Bill > H0079

This bill requires that any public lodging establishment licensed as a vacation rental, which is a property rented out for short-term stays, must install specific safety features if there is a water body (defined as water regularly at least 24 inches deep) or swimming pool within 150 feet of the rental unit. These features include either an exit alarm on doors and windows that directly lead outside or to an indoor pool, which must be at least 85 decibels loud when measured 10 feet away, or a self-closing and self-latching device on doors that directly lead outside or to an indoor pool, with the release mechanism placed at least 54 inches from the floor. Failure to comply makes the licensee liable for a guest's actual damages, unless the guest or someone with their consent tampered with the safety feature. This new requirement will take effect on July 1, 2026.