As state legislatures wrap up their 2025 sessions, attention is shifting toward implementation of newly enacted laws and preparation for 2026 agendas. Several states are conducting interim studies on workforce development, water infrastructure, and energy policy — all areas with direct implications for ASSE and IAPMO priorities. While special sessions in Texas and Colorado remain underway, most states have moved into rulemaking and administrative follow-up.
In Washington, D.C., the focus this fall was the Oct. 1 appropriations deadline. Congress struggled to reach agreement on spending levels, tax policy, and funding rescissions, triggering a government shutdown when negotiations broke down. Beyond the fiscal battles, federal agencies have begun advancing the Administration’s deregulatory agenda through rulemaking, with ripple effects on environmental standards, labor regulations, and product certification programs.
For ASSE and IAPMO, the close of the state sessions does not signal a slowdown. The Government Relations team has pivoted from bill tracking to implementation — engaging state agencies as they draft rules, submitting comments on federal regulatory actions, and laying the groundwork for proactive legislation in 2026. The record volume of legislation introduced this year underscores the urgency of continued advocacy to ensure plumbing standards, workforce credentialing, and public health protections remain central to policy discussions.
FEDERAL UPDATE
As part of ongoing workforce development efforts, ASSE and IAPMO partnered with industry stakeholders to map training and certification programs for applications involving alternate water sources and water reuse systems, including ASSE-related certifications. The resulting report aims to guide states and local jurisdictions as they establish onsite water reuse requirements. A proposal has been submitted to present these findings at the 2026 WateReuse Conference. IAPMO also worked closely with PMI, AWE, and other industry partners to respond to the U.S. Department of Energy’s proposed rulemakings on faucets and other plumbing fittings, while tracking legislation such as the Shower Act and “Don’t Mess with My Appliance Act,” both of which could significantly affect flow rate requirements and product design.
STATE HIGHLIGHTS
Across the states, IAPMO continues to promote the inclusion of industry standards and third-party certification requirements in drinking water legislation targeting lead and PFAS contamination. Advocacy also continues for measures addressing Legionella prevention.
California: On June 17, ASSE was officially recognized by the State Water Resources Control Board as an approved backflow prevention assembly tester certification organization. Following sustained outreach and education, Los Angeles County’s Department of Public Health agreed to recognize ASSE tester credentials and is developing procedures to formalize the change. Meanwhile, legislation that would have imposed a six-year moratorium on new building code adoptions, Assembly Bill 306, was amended to address concerns from environmental and skilled trades groups, narrowing its scope to codes outside the regular cycle. The revised language was inserted into a must-pass housing reform bill (AB 130), which was signed into law with an urgency clause and took effect immediately. Implementation details remain uncertain.
Colorado: HB25-1077, effective July 1, exempts those inspecting, testing, or repairing backflow devices from being licensed plumbers, though installation or removal must still be performed by a master plumber. The new law also requires plumbers and certified cross connection control technicians to tag backflow prevention devices with their credentials and service details. Another measure extended the state plumbing board through 2032, maintaining the ASSE 6010 reference (or recognized equivalent) for medical gas installations.
Michigan: After two confirmed Legionella-related deaths at the Allegria Village senior living home in Dearborn, ASSE provided a letter of support and technical guidance to state and local officials to assist in response and mitigation efforts.
Missouri: HB 995, which would have addressed water quality and contaminant remediation in schools, included potential for ASSE standards to be incorporated. Letters of support were submitted, but the bill stalled in the House.
Ohio: Legionella bacteria detected in the Cuyahoga County Justice Center’s water system prompted ASSE to issue a letter, signed by Terry Burger, to city and state leaders offering guidance on prevention and mitigation strategies. While the county reported low risk to the public, the incident underscored the importance of ongoing water management practices.
Texas: HB 4293 and its companion SB 2702 sought to require the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to accept ASSE 5110 certification for backflow testers, reducing duplicative licensing requirements. The legislation passed the Senate unanimously but failed to advance in the House. Separately, HB 3214, which reduces journeyman experience requirements for a master plumber license from four years to two, took effect Sept. 1.
Vermont: Vermont expanded recognition of ASSE 5010 Backflow Testers and adopted ASSE product standards 1070 (Water Temperature Limiting Devices), 1082 (Water Heaters with Integral Temperature Control Devices for Hot Water Distribution Systems), and 1084 (Water Heaters with Temperature Limiting Capacity) in its regulatory updates.
As 2025 draws to a close, ASSE and IAPMO’s advocacy is shifting from legislative defense to regulatory engagement. The months ahead will be pivotal for maintaining the integrity of plumbing systems and protecting public health across the nation.
