A Democratic bill with 3 Republican cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "SEPTIC Act," seeks to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. It aims to provide an exclusion from gross income for certain wastewater management subsidies. These subsidies would be those provided by a State or local government to a resident for the purchase or installation of wastewater management measures at their residence. The bill defines these measures as installations or modifications designed to manage wastewater, such as septic tanks and cesspools. The changes would apply to amounts received after the bill is enacted.
Yes· 3 of 17
- Scored +7
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
Rural residents are the primary target group for septic and cesspool management subsidies.
- Scored +5
Would farmers be better off under this?
Farmers and rural landowners are the primary users of septic and wastewater management systems.
- Scored +5
Does this invest in rural communities?
Significantly benefits rural homeowners who rely on septic systems rather than municipal sewers.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?
Tax exclusions slightly reduce federal tax revenue.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Tax Relief for Residents: The bill provides an exclusion from gross income for subsidies provided by State or local governments for wastewater management. This means residents receiving money to help with the purchase or installation of systems like septic tanks or cesspools would not have to include that money in their taxable income (Section 2(a)).
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Support for Home Infrastructure: By including "wastewater management measures" in the tax code, the bill provides a mechanism for residents to receive financial help for property improvements related to dwelling units (Section 2(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Rural residents are the primary target group for septic and cesspool management subsidies. Would farmers be better off under this? — Farmers and rural landowners are the primary users of septic and wastewater management systems. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Directly helps those who rely on government subsidies for critical home infrastructure. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Reduces the tax burden for middle-class homeowners receiving these subsidies. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Homeowners in this age bracket are more likely to manage and invest in residential infrastructure. Would retired people be better off under this? — Beneficial for retirees managing home infrastructure on fixed budgets. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Seniors on fixed incomes benefit from tax-free subsidies for home maintenance. Would business owners be better off under this? — Increases demand for wastewater installation services. Would high-income households be better off under this? — Provides a benefit, though less impactful than for lower-income groups.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — Significantly benefits rural homeowners who rely on septic systems rather than municipal sewers. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — Encourages proper wastewater management, which prevents groundwater contamination.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this cut taxes for middle-income families? — Provides a tax exclusion for homeowners receiving wastewater subsidies, potentially reducing their taxable income. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Encourages investment in residential infrastructure. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — May increase demand for small septic and wastewater service providers. Is this likely to create jobs? — May indirectly encourage more wastewater installations, supporting local contracting jobs. Does this reduce what the federal government owes? — Tax exclusions slightly reduce federal tax revenue.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make housing cost less? — Reduces the financial burden on homeowners maintaining essential infrastructure. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Helps low-income homeowners keep government subsidies without paying taxes on them.
- 4/14/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Gus BilirakisRepublican · Florida
Aaron BeanRepublican · Florida
W. SteubeRepublican · Florida