House hearing on HB 658 exposes sharp split on statewide septic standards, transparency and local control

Representative Jedidiah Hinkle opened the hearing on House Bill 658, describing it as a measure to establish uniform state septic standards, require written directives from local boards of health for approvals, and to grandfather functioning systems that are not failing.

"House Bill 6 58 is a bill to provide some much needed changes to statutes dealing with septic standards, transparency, and accountability," Representative Jedidiah Hinkle said in opening remarks, noting the bill reflects task‑force standards and that it would require local boards to put directives in writing.

Proponents: consistency and fairness

Multiple proponents described multi‑year permitting delays and inconsistent county practices that they said imposed large costs on homeowners and small businesses. Michael Mulder of Gallatin County described a two‑year permitting timeline for his septic installation and said shifting county requirements roughly doubled the cost of his project. "There needs to be more accountability, more efficient processes, and more transparency," he said, urging passage.

Realtors and engineers argued for state consistency. John Synrude said that equal protection across counties is…