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Subcommittee backs giving VDH authority to regulate public aquatic venues
Summary
House Bill 222 would authorize the Virginia Department of Health to adopt statewide regulations for public pools, spas and water parks; sponsors and drowning-prevention groups said the change would standardize safety where local oversight is inconsistent. The subcommittee reported the bill with amendments 8–0.
Sponsor introduced House Bill 222 and committee counsel reported two amendments that, among other changes, add a regulation authority for public aquatic venues and revise posting and daily-reporting language. The sponsor told members Virginia is one of a few states without VDH oversight of local swimming pools and that only a minority of localities have strong regulations.
Witnesses including representatives of drowning-prevention organizations, YMCA of Greater Richmond, and the Virginia Life Saving Association supported the bill, describing it as a public-health and safety measure that would let VDH provide consistent best-practice guidance and oversight. Committee members asked whether the bill applies only to public aquatic venues (not private residential pools); counsel and sponsor confirmed it applies only to public venues.
The subcommittee adopted amendments and reported HB 222 as amended by a vote of 8–0.
