.

New call-before-you-dig rules

The law sets new steps before digging. You must mark the work area with white lines or white flags, then give notice 2–10 full business days before your work-to-begin date through the one-number service. If you cannot mark, you must send electronic notice. You receive an excavation confirmation code that is not valid until the work-to-begin date. The state provides one toll-free number and a free web platform, and all utility operators subscribe. Beginning January 1, 2026, you cannot start until all operators in the notice area give a positive response. In emergencies, you must still notify as soon as you can, and operators must dispatch quickly.

State safety committee for digging

The commission contracts with a statewide nonprofit to reduce excavation damage, and the contract cannot require commission funding. That group forms a 13‑member safety committee with utility, labor, industry, and government members. The committee meets at least quarterly, reviews certain complaints, and can recommend training, education, or other remedies.

Permits near pipelines need locating

If you apply for a development permit within 700 feet of a transmission pipeline, you must request design locating and give documents before grading, excavation, or extra soil loading. The pipeline operator has 30 days to respond. If there is no response in 30 days, you may continue without violation.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Bill Ramos

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Bob Hasegawa

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jeff Wilson

    Republican • Senate

  • Lisa Wellman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Paul Harris

    Republican • Senate

  • Sharon Shewmake

    Democratic • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 191 • No: 1

Senate vote • 4/22/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 48 • No: 0

House vote • 4/11/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 95 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/6/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    5/16/2025Senate

  2. Chapter 292, 2025 Laws.

    5/16/2025Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    5/16/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/25/2025legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    4/24/2025legislature

  6. President signed.

    4/24/2025legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/22/2025Senate

  8. Senate concurred in House amendments.

    4/22/2025House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 95; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 3.

    4/11/2025Senate

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/11/2025Senate

  11. Committee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments.

    4/11/2025Senate

  12. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    4/10/2025Senate

  13. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    4/8/2025Senate

  14. APP - Executive action taken by committee.

    4/7/2025Senate

  15. APP - Majority; do pass with amendment(s) but without amendment(s) by Environment & Energy.

    4/7/2025Senate

  16. Referred to Appropriations.

    3/31/2025Senate

  17. ENVI - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    3/27/2025Senate

  18. ENVI - Executive action taken by committee.

    3/27/2025Senate

  19. First reading, referred to Environment & Energy.

    3/8/2025Senate

  20. Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/6/2025Senate

  21. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/6/2025Senate

  22. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    3/6/2025Senate

  23. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    3/6/2025Senate

  24. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/26/2025Senate

  25. On motion, referred to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/21/2025Senate

Bill Text

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