The bill amends Section 50-2-116 of the Montana Code Annotated to establish an appeal process to the local governing body for certain requirements added to sewage disposal systems after a construction permit has been issued. Specifically, if local regulations do not prohibit the addition of new requirements post-permit issuance, the bill mandates that these regulations must allow for an appeal to the local governing body. This appeal can be made to challenge whether the new requirements, which cost more than $500 to implement, are more stringent than existing state or local standards.

Additionally, the bill outlines the powers and duties of local boards of health, emphasizing their role in public health management, including the regulation of sewage disposal systems. It specifies that local boards must propose regulations that are not less stringent than state standards and must include provisions for granting variances. The bill also includes various provisions to ensure that local health directives do not infringe on the operations of private businesses, particularly during emergencies, while still allowing local boards to enforce compliance with health regulations.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 50-2-116
HB0318_1(1): 50-2-116
HB0318_1(2): 50-2-116
HB0318_1(3): 50-2-116
HB0318_1: 50-2-116