HB 79 Summary

• Eliminates the Department of Health's statewide septic tank evaluation program, including the mandatory 5-year evaluation cycle and associated procedures for system owners.

• Repeals the grant program for repair of onsite sewage treatment disposal systems that assisted low-income homeowners (those at or below 133% of federal poverty level).

• Removes the evaluation report fee (previously $15-$30) that was collected for 5-year system evaluations and redirected funds to the grant program.

• Updates legislative intent to remove references to the department administering an evaluation program, while maintaining intent that proper sewage system management is paramount to public health and safety.

• Adjusts fee schedule subsection references in statute due to elimination of evaluation-related fees.