SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5484

               As Passed Senate, March 13, 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 & Long‑Term Care:  2/11/97, 2/25/97 [DP-WM].

Passed Senate, 3/13/97, 41-7.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

  Signed by Senators Deccio, Chair; Wood, Vice Chair; Benton, Strannigan and Wojahn.

Staff:  Jonathan Seib (786-7427)

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.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  The existing law places a burden on some condominium owners that is not needed in order to protect public health.

Testimony Against:  Expanding the existing exemption to the extent called for in the bill is not justified.  Regulation of these pools serves an important public health interest.

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

House Amendment(s):  A section is added to the bill which exempts metropolitan park districts from state law regulating water recreation facilities.