SB 317: Wastewater surveillance.

This bill aims to establish a statewide wastewater surveillance program to test wastewater for pathogens, toxins, or other public health indicators. The program will be maintained by the state department of public health in consultation with participating wastewater treatment facilities, local health departments, and other experts. Participation in the program is voluntary for local health departments and wastewater treatment facilities. The department will coordinate with healthcare providers, local health departments, and emergency response agencies to use wastewater surveillance data for early intervention, outbreak response, and public health planning. The department will also communicate with the public through a publicly accessible website to provide transparency and awareness of the program. The program will utilize external funding sources in addition to the department's existin…