ND HB1541

Transfers exclusive authority over septic system licensing, permitting, and inspections from local boards of health to the Department of Environmental Quality, voiding any conflicting local ordinances

Creates a new Environmental Quality Advisory Committee consisting of the DEQ director, three public health unit representatives, and three licensed septic installers appointed by the governor to recommend septic system standards and develop a statewide technical guide

Requires local public health units to conduct septic inspections within one business day of request and prohibits requiring replacement of repairable systems within 10 years of noncompliance notice or before property sale completion

Appropriates $99,500 in one-time general fund money to DEQ for septic system regulation for the 2025-2027 biennium

Transfers remaining State Board of Plumbing funds related to sewer and water contractor fees to DEQ for septic regulation, with the advisory committee approval requirement becoming effective January 1, 2026