SB 601 - This act modifies provisions relating to sewage regulation. The act repeals the provision stating that a state standard for the location, size of sewage tanks and length of lateral lines is based on the percolation or permeability rate of the soil. Under the act, the state standard is based on soil properties.
The act repeals the provision stating that soil tests are to be performed by persons who are qualified to perform the percolation tests and creates a new provision authorizing onsite soil evaluators registered by the Department of Health and Senior Services to conduct soils morphology evaluations.
This act repeals the provision stating that contractors may be taught and allowed to perform percolation tests.
The act repeals provisions relating to the Department of Health and Senior Services periodically reviewing any county and city regulation and enforcement record to ensure that the state standard for sewage regulation is being enforced.
The act creates a mandatory registration program requiring continuing education before January 1, 2026 for onsite wastewater treatment system professionals qualified to perform percolation tests in accordance with the state standard as described in the act. Before January 1, 2026, the administrative authority may accept a percolation test at its own discretion if a soil morphology evaluation cannot be reasonably obtained. This provision shall be void and of no effect after December 31, 2025.
Under the act, any person who intends to construct or make major modifications or repairs to an on-site sewage disposal system must submit an application fee and obtain a construction permit.
The act repeals certain provisions relating to fees for repair of on-site sewage disposal systems.
Under the act, the Department shall promulgate regulations establishing the conditions and requirements for the construction permit application, including the collection of reasonable fees set at a level to produce revenue not exceeding the cost and expense of administering the provisions under the act.
The act is identical to HB 200 (2025), HB 2083 (2024), HB 814 (2023), and substantially similar to SB 1283 (2024), and SB 523 (2023).
JULIA SHEVELEVA