Committee OKs grant program to help public pools with repairs and maintenance

House Bill 313, which would create a grant program for capital construction, maintenance and repair projects for public swimming pools, passed the House Local Government Committee after amendment and a roll-call vote.

Staff described the bill as an initiative introduced by Representative Tusk to fund pool capital and maintenance projects. Committee members adopted an amendment and then debated whether the program should be state-run or left to local governments. Representative Fyan asked whether the term 'local government' would include tribal governments; the sponsor said it would not but considered the framing a friendly amendment during the hearing.

Representative Seekins Crowe opposed the measure on the principle that pool decisions should be made locally, saying, “this should be at the local level not at the state level.” Supporters pushed back that pools are public services that benefit residents beyond city tax bases. Representative Elvrom described the fiscal pressures on small towns, noting that emergency repairs can be costly: “The heater was an $80,000 cost” for one small pool, an expense she contrasted with other essential municipal services.

Following debate the committee held a roll-call vote. The recorded tally was 14 yes and 3 no; the Chair announced HB 313 passed as once amended. Proponents emphasized life-safety and community-service benefits of pools; opponents stressed local control and fiscal restraint. No additional fiscal estimates or funding source breakdowns were provided on the record during the committee discussion.