Bill > HB05518

This bill, effective October 1, 2026, makes several changes to statutes concerning public health and environmental protection, primarily focusing on the regulation of bottled water, environmental laboratories, and asbestos abatement. Key provisions include updating definitions related to bottled water to include "perfluoroalkyl substance" (a type of chemical contaminant) and "unregulated contaminant," and establishing acceptable levels for these substances in bottled water. The bill also revises requirements for environmental laboratories, changing the term "registered" to "certified" and outlining new certification processes and standards. For asbestos abatement, it clarifies licensing and certification requirements for contractors, consultants, workers, and supervisors, and updates the approval process for training providers. Additionally, the bill introduces a new certification system for "subsurface sewage enforcement officers" who will be responsible for inspecting and approving systems that handle wastewater, and it allows for apprentices to be certified as water operators under certain conditions. Finally, it modifies regulations regarding crematories, allowing for alkaline hydrolysis at funeral homes and clarifying distance requirements from residential areas.