HB1178
Authorized septic system inspectors; scope of services and requirements for performance, etc.
Status:
Enacted
Latest Action:
April 6, 2026
Approved by Governor-Chapter 267 (effective 7/1/2026)
Chief Patron:
Kimberly Pope Adams (D)
Session:
2026 Regular Session
Summary
As Passed House of Origin. Authorized septic system inspectors; scope of services and requirements.
Provides that system components are not considered readily accessible if access requires removal of surface material exceeding 30 inches in depth to uncover septic tank access lids, distribution devices, or other inspection ports. The bill specifies that an authorized septic system inspector shall submit a written report to the client ... (More) within 10 business days from the start of the inspection, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties, which shall also indicate whether the system is operating as intended. The bill removes the requirement that authorized septic system inspectors report the advertised bedroom count or design capacity as listed in the multiple listing service or written statement by the property owner. (Less)-
Bill History
- 01/14/2026 - House: Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26105226D
- 01/14/2026 - House: Referred to Committee on General Laws
- 02/01/2026 - House: Assigned HGL sub: Housing/Consumer Protection
- 02/03/2026 - House: Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1178)
- 02/04/2026 - House: Placed on General Laws Agenda
- 02/05/2026 - House: House subcommittee offered
- 02/05/2026 - House: Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (9-Y 1-N)
- 02/07/2026 - House: Placed on General Laws Agenda
- 02/10/2026 - House: Reported from General Laws with substitute (21-Y 0-N)
- 02/10/2026 - House: Committee substitute printed 26107308D-H1
- 02/12/2026 - House: Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1178)
- 02/12/2026 - House: Read first time
- 02/13/2026 - House: Read second time
- 02/13/2026 - House: committee substitute agreed to
- 02/13/2026 - House: Engrossed by House - committee substitute
- 02/16/2026 - House: Read third time and passed House (96-Y 0-N 0-A)
- 02/16/2026 - House: Reconsideration of passage agreed to by House
- 02/16/2026 - House: Passed House (97-Y 0-N 0-A)
- 02/17/2026 - Senate: Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)
- 02/17/2026 - Senate: Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology
- 03/04/2026 - Senate: Reported from General Laws and Technology (15-Y 0-N)
- 03/06/2026 - Senate: Rules suspended
- 03/06/2026 - Senate: Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A)
- 03/06/2026 - Senate: Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)
- 03/09/2026 - Senate: Read third time
- 03/09/2026 - Senate: Passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
- 03/14/2026 - House: Enrolled
- 03/14/2026 - House: Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1178ER)
- 03/14/2026 - House: Signed by Speaker
- 03/14/2026 - Senate: Signed by President
- 03/16/2026 - House: Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1178)
- 03/25/2026 - House: Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 25, 2026
- 03/25/2026 - Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
- 04/06/2026 - Approved by Governor-Chapter 267 (effective 7/1/2026)
- 04/06/2026 - Approved by Governor-Chapter 267 (effective 7/1/2026)
