OLYMPIA — The Washington State Senate passed a bipartisan bill Thursday to modernize the state's excavation safety laws to better protect workers and underground utilities and ensure efficient infrastructure work. Senate Bill 5627, sponsored by Sen. Bill Ramos (D-Issaquah), strengthens Washington’s "Call Before You Dig" requirements to help prevent damage to critical services, like water, power, and sewer lines, while ensuring excavation projects proceed smoothly. The bill also addresses the safety of workers exposed to significant hazards when unmarked utilities are struck during excavation. “If you’re digging — whether you’re working on your own property or as a contractor — you need to know what’s underground before you start,” Ramos said. “Utilities like ...
Read MoreAbout Bill
Bill proudly represents the 5th Legislative District, which includes Black Diamond, Issaquah, Maple Valley, Renton, Sammamish, and Snoqualmie, and unincorporated areas in Auburn, Enumclaw, Covington, Fall City, Hobart, North Bend and Preston.
He grew up in East Oakland, where he saw first-hand the struggles students face when they do not have the resources they need to succeed. He attended Humboldt State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Forest Sciences, and later served with the US Forest Service in North Bend and Enumclaw as Director of Timber Management, Director of Recreation and Public Services, and Director of Ecosystem Management, where he led a team of biological and earth scientists doing environmental analysis of federal lands.
Read Bill’s full biography here.