This bill amends and reenacts several sections of the North Dakota Century Code related to the certification and regulation of water distribution and wastewater system operators. Notably, it establishes that certificates issued under this chapter will now expire on the first day of January of the year following issuance, rather than July. The bill also modifies the fee structure for certification, allowing the department to prescribe reasonable fees based on the anticipated costs associated with certification processes, rather than capping initial and renewal fees at specific amounts. Additionally, it mandates that the department hold at least one examination each year, which can be administered by a third-party service.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new penalties for violations of the chapter, including civil penalties of up to $5,000 per day for non-compliance and class A misdemeanor charges for willful violations or false statements related to certification. It also creates a new section outlining the administrative procedures and judicial review processes for adopting or modifying rules related to operator certification, ensuring that these proceedings align with existing legal frameworks. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the regulatory framework for water and wastewater system operators in North Dakota.

Statutes affected:
PREFILED: 23.1-07-04, 23.1-07-05, 23.1-07-06, 23.1-07-08
Adopted by the Senate Workforce Development Committee: 23.1-07-04, 23.1-07-05, 23.1-07-06, 23.1-07-08
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 23.1-07-04, 23.1-07-05, 23.1-07-06, 23.1-07-08
Enrollment: 23.1-07-04, 23.1-07-05, 23.1-07-06, 23.1-07-08
INTRODUCED: 23.1-07-04, 23.1-07-05, 23.1-07-06, 23.1-07-08