COLUMBUS, OHIO – March 10, 2026 – OHIO811, Ohio’s call-before-you-dig notification center, celebrates the signing of House Bill 227 (HB 227) into law by Governor Mike DeWine. This bipartisan legislation modifies excavation requirements to enhance public safety and protection of Ohio’s underground utility infrastructure.

Introduced in the Ohio House by sponsors Representative Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana) and Representative Mark Johnson (R-Chillicothe), HB 227 passed unanimously in both chambers. This bill amends key sections of the Ohio Revised Code to improve accountability and the locating and marking of underground utilities like pipes, cables, and lines that deliver water, gas, electricity, and communications to citizens.

“HB 227 is a testament to what can be achieved when industry stakeholders collaborate for the collective good of Ohio,” said Roger Lipscomb, Executive Director/President, OHIO811, “In addition to providing additional support for the increasing volume of excavations in Ohio, this law enhances accountability to our damage prevention statutes, reducing risks to public safety, critical underground utility infrastructure, and the environment.”

The legislation is the result of concerted efforts by the underground damage prevention industry, unified through the Ohio Underground Damage Prevention Coalition (OUDPC). OHIO811 serves as the secretary for the OUDPC and is instrumental in facilitating and documenting these industry-wide discussions.

Key HB 227 updates include:
• Call Before You Dig process:
o Notify OHIO811 at least 2 days before digging, excluding the day of notice (updates prior 48-hour window).
o Start digging within 16 calendar days of the 811 notice (updates prior ‘10 working days, excluding weekends/holidays’).
• Damage Reporting: Report accidental damages to underground utilities to OHIO811.

HB 227 was signed by Governor DeWine March 10, 2026 and goes into effect June 9, 2026.
Remember to notify OHIO811 free of charge before beginning any digging project, from simple landscaping to major excavations.

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