Proposal would give apprentice septic inspectors four years to obtain certification

Senate Bill 6,291 would extend the period during which a non‑certified on‑site wastewater inspector (an apprentice inspector) may perform design reviews and inspections under a certified supervisor from two to four years.

Matt Sterling, staff to the committee, said current law allows local boards of health to permit non‑certified individuals to inspect and review on‑site wastewater systems for up to two years after hire under certified supervision. The bill would increase that maximum to four years.

Senator Liz Lovelitt, sponsor, said the change is short and practical. She explained that local health jurisdictions often require a one‑year supervised period before a staffer can even sit for the certification exam, which is offered only twice a year and administered in person. Extending the allowance to four years would help local health departments retain trained staff rather than losing them because exam timing makes it unlikely they can complete certification within two years.

Jamie Boden of the State Association of Local Public Health Officials supported the bill, noting that roughly half of exam takers fail on their first attempt and many candidates effectively have only one chance to pass under current timing. Erin Hockaday of Benton Franklin Health District said each exam attempt costs her district about $6,500 once fees and staff time are included, and turnover before certification wastes public investment and slows permitting.

Committee members asked whether the exam could be offered more frequently or better aligned with training. Witnesses said the exam is produced by an external organization (identified in testimony as Burples) and that changing the exam cadence is outside the bill’s scope; witnesses welcomed further discussion about the exam format but said the four‑year adjustment is a practical workforce retention measure.

The committee closed testimony without a vote.