Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe officially signed Senate Bill 133 into law, enacting the most significant updates in decades to the state’s Underground Facility Safety and Damage Prevention Act. The new law strengthens utility safety protocols, enhances communication among stakeholders, and streamlines processes for the entire Missouri 811
community.
SB 133 introduces several key improvements aimed at reducing utility strikes and increasing
operational efficiency across the construction and infrastructure sectors. Among the most
impactful changes:
- Excavation notices are now valid for 21 calendar days, offering contractors and
excavators more flexibility while promoting better project planning - New underground facilities must include detectible location devices (such as tracer wire
or locator tape), making future utility locates safer and more accurate - Electronic white lining is now officially recognized, giving excavators a digital option to
mark excavation zones - Design request flexibility has increased, allowing utility data to be gathered well in
advance of a project start - Clear liability guidance outlines responsibilities among excavators, utility owners, and
locators, placing accountability on those who provide inaccurate or incomplete marking
information
“This is a major step forward for safe digging in Missouri,” said Randy Norden, Executive
Director of Missouri 811. “SB 133 brings clarity, consistency, and modern tools to everyone
involved in excavation and underground utility safety. It will help reduce damages, protect
infrastructure, and make the process more efficient for everyone.”
Missouri 811 encourages all stakeholders to review the changes and begin preparing for
compliance.
More information about SB 133 and its impact can be found here:
https://blog.missouri-811.org/sb-133-major-changes-to-missouris-underground-facility-law-
coming-in-august
