HB1245: Telephone and telegraph line installation; restoring condition of surface of private property.

Chief Patron

Del. Tim Hugo (R-40)

Status

Bill is Dead

View Entire History

Summary

Telephone and telegraph line installation; restoring condition of surface; notice.  Requires a telephone or telegraph company that opens up or disturbs the surface of private property in erecting, repairing, laying or installing poles, wires, conduits, or cables to restore it as nearly as practicable to the condition that existed prior to its disturbance.  The measure also gives the owner of damaged private property the right to recover the cost of restoring and maintaining the property, with interest, costs, and reasonable attorney fees, if the company fails to do so.  Localities and the Commonwealth Transportation Board currently have a similar right to recover the costs of restoring and maintaining their properties.  The measure also requires companies to give the owner prior written notice of its intent to conduct such activities on the property, including the scheduled date of its commencement, a description of the activity, and contact information.  However, such notice is not required for activities conducted in making emergency repairs necessitated by an unplanned interruption in utility service.   View Full Text »