As state legislatures move through their 2026 sessions, policymakers across the country continue examining workforce development, water infrastructure investment, building efficiency, and alternative water systems — all areas with direct relevance to ASSE standards, certifications, and professional qualification programs. Thirty-five states are currently in session, while 15 are adjourned or in recess. Several states, including Nevada, Texas, Montana, and North Dakota, will not meet this year. Most legislatures that convened in January are expected to remain active through late spring or early summer, maintaining a fast-moving environment for legislative monitoring and engagement.
At the federal level, the policy landscape remains fluid as Congress works to finalize Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations while beginning early discussions on FY27 funding priorities. Several agencies continue operating under continuing resolutions, highlighting broader challenges in reaching agreement on federal spending levels. This overlapping budget cycle has created uncertainty but also opportunities to shape priorities related to water efficiency, workforce development, and building systems.
Meanwhile, federal agencies such as the Department of Energy (DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continue advancing rulemakings affecting plumbing products, water use, and system performance, alongside broader efforts to assess regulatory impacts on manufacturers, housing costs, and supply chains. For ASSE members, these developments directly influence the standards, certifications, and technical requirements that shape the profession.
The Government Relations team remains actively engaged with Congress and federal agencies to help ensure ASSE standards and certification programs are recognized within evolving policies, funding decisions, and regulatory frameworks. As FY26 funding is finalized and FY27 priorities take shape, sustained engagement will remain critical to reinforcing the value of third-party certification, supporting a qualified workforce, and maintaining public health protections.
FEDERAL UPDATE
As part of IAPMO’s workforce development initiatives, the organization collaborated with industry partners to map existing and emerging training and certification programs related to alternate water sources and onsite water reuse systems, including ASSE certification programs. Building on this effort, IAPMO presented at the WateReuse Symposium in March, highlighting ASSE personnel certifications connected to rainwater, stormwater, and backflow prevention systems. The report and presentation are now being used as resources for jurisdictions advancing onsite water reuse regulations.
At the same time, IAPMO continues monitoring efforts by Austin Water and the National Blue-Ribbon Commission to develop certification programs for operators of alternate water source systems, which could overlap with existing ASSE certifications.
STATE HIGHLIGHTS
California: Government Relations and Field Services staff submitted comments on proposed revisions to the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH). ASSE urged the State Water Resources Control Board to require independent third-party accreditation for all tester and specialist certification organizations to preserve statewide consistency and public health protections.
Hawaii: Hawaii’s updated Food Safety Code now explicitly requires backflow and backsiphonage prevention devices in food establishments to meet ASSE standards for construction, installation, maintenance, inspection, and testing. The requirement gives ASSE standards direct regulatory authority statewide.
Illinois: SB 4016, addressing water usage and conservation for data center construction, referenced rainwater harvesting but lacked technical specificity. Government Relations staff submitted recommendations to incorporate ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI 63 and ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI 78 standards for rainwater and stormwater catchment systems. The sponsor responded positively, though the bill has not advanced further.
Louisiana: HB 953 would create an alternative licensure pathway for “Certified Plumbing Technicians” under the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, reducing the State Plumbing Board’s exclusive licensing authority. Government Relations staff submitted testimony opposing the bill, but it continues advancing through the legislative process.
Michigan: HB 5551 would amend the Skilled Trades Regulation Act by requiring active ASSE 5110 certification for backflow prevention assembly testers. The bill remains in committee, and a letter of support is being prepared.
New Jersey: New Gov. Mikie Sherrill issued an executive order freezing pending regulations for 90 days, including updates to the state plumbing code. Meanwhile, the legislature quickly reintroduced several previously tracked bills concerning clean drinking water, Legionella, and water and energy use in data centers.
Washington: Government Relations staff conducted outreach to the Washington Department of Health regarding proposed rules for onsite nonpotable water systems. Discussions highlighted ASSE 5000, ARCSA, and emerging reuse-focused training programs, with agency staff confirming the proposed rules are intended to remain flexible regarding workforce qualifications and training pathways.
As the 2026 legislative cycle progresses, ASSE and IAPMO remain focused on ensuring evolving legislative and regulatory frameworks continue to recognize the importance of consensus standards, third-party certification, and qualified professionals. Continued engagement at every level of government will remain essential to protecting public health and advancing industry best practices nationwide.
