The proposed bill aims to establish new regulations and oversight for septic systems in North Dakota by creating chapter 23.1-17 of the North Dakota Century Code. It grants the Department of Environmental Quality exclusive authority to adopt rules regarding the licensing, permitting, and inspections of septic systems, while also requiring local public health units to conduct timely inspections and limiting the circumstances under which they can mandate the replacement of septic systems. Additionally, the bill repeals existing sections related to the onsite wastewater recycling technical committee and provides for the establishment of an Environmental Quality Advisory Committee, which will include representatives from local public health units and licensed septic installers.

The bill also amends several existing sections of the North Dakota Century Code to enhance the powers and duties of public health units and boards of health, particularly in relation to environmental public health and septic system management. It includes provisions for a one-time appropriation of $99,500 to the Department of Environmental Quality for the regulation of septic systems and mandates the transfer of remaining funds from the State Board of Plumbing to support these efforts. The effective date for certain provisions of the bill is set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Adopted by the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee: 23-35-02, 23-35-08, 23.1-01-03, 23.1-17-01
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 23-35-02, 23-35-08, 23.1-01-03, 23.1-17-01
Adopted by the Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee: 23-35-02, 23-35-08, 23.1-01-03, 23.1-17-01