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 prohibiting them from mandating the replacement of functional or repairable systems. The bill also includes provisions for the Environmental Quality Advisory Committee, which will consist of representatives from local public health units and licensed septic installers, and will recommend standards and procedures related to septic systems.

Additionally, the bill amends 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 repeals previous sections concerning the onsite wastewater recycling technical committee and provides a one-time appropriation of $99,500 to the Department of Environmental Quality for the regulation of septic systems. The bill also outlines a transfer of funds from the State Board of Plumbing to support these regulatory 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