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2003 SESSION

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HB 2539 Overhead High Voltage Line Safety Act.

Introduced by: Robert F. McDonnell | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY AS PASSED: (all summaries)

Overhead High Voltage Line Safety Act. Increases the minimum clearance distance from an overhead high voltage line within which a person is prohibited from performing work from six feet to 10 feet. The owner or operator of overhead high voltage lines is exempted from liability for damages resulting from work within 10 feet of overhead high voltage lines, unless the required notice has been given and such owner or operator does not provide required temporary safety arrangements. A person who violates the minimum clearance requirements and whose activities damage utility facilities or cause other injury or damage is required to indemnify the line's owner or operator against all claims including service interruptions and costs incurred in defending any claims. Except for the indemnification obligations imposed on persons who violate the minimum clearance requirements, this measure does not affect the exclusive remedy provisions of the Virginia Workers' Compensation Act. Other provisions clarify the required contents of a notice required when a person intends to work in closer proximity to a power line than the statutory minimum clearance distance. Exemptions are established for (i) certain covered equipment used in agricultural or silvicultural activities and (ii) owners or leaseholders of real estate devoted to agricultural or silvicultural activities beneath a high voltage line, unless otherwise required by state or federal law.


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