TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE RELOCATION OF UTILITY FACILITIES; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ACQUISITION, CONDEMNATION, AND DISPOSITION OF REAL PROPERTY BY THE STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSION.

Senate Bill 492, now Act 699, amends the laws concerning the relocation of utility facilities and the acquisition of real property by the State Highway Commission. The bill clarifies that "utility" includes cable and broadband services, but excludes interstate railways. It establishes civil penalties of $500 per business day for non-municipal utility systems that fail to comply with relocation requirements or agreements after receiving notice. However, penalties are not assessed if a utility meets the final relocation completion date, or if delays are caused by extraordinary events, improper excavation, or good-faith efforts to acquire right-of-way.