Relating generally to Underground Facilities Damage prevention

HB 2736 creates an Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Board to enforce rules preventing damage to underground utility lines during excavation. It directly affects excavators (e.g., construction crews) and operators of underground facilities (e.g., gas, water, or telecom companies). The bill establishes the board’s authority to investigate damage incidents, assess civil penalties, require training, and collect fines - which must be retained by the board (not the state general fund) for its operations. Key provisions clarify definitions of "damage," "excavation," and "underground facility" to standardize reporting and safety protocols. The law aims to reduce accidental utility line strikes during digging projects.