Bill > HB658

This bill revises the powers of local boards of health in Montana, primarily focusing on sanitation and wastewater treatment systems. It limits local boards of health from creating rules that are more stringent than state standards, with specific provisions for subsurface onsite wastewater treatment systems (septic systems). The bill ensures that existing septic systems that are currently functioning and do not show signs of failure cannot be subject to new or retroactive rules imposed by local health boards. Local health boards must now provide clear, written documentation to landowners about any new requirements for septic system installation or updates, and cannot impose additional requirements without providing documented evidence. The bill also maintains existing protections that prevent local health boards from mandating business closures or denying customer access during public health emergencies. Additionally, the bill includes provisions that require local boards to base any more stringent rules on scientific evidence and include information about potential costs to the regulated community. The legislation is effective immediately upon passage and applies retroactively to existing septic systems, providing protection for current property owners against potentially burdensome new local regulations.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2201