Bill
GM 1288
Act 188 creates a permanent DOH Engineer III to lead cesspool upgrades, with $76,704 annually for two years (FY2025–2027), effective July 1, 2025.
GM1288 — Summary of Act 188 Relating to Cesspool Conversions
Overview
- This government message informs that Governor Josh Green signed HB879, HD1, SD1, CD1 into law as Act 188 on June 6, 2025. The act is titled “Relating to Cesspool Conversions.”
- The primary change is a targeted appropriation to support the Department of Health’s (DOH) cesspool upgrade and conversion efforts, via a new dedicated engineering position and related duties.
Key Provisions
- Section 1 — Appropriation and Position
- Out of the General Revenues of the State, the sum of $76,704 (or as much as necessary) is appropriated for each of fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027.
- The funds are designated to establish one full-time equivalent permanent Engineer III position within the DOH.
- The Engineer III is to assist with the upgrade and conversion of cesspools and perform other related responsibilities as designated by the DOH’s Wastewater Branch.
- The DOH is responsible for expending these sums for the purposes of this Act.
- Section 2 — Effective Date
- The act takes effect July 1, 2025.
Fiscal and Administrative Impact
- Total appropriations: $76,704 for each of two fiscal years (2025-2026 and 2026-2027).
- Staffing: Creation of a permanent 1.0 FTE Engineer III within DOH to focus on cesspool upgrades/conversions and related wastewater tasks.
- Administration: Funds are to be expended by the Department of Health for the stated purposes, under the guidance of the DOH Wastewater Branch.
Effective Date and Implementation Timeline
- Effective date: July 1, 2025.
- The new position and related duties would commence within the DOH starting in FY 2025-2026, subject to personnel processes and budgeting.
Affected Parties
- State government: Department of Health (Wastewater Branch) gains a dedicated Engineer III position to support cesspool conversions.
- Potential beneficiaries include communities and environments impacted by cesspool upgrades and sanitation improvements, as the program aims to accelerate cesspool conversions.
Notes
- The act aligns with ongoing wastewater infrastructure modernization by providing targeted staffing and a defined, modest annual appropriation to support cesspool conversions.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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