For the second year in a row, a pool and spa safety bill has been introduced in the California legislature.
Like last year’s bill, which was vetoed, Senate Bill 442 proposes an increase in the number of drowning-prevention measures on residential pools and spas from one to two. When a permit is needed, whether it be for new construction of a renovation, the pool owner would have to choose from seven choices: removable mesh fencing with self-closing gate; approved safety pool cover; exit alarms on all doors leading from the home to the pool or spa area; a self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism at least 54 inches high on house doors leading to the pool or spa area; an individual alarm; and other measures proven to be as effective as the others.
“Given the lack of egregious provisions and the harmful appearance of opposing child-safety legislation that is inclined to pass the legislature, CPSA submitted a letter in support,” said the California Pool & Spa Association in an alert. It passed its first committee by a unanimous vote.
For the past few years, rumblings have persisted about the possibility of a tax on services. This marks the third session when legislation has proposed just that.
Senate Bill 640 states a legislative intent to establish a retail sales tax on services. Among other reasons, the bill says tax revenues have become less stable as the state has evolved from an economy based on agriculture and manufacturing to a largely service-based economy.
These bills must pass their house of origin by June 2 to remain viable.
On the commercial side, Assembly Bill 735 would require public pools to provide an automated external defibrillator during operation hours.
