HB393 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mack N. ButlerRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Sewer systems, solid waste, septic tank sewage-systems, regulated by Dept. of Public Health, rules limiting systems based on types of materials used in treatment superseded

Summary

HB 393 would require the Department of Public Health to regulate onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems based on performance and functionality, and void material-based rules dating from March 2017 or earlier.

What This Bill Does

It requires rules to be applied uniformly based on system performance and functionality. It prohibits enforcing or creating rules that restrict systems proven to work under the pre-March 2017 regulatory scheme if those rules rely on the materials used without technical justification. It voids any March 2017 rules that base requirements on material type and repeals conflicting rules. It becomes effective immediately after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Homeowners and property owners with onsite septic systems, who would see rules switch to performance-based criteria and potentially gain more flexibility in system choices.
• Septic system installers, contractors, and equipment manufacturers, who would design and market systems to meet performance-based standards and face fewer material-specific restrictions.

Key Provisions

• All rules for onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems must be applied uniformly based on performance and functionality.
• The Department may not implement or enforce rules that restrict systems that have proven to work under the pre-March 2017 regulatory scheme if those rules are based on material types without technical justification.
• Any rule that became effective in March 2017 and is based on the type of material or media used during treatment or dispersal is void and superseded.
• The act takes effect immediately following passage and governor approval, and it repeals conflicting rules.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health Department