Tex. Utils. Code Section 251.155
Exception in Case of Emergency; Offense


(a)

Section 251.151 (Duty of an Excavator) 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 (Civil Penalty or Warning Letter);

(2)

Section 251.203 (Criminal Penalty); or

(3)

both Section 251.201 (Civil Penalty or Warning Letter) and Section 251.203 (Criminal Penalty).
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.

Source: Section 251.155 — Exception in Case of Emergency; Offense, https://statutes.­capitol.­texas.­gov/Docs/UT/htm/UT.­251.­htm#251.­155 (accessed Apr. 13, 2024).

Accessed:
Apr. 13, 2024

§ 251.155’s source at texas​.gov