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SF1658 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Disclosure requirements modification for subsurface sewage treatment systems

Related bill: HF1888

AI Generated Summary

This bill modifies disclosure requirements for subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS) in Minnesota. Key provisions include:

  1. Amendments to Definitions (§115.55, subd. 1) – Various terms related to SSTS, such as "inspector," "designer," "installer," and "certificate of compliance," are updated and clarified.

  2. Inspection Requirements (§115.55, subd. 5) –

    • All new or replacement systems must be inspected for compliance.
    • A local government cannot issue a building permit for an additional bedroom unless the SSTS has been inspected and a compliance certificate has been issued.
    • Certificates of compliance are valid for three years for existing systems and five years for new systems unless there's an imminent threat to health or safety.

  3. Addition of a Certificate of Compliance Requirement (§115.55, subd. 14) –

    • Before selling or transferring property, the seller must provide the buyer with either:
      1. A statement confirming the sewage system is connected to a permitted facility, or
      2. A valid certificate of compliance.
    • The commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency (PCA) must create a compliance form with information on the system, past inspections, and whether any straight-pipe systems are present.

  4. Rule Modification (§4) – The PCA is required to update SSTS rules (Minnesota Rules, Chapters 7080-7083) to include inspectors' responsibilities.

  5. Repeal of Previous Disclosure Requirements (§5) – The existing SSTS disclosure law (Minnesota Statutes §115.55, subd. 6) is repealed, effectively replacing previous seller disclosure obligations with the new compliance certificate requirement.

This bill enhances oversight of SSTS, mandates clearer disclosure during property transactions, and ensures better regulatory enforcement to protect public health and water quality.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 19, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 19, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEnvironment, Climate, and Legacy
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor stricken
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor stricken

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new subdivision requiring a certificate of compliance before property transfer.",
        "New disclosure requirements for property sellers regarding sewage treatment systems."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Repealed the requirement under subdivision 6 for certain disclosures related to property transfers."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the definition and disclosure requirements related to subsurface sewage treatment systems under section 115.55.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies inspection requirements for new and existing systems to confirm compliance with current standards."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "115.55"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This citation relates to imminent threats to public health or safety in the context of sewage treatment systems.",
      "modified": [
        "References circumstances under which local government action is authorized for sewage systems presenting immediate health or safety threats."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "145A.04 subd. 8"
  }
]

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