Bilirakis, Suozzi, Bean and Steube Introduce Bipartisan SEPTIC Act to Protect Homeowners and Improve Water Quality Nationwide

Washington, D.C. - Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Aaron Bean (R-FL), and Greg Steube (R-FL) proudly introduced the Septic Exclusion for Property owners through Tax-free Infrastructure Compensation (SEPTIC) Act which will ensure that grants provided to homeowners for septic system upgrades are not taxed as income. The bill would codify existing IRS guidance for Suffolk County and expand it nationwide, providing clarity and financial relief to families seeking to upgrade outdated and failing septic systems.

"Outdated septic systems in Hernando, Citrus, and Pasco Counties threaten the health of our waterways and communities," said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. "I am proud to co-lead the SEPTIC Act to authorize septic replacement grants that will help modernize aging systems, reduce pollution, and protect Florida's natural resources for future generations. This commonsense legislation supports homeowners, strengthens infrastructure, and helps preserve the waterways that are vital to our economy and way of life."

"Families shouldn't be taxed for doing the right thing," said Congressman Tom Suozzi. "Today, on Tax Day, Americans across the country are reminded of how much they already pay in taxes. Upgrading a septic system protects our drinking water, safeguards public health, and preserves our environment. The federal government should be encouraging that, not making it more expensive. This commonsense, bipartisan bill reduces the tax burden on homeowners who are trying to do the responsible thing for their families and their communities."

"Florida's 2.6 million septic system households shouldn't be taxed for improving their wastewater systems and protecting our clean water. The SEPTIC Act ensures septic replacement grants aren't treated as taxable income, helping families upgrade failing systems, protect public health, and safeguard local waterways without unnecessary financial burden. I am pleased to join Congressman Suozzi in this effort," said Congressman Aaron Bean.

"Families shouldn't be taxed for making critical upgrades that protect their health, water quality and their communities," said Congressman Greg Steube. "Florida represents 12% of the United States' septic systems. Failing septic systems pose serious risk to our water supply and public health. In Florida alone, approximately 2.6 million households rely on septic systems, making this an issue that impacts millions of families across our state. The SEPTIC Act ensures homeowners can access assistance to fix these systems without being hit with an unexpected tax bill."

Across the country, millions of Americans rely on septic systems to manage wastewater. Aging and failing systems can contaminate groundwater, harm local ecosystems, and pose serious public health risks. While many states and localities offer grants and financial assistance to help residents cover the costs of upgrading to more efficient septic systems that mitigate pollution and keep our water safe, uncertainty in the tax code has created confusion and, in some cases, an unintended tax burden. The SEPTIC Act would fix this problem by ensuring that homeowners are not penalized for participating in programs designed to protect public health and the environment. This bill has the support of Food and Water Watch.