HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  SB 5484

                  As Passed House‑Amended:

                        April 9, 1997

Title:  An act relating to water recreation facilities.

Brief Description:  Revising regulation of swimming pools.

Sponsors:  Senators Hale and Loveland.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care:  4/1/97, 4/4/97 [DPA].

Floor Activity:

Passed House-Amended:  4/9/97, 72‑26.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.  Signed by 7 members:  Representatives Dyer, Chairman; Backlund, Vice Chairman; Skinner, Vice Chairman; Anderson; Parlette; Sherstad and Zellinsky.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  Signed by 4 members:  Representatives Cody, Ranking Minority Member; Murray, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Conway and Wood.

Staff:  Antonio Sanchez (786-7383).

Background:  The state Board of Health is authorized to adopt rules governing safety, sanitation, and water quality for water recreation facilities.  However, a facility intended for the exclusive use of residents of a condominium complex or any group or association of less than 15 homeowners is not to be subject to preconstruction design review, routine inspection, or permit or fee requirements.

Summary of Bill:  The exemption from preconstruction design review, routine inspection, and permit or fee requirements under the Board of Health's water recreation facility rules is extended to any facility intended for the exclusive use of any condominium complex or group or association of less than 75 homeowners, and pool facilities in metropolitan park districts.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This measure will reduce costs and paperwork.

Testimony Against:  This bill would seriously weaken the state=s ability to run an effective pool and spa program.

Testified:  Senator Hale, prime sponsor (pro); and Bill White, Department of Health (con).