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HB 376

Water/Wastewater Affordability and Capacity Act.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by Mark Brody and 2 co-sponsors

The bill tightens certification, renewal, and continuing education requirements for on-site wastewater contractors/inspectors and expands oversight of local rules and private well

Signed by Gov. 7/2/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 376

HB 376 — Various On‑Site Wastewater & Well Provisions (North Carolina) — Summary

Status: Fourth Edition Engrossed (passed 3rd reading 4/30/2025). Key effective date: certification/renewal provisions apply to applications on or after January 1, 2026 (see Sec. 2(c)).

Purpose / Intent

The bill updates regulation, certification, oversight, and administration of on‑site wastewater systems and the private drinking‑water well program. It (1) revises membership/term limits for the statewide contractor/inspector certification board, (2) tightens and clarifies certification and renewal requirements for contractors and inspectors (including point‑of‑sale and private compliance inspectors), (3) clarifies the interplay between State and local rules for wastewater systems and the Department of Health review process, and (4) establishes provisions relating to private well program administration (including a task force and expanded scope for some certified well contractors).

Key Provisions

  • On‑Site Wastewater Contractors and Inspectors Certification Board

    • Confirms board composition and imposes term limits: no member may serve more than two consecutive three‑year terms.
    • Applies to board terms beginning on or after July 1, 2026.

  • Certification requirements (G.S. 90A‑77)

    • Sets/clarifies qualification paths for:
    • Grade II contractor (basic education + any additional hours).
    • Grade IV contractor: must hold Grade II certification for at least two years and complete additional required hours.
    • Inspectors (including point‑of‑sale inspectors): must complete board‑approved education and additional hour requirements; typically require prior Grade IV contractor or equivalent experience.
    • Authorized On‑Site Wastewater Evaluator and Private Compliance Inspector: defined education and experience requirements; Private Compliance Inspectors must have at least 5 years relevant experience and may not be employed by a local health department.
    • Applicants must hold adequate liability/professional insurance and pass exams.

  • Certification renewal and continuing education (G.S. 90A‑78)

    • Certifications expire December 31 annually; renewals must be submitted by November 15.
    • Annual continuing education requirements:
    • Grade II contractor: 3 hours/year
    • Grade IV contractor: 6 hours/year
    • Point‑of‑sale inspector: 6 hours/year
    • Authorized Evaluator: 12 hours/year
    • Private Compliance Inspector: 12 hours/year
    • Renewal must include proof of required liability coverage.

  • Local wastewater rules, Department review (G.S. 130A‑335)

    • Local boards of health may adopt Commission rules with modifications only where necessary to protect public health and with Department review/approval.
    • Department must evaluate proposed local modifications based on necessity to protect public health, hold public hearings, post notice/findings, and may deny, suspend, or revoke local approvals that are insufficient.

  • Private drinking water wells

    • The bill includes provisions to establish a Private Drinking Water Well Task Force and expands who may perform well site evaluations by allowing certain certified well contractors to conduct those evaluations (text establishes program changes though full task‑force details are in bill text).

Who is affected

  • On‑site wastewater contractors, inspectors, evaluators, and private compliance inspectors (existing and prospective).
  • Local health departments and local boards of health that adopt or propose modifications to wastewater rules.
  • Homeowners/property owners relying on on‑site systems and private wells.
  • Department of Health (administration, hearings, oversight).

Procedural / Timeline notes

  • Provisions governing certifications and renewals explicitly take effect January 1, 2026 for applications/renewals on or after that date.
  • Board term limit provision effective upon enactment and applied to terms beginning July 1, 2026.
  • Department is required to hold public hearings and publish findings when reviewing local rule changes.

Potential impacts

  • Raises minimum continuing education and documentation standards for practitioners; may increase training compliance costs/time for contractors/inspectors.
  • Strengthens State oversight of local wastewater rules and requires transparency (public hearings, posted findings).
  • Enables some certified well contractors to perform site evaluations and creates a task force—potentially improving coordination in private well regulation (implementation details to be determined by rulemaking).

For full legal language, consult the bill text (Fourth Edition Engrossed) and associated session laws.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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