Relating to balancing urban and rural sewage treatment needs

The purpose of this bill is to amend the requirements for mandatory connections to public sewer systems in both municipalities and public service districts by providing exceptions for properties with functional septic systems in rural or less densely populated areas, while allowing mandatory connections in urban or densely populated areas where septic systems are impractical. It provides an exemption if the connection distance exceeds 200 feet, incorporates objective inspection standards from the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT), extends the notice period for non-connection penalties to 90 days, removes the ability to bill for sewer services not provided, and provides for financial assistance to homeowners on fixed or limited incomes who are required to connect, citing changes to §8-18-22 and §16-13A-9 to add provisos for exceptions and assistance.