This bill mandates the registration, inspection, testing, cleaning, and disinfection of cooling towers to mitigate the risk of Legionnaires Disease, a serious respiratory illness caused by Legionella bacteria. Building owners must register newly installed cooling towers with the Department of Health (DOH) before they begin operation, and existing cooling towers must be registered within 30 days of the bill's effective date. The registration process requires detailed information about the cooling tower and its owner. Additionally, owners are responsible for developing a maintenance program that adheres to manufacturer instructions and industry standards, ensuring that cooling towers are regularly inspected and cleaned, particularly after being shut down for extended periods.

The bill outlines specific timelines for cleaning and disinfecting cooling towers based on microbial test results, with strict penalties for non-compliance. Owners who fail to meet registration, inspection, or maintenance requirements may face civil penalties ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the severity of the violation. The DOH is authorized to establish fees for registration and certification, and the Commissioner of Health is required to submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing compliance and public health outcomes related to cooling towers and Legionnaires Disease.