Oregon's Senate Bill 830 aims to enhance financial assistance for homeowners facing challenges with failing on-site septic systems. During a recent meeting of the House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment, Ryan Huff, a senior policy analyst from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), presented the bill, which seeks to modify an existing loan program to include grants and other forms of financial aid.

The proposed legislation is designed to support rural Oregonians who may be at risk of abandoning their homes due to health and safety concerns linked to malfunctioning septic systems. By allowing grants alongside loans, the bill targets vulnerable populations, including low-income and elderly homeowners, who may struggle to repay loans. Grants would eliminate the need for underwriting and ongoing payments, making it easier for these residents to access necessary repairs.

Senate Bill 830 builds on the success of a previous loan program initiated in 2016, which has already provided approximately $3.7 million in state funds to assist 224 homeowners across 26 counties. The bill also incorporates lessons learned from a recent financial assistance program funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which has focused on communities recovering from the 2020 wildfires.

Importantly, the bill clarifies that financial assistance can extend to multi-unit housing, such as manufactured home parks and RV parks, broadening the scope of eligible applicants. This change aims to ensure that larger septic systems required for multifamily housing projects can also receive funding.

While Senate Bill 830 does not allocate new funds, it sets the stage for expanded financial assistance options once additional funding is identified. Currently, existing funds are expected to be fully utilized by early 2026, highlighting the urgency for future financial support to continue aiding homeowners in need.

As the committee deliberates on this bill, its potential impact on housing security and environmental health remains a focal point, emphasizing the importance of addressing failing septic systems for the well-being of Oregon's rural communities.