Substitute House Bill No. 5169, as amended by House Amendment Schedule "A," sets forth new requirements for the installation of barriers around in-ground swimming pools. Effective from July 1, 2024, building permits for the construction or substantial alteration of in-ground swimming pools will only be issued if a barrier compliant with the State Building Code as of October 1, 2022, is installed or planned for installation. The bill defines in-ground swimming pools as structures intended for swimming or recreational bathing that are constructed below grade and contain water more than twenty-four inches deep. It also specifies that powered safety covers cannot be used as a substitute for the required barrier. Existing pool owners with compliant barriers must maintain them, and those without must install compliant barriers by July 1, 2025. The bill prohibits variances or exemptions that would compromise safety and requires the Department of Administrative Services to inform local building officials of these requirements and post a notice on their website. Fiscal notes indicate potential minimal revenue gains and costs for the state and municipalities.

House Amendment "A" to sHB5169 removes references to the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) concerning pool barrier requirements and makes a technical change. The bill overrides certain provisions of the State Building Code, particularly the exemption that allows powered safety covers to fulfill barrier requirements. The Department of Administrative Services is tasked with notifying local building officials and posting the bill's requirements online, including any overridden State Building Code provisions. The bill, which is effective upon passage, received a Joint Favorable Substitute recommendation from the Planning and Development Committee with a unanimous vote of 20 in favor on March 1, 2024.