VirginiaHB2222026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Public pools; regulations.

Sponsored By: Patrick A. Hope (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Public pools; regulations. Directs the Board of Health to adopt regulations governing swimming pools and other water recreational facilities operated for public use, including swimming pools and other water recreational facilities operated in conjunction with a tourist facility or health spa.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Private home pools are exempt

Private residential pools are not covered by these Board rules. Home pool owners do not have to post daily water tests or follow the new operating rules. The state building code still controls pool design, construction, and equipment.

Public pools must post water tests

The law requires public pools and water parks to post daily water test results where people can see them. Posts must show the current pH, disinfectant type and level, water temperature, and the safe ranges. The Board of Health also sets rules for water treatment, safety gear, upkeep, staffing, and incident response. This covers pools run for public use, including those at tourist sites and health spas.

Localities can set stricter pool rules

Any Virginia city or county can set pool rules that match or exceed state rules. This can raise safety for swimmers. Pool operators in those places must meet stricter local rules and may face higher costs.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Patrick A. Hope

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 183 • No: 37

Senate vote 3/2/2026

Passed Senate

Yes: 21 • No: 19

Senate vote 2/27/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 37 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/27/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/26/2026

Reported from Education and Health

Yes: 9 • No: 6

House vote 1/28/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 87 • No: 10

House vote 1/22/2026

Reported from Health and Human Services with amendment(s)

Yes: 20 • No: 2

House vote 1/20/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s)

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0053)

    4/2/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 53 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/2/2026Governor
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/10/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026

    3/10/2026House
  5. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB222)

    3/6/2026House
  6. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB222ER)

    3/6/2026House
  7. Enrolled

    3/6/2026House
  8. Signed by President

    3/6/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    3/6/2026House
  10. Passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A)

    3/2/2026Senate
  11. Read third time

    3/2/2026Senate
  12. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/27/2026Senate
  13. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (37-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/27/2026Senate
  14. Rules suspended

    2/27/2026Senate
  15. Reported from Education and Health (9-Y 6-N)

    2/26/2026Senate
  16. Assigned Education sub: Health

    2/24/2026Senate
  17. Referred to Committee on Education and Health

    1/29/2026Senate
  18. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    1/29/2026Senate
  19. Read third time and passed House (87-Y 10-N 0-A)

    1/28/2026House
  20. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB222)

    1/28/2026House
  21. Engrossed by House as amended

    1/27/2026House
  22. committee amendments agreed to

    1/27/2026House
  23. Read second time

    1/27/2026House
  24. Read first time

    1/26/2026House
  25. Reported from Health and Human Services with amendment(s) (20-Y 2-N)

    1/22/2026House

Bill Text

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