SB401Introduced in the Senate
Authorized septic system inspectors; scope of services and requirements for performance, etc.
Introduced by Emily Brewer, District 17
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
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 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. This bill is identical to HB 1178.
Where it stands
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0268)
April 6, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House of Delegates votes
2 recorded votes · each counted separately
Senate votes
5 recorded votes · each counted separately
SenateStage: House substitute agreed to by Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A) · February 26, 2026
40
Yes
0
No
0
Absent or Not Voting
40 senators recorded in this Senate vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each senator voted
| Senator | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Bennett-Parker | 5 | Yes |
| Michael Jones | 77 | Yes |
| Timmy French | 1 | Yes |
| Mark Obenshain | 2 | Yes |
| Chris Head | 3 | Yes |
| David Suetterlein | 4 | Yes |
| Travis Hackworth | 5 | Yes |
| Todd Pillion | 6 | Yes |
| William Stanley | 7 | Yes |
| Mark Peake | 8 | Yes |
Bill history
Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26105232D
Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB401)
Senate committee offered
Reported from General Laws and Technology with substitute (15-Y 0-N)
Committee substitute printed 26106779D-S1
Rules suspended
Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading) (36-Y 0-N 0-A)
Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)
Read second time
Committee substitute agreed to (Voice Vote)
Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute Block Vote (Voice Vote)
Rules suspended
Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 3rd reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A)
Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote (39-Y 0-N 0-A)
Blank Action
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB401)
Placed on Calendar
Read first time
Referred to Committee on General Laws
House committee offered
Reported from General Laws with substitute (21-Y 0-N)
Committee substitute printed 26108259D-H1
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB401)
Read second time
Read third time
committee substitute agreed to
Engrossed by House - committee substitute
Passed House with substitute (98-Y 0-N 0-A)
House substitute agreed to by Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB401ER)
Signed by Speaker
Signed by President
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB401)
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Approved by Governor-Chapter 268 (effective 7/1/2026)
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0268)
Verify the information
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