RELATING TO CESSPOOLS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ron Kouchi

Bill SB 1504 funds a pilot grant project to help property owners upgrade cesspools, enhancing public health and environmental safety through compliant wastewater systems.

Reported from HHS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 643) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.

#cesspoolcompliancepilotgrantproject #extension($) #repealdate

Purpose and Intent

Bill SB 1504 aims to address the issue of cesspools in the state by establishing a Cesspool Compliance Pilot Grant Project. This initiative is designed to promote compliance with environmental regulations regarding cesspools, which are known to pose significant risks to public health and the environment. The bill seeks to extend the existing grant project and amend certain provisions related to cesspool management.

Key Provisions

Cesspool Compliance Pilot Grant Project: The bill proposes the continuation and funding of a pilot grant project aimed at assisting property owners in upgrading or replacing cesspools with compliant wastewater systems.

Funding: Specific dollar amounts for the grant project will be determined, ensuring that adequate resources are allocated to support the initiative.

Repeal Date: The bill includes provisions for a repeal date, which will establish a timeline for the project’s implementation and evaluation.

Affected Parties

Property Owners: Individuals and businesses currently using cesspools will be directly impacted, as they may be eligible for financial assistance to upgrade their systems.

Environmental Agencies: State and local environmental agencies will be involved in overseeing the compliance and effectiveness of the grant project.

Public Health: The broader community will benefit from improved wastewater management, leading to enhanced public health and environmental protection.

Legislative Timeline

Introduced: January 22, 2025

First Reading: January 23, 2025

Committee Actions:

HHS Committee: Referred on January 27, 2025; public hearing scheduled for February 7, 2025.
Report Adopted: February 14, 2025, with amendments (SD 1) and recommendation for passage on Second Reading.

Current Status: As of February 14, 2025, the bill has passed its Second Reading and is referred to the Ways and Means Committee (WAM) for further consideration.

Conclusion

Bill SB 1504 represents a proactive step towards improving cesspool management in the state. By establishing a grant project, it aims to alleviate the financial burden on property owners while promoting compliance with environmental standards. The bill's progress through the legislative process indicates a commitment to addressing public health and environmental concerns associated with cesspools.

Bill