Iowa Senate Bill SSB1134

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/6/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to swimming pool inspections and housing cooperatives.(See SF 399.)

Impact

If enacted, SSB1134 would fundamentally alter the state laws governing the inspection of swimming pools in smaller residential cooperatives. By allowing these cooperatives to establish their own bylaws and assume liability, as long as they provide for inspections by entities other than state health departments, the bill opens the door for a broader range of self-regulation among small communities. These changes may alleviate financial pressures on smaller housing cooperatives, making it easier for them to manage their facilities without significant state oversight.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 1134 proposes modifications to regulations concerning swimming pool inspections specifically for housing cooperatives. The bill seeks to exempt housing cooperatives that represent 72 or fewer dwelling units from the requirements set out in Code chapter 135I related to swimming pool and spa operations. This legislation aims to relieve smaller housing cooperatives from the operational burdens of compliance with state safety regulations typically enforced by local health departments.

Contention

However, the bill has raised questions among advocates for public health and safety concerning the potential risks associated with reducing oversight for swimming pool safety in smaller housing cooperatives. Critics argue that the proposed exemptions could lead to inadequate pool safety regulations, increasing the potential for public health issues related to unsupervised pool operations. The balance between regulatory burden and community governance remains a pivotal point of contention during discussions on this bill.