Texas Senate Bill SB771

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 2/18/11
• Refer: 2/23/11

Caption

Relating to swimming pool safety alarms for certain single-family homes; providing a civil penalty.

Impact

The implementation of SB771 represents a significant change in state regulations concerning residential construction and safety protocols. It will impose new requirements on pool builders and homeowners who either construct or remodel swimming pools. The law intends to mitigate drowning incidents by ensuring that adequate safety measures are in place. Compliance failures can result in substantial civil penalties, which will further incentivize adherence to these safety requirements.

Summary

SB771, titled the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act, is legislation aimed at enhancing safety measures associated with residential swimming pools in Texas. The bill mandates the installation of specific safety alarms for new or renovated swimming pools at single-family homes. This includes exit alarms on doors leading directly to pool areas and swimming pool alarms designed to detect unauthorized entry into the water. The initiative is a response to the increased need for safety measures to prevent accidents and ensure that residential properties adhere to updated safety standards.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB771 appears favorable among safety advocates and organizations focused on preventing drowning incidents. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step to protect children and vulnerable populations from swimming pool related accidents. Nevertheless, there may be some pushback from builders and homeowners concerned about the additional costs and regulatory burdens associated with installing the mandated alarms.

Contention

Potential points of contention include the specific requirements for the types of alarms to be installed and the implications of the civil penalties for non-compliance. Some stakeholders may argue that the standards set forth in the bill could be overly strict or costly, particularly for low-income families or those in areas where pool accidents are less prevalent. Additionally, there may be discussions about local jurisdictions' ability to adopt more stringent safety measures that exceed the state requirements outlined in the bill.