As most state legislatures conclude their 2026 regular sessions, attention is shifting from bill tracking to implementation. Fewer than a dozen states remain in session, while most have adjourned or entered recess until 2027. Several states, including Nevada, Texas, Montana, and North Dakota, did not meet this year. Newly enacted laws are now moving into the rulemaking phase where state agencies will develop administrative requirements that could directly affect ASSE standards, certifications, and professional credentialing programs. The Government Relations team remains engaged in monitoring these processes and identifying opportunities to support consistent, technically sound requirements.
At the federal level, Congress has begun advancing Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations. Both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees have reported bills containing priorities supported by ASSE and IAPMO. Notably, committee report language supporting continued funding for EPA’s WaterSense program and plumbing research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was included in the House Interior and Commerce, Justice, Science appropriations bills. The continued recognition of these programs highlights the role of research, standards, and certification in advancing water efficiency and protecting public health.
Beyond appropriations, Congress is considering legislation affecting water infrastructure, workforce development and water reuse, while federal agencies continue evaluating regulations governing plumbing products, drinking water treatment technologies, and building systems. ASSE and IAPMO remain engaged with policymakers and industry partners to ensure professional credentialing and consensus standards are recognized as important tools for regulatory implementation and workforce competency.
Workforce development also remains a key priority. ASSE and IAPMO continue collaborating with utilities, industry partners, and public policy organizations to promote qualified personnel for alternate water sources and onsite water reuse systems. Efforts include encouraging recognition of ASSE personnel certifications within emerging requirements for rainwater harvesting, stormwater reuse, graywater, and other alternate water sources.
STATE HIGHLIGHTS
California: Government Relations staff collaborated with Marketing and ASSE technical personnel to develop policy-focused materials highlighting the ASSE 5000, 12000 and 15000 series for stakeholder and government outreach. Meanwhile, a significant change came to Los Angeles County — beginning July 1, 2026, individuals testing backflow preventers on county systems are no longer required to take the county’s examination and may instead qualify through a State Water Resources Control Board-approved third-party examination. The change provides greater flexibility for ASSE 5110 certified testers working in the county.
Hawaii: HB 1728, addressing rainwater catchment systems, was enrolled May 6 after passing a conference committee. The legislation would require counties to allow potable and nonpotable rainwater catchment systems on all properties while permitting registration, inspection or notification requirements. If enacted, the measure could create opportunities to incorporate technical standards such as ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI 63 into local registration and inspection programs. Separately, Hawaii’s emergency housing proclamation continues to suspend the State Building Code Council’s authority to update state building codes, limiting opportunities for new ASSE adoptions.
Illinois: SB 4016 addressed water conservation associated with data center construction and included rainwater harvesting as a potential cooling source. IAPMO and ARCSA recommended defining rainwater harvesting and incorporating ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI 63 and ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI 78.
Kansas: HB 2462 passed in April and was sent to Gov. Laura Kelly for consideration. The bill would enable direct and indirect potable reuse of treated wastewater while emphasizing treatment processes intended to make water reuse more affordable.
Kentucky: SB 319 sought to encourage data centers to conserve and reuse water through rainwater harvesting, infiltration and treatment. IAPMO and ARCSA supported the measure while recommending technical guidelines and professional qualification requirements.
Louisiana: HB 953 passed the legislature and would dissolve the State Plumbing Board, transferring regulatory authority to the contractors board and creating an 11-member Plumbing Contractors Subcommittee. It also significantly reduces required apprentice training hours, from 8,000 to 2,500. The measure awaits the governor’s decision amid opposition from union and nonunion industry groups. Separately, HCR 103 unanimously passed and directs state agencies to study whether annual backflow prevention inspections are necessary.
Michigan: HB 5551 would require active ASSE 5110 certification for backflow prevention assembly testers. The bill received a substitute recommendation and advanced with further action pending. A stakeholder letter supporting the measure was submitted.
New York: The Plumbing Foundation of the City of New York hosted a panel on April 28 examining Legionella outbreaks. IAPMO Government Relations participated, promoting ASSE Series 12000 as a best-practice framework for Legionella mitigation.
North Carolina: Jim Scarborough and John Higdon presented on ASSE Series 5000 at the 2026 North Carolina Rural Water Association Conference in Winston-Salem, which drew more than 700 attendees. The team also visited Charlotte Water’s teaching lab at Central Piedmont Community College to discuss adoption of ASSE Series 5000 by the utility.
