Texas Senate Bill SB733

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the sanitation and safety requirements for certain artificial bodies of water maintained for public recreational purposes.

Impact

The implications of SB733 extend to local governmental regulations as it grants counties and municipalities the authority to inspect and permit public swimming pools and artificial swimming lagoons within their jurisdictions. By establishing a framework for local compliance, the bill aims to promote public health and safety in these recreational areas. Furthermore, it mandates that facilities maintain sanitation standards and sets forth requirements regarding the exclusion of individuals with communicable diseases, thus reinforcing the importance of public health in communal swimming environments.

Summary

SB733 is a bill that addresses the sanitation and safety requirements for certain artificial bodies of water maintained for public recreational purposes, specifically focusing on artificial swimming lagoons and public swimming pools. The bill seeks to amend existing statutory language within the Health and Safety Code to define and impose specific health regulations regarding these facilities. Notably, it includes the requirement for an artificial swimming lagoon to have a minimum surface area and a disinfection system to ensure the safety of the water and the health of its users.

Contention

While supporters of SB733 may argue that it enhances public safety and provides clear standards for artificial swimming facilities, there may be concerns regarding the enforcement and potential cost burdens placed on local governments. Issues like how municipalities will manage the inspection processes and the associated fees required for permits and inspections could lead to debates about local government capacity and resource allocation. Additionally, questions about how strictly these requirements will need to be enforced, and the impact this has on smaller, community-run facilities, remains an area of contention among stakeholders.