House Consumer Protection Committee hears testimony on Matzie bill to reauthorize PA One Call System

Rep. Robert Matzie    September 17, 2024 | 2:12 PM

HARRISBURG, Sept. 17 – The Pennsylvania House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee heard testimony today on Majority Chairman Rob Matzie’s bill to reauthorize the state’s soon-to-expire PA One Call System.

Matzie, D-Beaver, said he hopes to expedite getting H.B. 2189 through committee and up for a House vote because the legislation – set to expire in December 2024 – is critical for safeguarding workers and preventing major damage to underground utility lines.

“PA One Call requires landowners to dial 8-1-1 at least three days before starting any digging project to alert utilities, so they can mark underground pipes and cables before excavation begins,” Matzie said. “It’s a system that has kept workers safe and prevented major damage to underground equipment for nearly 50 years, and we can’t allow it to lapse.

“Our committee has brought stakeholders to the table to review my bill, and our priority now is to get it reported out of committee and brought up in the House for a full vote as soon as possible, so we can keep these critical protections in place.”

Matzie’s bill would reauthorize One Call for an additional seven years and add needed updates to the law.

Rep. Matzie’s comments on the bill are available here: 091724 Matzie Consumer Hearing AM.mp4

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