Bill > H391

This bill enhances regulations for septic system inspectors by mandating specific documentation and ethical practices during on-site sewage disposal system inspections. The legislation requires inspectors to provide clear, time and date-stamped photographs documenting key elements of the inspection, including tank baffles, distribution boxes, soil absorption systems, plumbing, and pump chambers. Additionally, the bill prohibits inspectors from recommending themselves or a specific installer for system repairs or replacements when reporting a conditional pass or failure. Instead, inspectors must provide property owners with a list of approved local disposal system installers prepared by the board of health, which must be signed by the property owner and included with the inspection report. The bill establishes escalating penalties for violations, with a first offense resulting in a $1,000 fine, a second offense incurring a $2,000 fine and a three-month license suspension, and a third offense leading to complete license revocation. The Department of Environmental Protection is required to notify all approved system inspectors and installers about these new requirements, ensuring industry-wide awareness and compliance.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H391