H.B. No. 5549 aims to enhance the regulation and planning of on-site sewage disposal systems in Texas by amending various sections of the Health and Safety Code. Key changes include the addition of provisions for the pumping of sewage systems, the establishment of a fee increase from $10 to $30 for on-site wastewater treatment permit applications, and the introduction of an administrative penalty for authorized agents who fail to enforce minimum requirements. The bill also clarifies that the commission retains authority over systems producing over 1,500 gallons per day unless specifically delegated to an authorized agent, and it allows individual homeowners to install and repair their sewage systems under certain conditions.

Additionally, the bill modifies definitions related to nuisances and ownership, and it mandates that maintenance contracts for surface spray disposal systems include specific disinfection procedures. It removes the requirement for performance bonds in certain cases and establishes that owners of single-family residences must maintain their systems directly or through a contract, with penalties for non-compliance. The legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and repeals several existing provisions that are deemed unnecessary or redundant.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 366.001, Health and Safety Code 366.002, Health and Safety Code 366.011, Health and Safety Code 366.012, Health and Safety Code 366.013, Health and Safety Code 366.014, Health and Safety Code 366.031, Health and Safety Code 366.032, Health and Safety Code 366.034, Health and Safety Code 366.0515, Health and Safety Code 366.052, Health and Safety Code 366.055, Health and Safety Code 366.057, Health and Safety Code 366.058, Health and Safety Code 366.071, Health and Safety Code 367.010, Water Code 5.701 (Health and Safety Code 366, Health and Safety Code 367, Water Code 5)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 366.001, Health and Safety Code 366.002, Health and Safety Code 366.011, Health and Safety Code 366.012, Health and Safety Code 366.013, Health and Safety Code 366.014, Health and Safety Code 366.031, Health and Safety Code 366.032, Health and Safety Code 366.034, Health and Safety Code 366.0515, Health and Safety Code 366.052, Health and Safety Code 366.055, Health and Safety Code 366.057, Health and Safety Code 366.058, Health and Safety Code 366.071, Health and Safety Code 367.010, Water Code 5.701 (Health and Safety Code 366, Health and Safety Code 367, Water Code 5)