By: Romero, Jr. H.B. No. 2424
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to training and certification requirements for public
  swimming pool and spa inspectors.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 341, Health and Safety Code, is amended
  by amending Subsection 341.0645 to read as follows:
         Sec. 341.0645.  POOL SAFETY. (a) An owner, manager,
  operator, or other attendant in charge of a public swimming pool,
  wading pool, baby pool, hot tub, in-ground spa, water park, spray
  fountain, or other artificial body of water typically used for
  recreational swimming, bathing, or play shall comply with relevant
  pool safety standards adopted under this section.
         (b)  The executive commissioner shall adopt by rule pool
  safety standards necessary to prevent drowning. The standards
  must:
               (1)  be at least as stringent as those imposed under the
  federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (15 U.S.C.
  Section 8001 et seq.); and
               (2)  comply with and adopt by reference a version of the
  International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, as defined by Section
  214.103, Local Government Code, that is not older than the version
  in effect on May 1, 2019, regarding all construction, alteration,
  renovation, enlargement, and repair of commercial swimming pools
  and spas.
         (c)  Notwithstanding Subsection (b), the department is not
  required to adopt Chapter 1 of the International Swimming Pool and
  Spa Code.
         (d)  Subsection (b) does not affect requirements for pool
  yard enclosure imposed under Chapter 757.
         (e)  The executive commissioner by rule shall authorize a
  minor addition, alteration, renovation, or repair to an existing
  pool or spa and related mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
  systems in the same manner and arrangement as the executive
  commissioner authorized the construction of the pool or spa and
  related mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
         (f)  A person may use, maintain, and repair a pool or spa that
  was in compliance with the laws of this state on August 31, 2021,
  and related mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in
  accordance with the laws applicable to the pool or system on that
  date.
         (g)  Notwithstanding Subsection (b)(2), this section does
  not affect the authority of the executive commissioner to adopt
  rules regarding pool operation and management, water quality,
  safety standards unrelated to design and construction, signage, and
  enclosures.
         (h)  The executive commissioner by rule shall require pool
  and spa inspectors to obtain training and certification in the
  operation of pools and spas that is at least equivalent to the
  training and certification requirements of pool and spa operators.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.