Texas House Bill HB4123

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the regulation of sport lagoons and granting rulemaking authority.

Impact

The primary impact of HB 4123 is the establishment of a legal framework governing sport lagoons, which were not previously addressed in existing statutes. By mandating a permit process, including application forms and required engineering reports, the bill seeks to enhance public safety and environmental standards for large water bodies used for recreation. The legislation stipulates that the disinfection systems for these lagoons must meet or exceed the best practices established by recognized health organizations, thereby raising expectations for water quality and safety in recreation.

Summary

House Bill 4123 introduces regulations concerning the establishment and operation of sport lagoons in Texas. A 'sport lagoon' is defined as an artificial, permanently installed structure that holds at least 4.5 million gallons of non-potable water intended for aquatic activities. Unlike conventional public swimming pools, these lagoons will be subject to specific regulations set forth by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which is granted authority to issue permits for their construction and operation. The bill aims to ensure a standardized approach to managing these facilities across the state, particularly in regard to safety and environmental practices.

Conclusion

Overall, House Bill 4123 represents a significant step toward establishing comprehensive regulations for sport lagoons in Texas. It aims to create a standardized permitting process to ensure safety and environmental protection, while also eliciting discussions about the balance between necessary regulation and the ease of operation for business owners in the recreational water sector.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding this bill is the extent of regulatory oversight it introduces. Supporters argue that these measures are necessary to protect public health and maintain high standards in the burgeoning recreational water industry. Conversely, some stakeholders may feel that the regulatory burden could hinder the development of new lagoons and contribute to rising operational costs. Furthermore, the requirement for detailed applications and ongoing compliance may place a significant administrative burden on smaller operations and local governments, which could generate resistance among certain constituents.