The Missouri Attorney General plays a critical role in upholding the Missouri Underground Facility Safety and Damage Prevention Act, commonly known as the One Call Law (RSMo Chapter 319.010 to 319.050). This law is designed to prevent damage to underground utilities and protect public safety by ensuring proper communication between excavators and utility owners before digging occurs.
A Legal Authority for Safer Excavation
Enforcement of the One Call Law is more than just a deterrent; it is an active safeguard for workers, communities, and infrastructure. The Attorney General’s Office is empowered to investigate and take legal action against both excavators and utility owners who fail to comply with the law. Depending on the nature and severity of the violation, outcomes can range from official warning letters to legal penalties.
Missouri 811 collaborates with the Attorney General’s One Call Enforcement Unit to ensure that each reported violation is properly reviewed and addressed. Together, they work to uphold the integrity of the state's damage prevention system.
New in 2025: Submit Violations from the Missouri 811 website Directly to the Attorney General
A major enhancement to the enforcement process now gives stakeholders an easier and more direct way to report potential violations. The updated Missouri 811 Enforcement webpage (https://missouri-811.org/enforcement/) features a “Report a Violation” section that allows users to submit online forms for:
Once submitted, these forms go directly to both Missouri 811 and the Attorney General’s Office, enabling faster review and potential action. This streamlined reporting process is designed to empower all industry stakeholders, including contractors, utility companies, municipal crews, and citizens, to play an active role in damage prevention enforcement.
Supporting Resources and Templates
To make the reporting process even easier, Missouri 811 provides downloadable templates for various violation types. These include step-by-step instructions, common violation descriptions, and checklists to help ensure that all essential information is documented. Reporters are encouraged to include key details such as:
These details greatly enhance the Attorney General’s ability to act on submitted complaints.
A Shared Responsibility
The One Call Law only works when everyone plays their part. Missouri 811 encourages all stakeholders to remain vigilant and proactive. Whether you're an excavator, utility owner, or simply a concerned citizen, your observations and reports matter.
By working together and with support from the Missouri Attorney General, we can maintain a safer and more accountable excavation environment across the state.
