The regulation of pools located at short-term rentals and the partial suspension of rules promulgated by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. (FE)
The bill will directly affect statutes governing public health and safety by exempting pools at short-term rentals from state oversight. Previously, pools serving tourist rooming houses were classified as public pools, subject to DATCP regulations under existing law. By removing this classification, the legislation intends to simplify the operational requirements for property owners in the short-term rental market. However, this deregulation may raise concerns regarding the safety and sanitation of pools that are not under the scrutiny of state health standards.
Senate Bill 3, introduced to amend certain statutes regarding the regulation of pools at short-term rentals, proposes significant changes in how pools associated with properties rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days are managed. The bill specifically prohibits the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) from imposing regulations on pools located at these short-term rental properties. This shift aims to ease the regulatory burden on property owners offering short-term accommodations, thus encouraging tourism and rental opportunities within Wisconsin.
Notable points of contention surrounding SB3 include concerns from public health advocates and local government officials who argue that the lack of regulation could lead to unsafe swimming conditions, particularly in properties that may not adhere to the same standards expected of public pools. Opponents of the bill believe that the state should maintain oversight to ensure public safety and compliance with health regulations. Proponents, however, view the legislative change as a necessary measure to foster economic development and support property owners in a competitive rental market.