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2025 Texas Statutes
Utilities Code
Title 5 - Provisions Affecting the Operation of Utility Facilities
Chapter 251 - Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety
Subchapter D. Requirements Relating to Excavation
Section 251.155. Exception in Case of Emergency; Offense

Universal Citation:
TX Util § 251.155 (2025)
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Sec. 251.155. EXCEPTION IN CASE OF EMERGENCY; OFFENSE. (a) Section 251.151 does not apply to an emergency excavation that is necessary to respond to a situation that endangers life, health, or property or a situation in which the public need for uninterrupted service and immediate reestablishment of service if service is interrupted compels immediate action.

(b) The excavator may begin emergency excavation under Subsection (a) immediately and shall take reasonable care to protect underground facilities.

(c) When an emergency exists, the excavator shall notify a notification center as promptly as practicably possible.

(d) An excavator may not misrepresent a fact or circumstance used in the determination of an emergency excavation under Subsection (a). A person that violates this subsection is subject to a penalty under:

(1) Section 251.201;

(2) Section 251.203; or

(3) both Section 251.201 and Section 251.203.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 18.17(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Amended by:

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 184 (S.B. 1217), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.

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