House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise the powers of local boards of health concerning sanitation regulations. The bill removes the ability of local boards to adopt sanitation-related rules that are more stringent than state standards, ensuring that local regulations align with state guidelines. Additionally, it stipulates that subsurface onsite wastewater treatment systems that are already installed and functioning will not be subject to amendments or updates to local health board rules adopted after their installation. The bill amends Sections 50-2-116 and 50-2-130 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to reflect these changes and introduces new provisions regarding the installation and operation of wastewater treatment systems.

The bill also includes specific provisions that require local boards of health to provide written directives to landowners regarding the installation of new wastewater treatment systems and any updates to existing systems. It prohibits local boards from imposing additional requirements on landowners without clear, documented evidence. Furthermore, the bill establishes that if a component of a wastewater treatment system fails, secondary components may be utilized without prior approval. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval, with retroactive applicability for certain provisions related to wastewater treatment systems.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 50-2-116, 50-2-130
HB0658_1(1): 50-2-116, 50-2-130
HB0658_1(2): 50-2-116, 50-2-130
HB0658_1(3): 50-2-116, 50-2-130
HB0658_1: 50-2-116, 50-2-130