Bill > H694

This bill amends Section 13 of Chapter 21A of the General Laws, which pertains to the state environmental code and standards for sewage disposal. The key change is that the Department of Environmental Protection will no longer require an inspection of a subsurface sewage disposal system when residential real property is transferred between certain family members, including spouses, parents and children, or siblings, or when the property is transferred into a trust for beneficiaries of the first degree of relationship to the grantor. This exemption applies specifically if the sewage system was installed within the previous three years. The bill also clarifies that this code does not conflict with other laws and allows for the preparation of plans for repairs to smaller domestic sewage disposal systems by an owner's agent, provided these plans are reviewed and approved by the local health authority and a licensed sanitarian. Additionally, the bill directs the commissioner to evaluate practices to minimize the paperwork burden associated with septic system inspections and the enforcement of the code, aiming to maximize the utility of collected information and reduce the number of copies needed for official use. The term "burden" is defined as the time, effort, or financial resources expended by individuals or entities to generate, maintain, or provide information to a government agency. Local boards of health are responsible for enforcing the code, with the department having the authority to enforce it if local boards fail to do so. The superior court will have jurisdiction to enforce these provisions.