Sen. Hanig files bill in North Carolina Senate clarifying public pool regulations

A new bill filed by State Sen. Hanig seeks to clarify the scope of public swimming pool regulations and establish exemptions for specific types of public cold baths, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 144 on Feb. 24 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Requirements for Operating Public Cold Baths.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill clarifies the scope of public swimming pool regulations in North Carolina by exempting public cold baths that meet specific criteria from these laws. A public cold bath, to qualify for exemption, must be a tub or tank used by one bather at a time, contain water chilled below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, be no more than 180 gallons in volume with a depth permitting the bather’s head to remain above water while seated, and continuously filter and sanitize the water. Additionally, public swimming pools are defined as any structure with artificial water for public use, including municipal, hotel, and athletic club facilities, and the bill updates requirements for private pool use through sharing economy platforms. This act takes effect July 1, 2025.

Hanig proposed another 23 bills during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Hanig, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2025 to represent the state’s 1st Senate district, replacing previous state senator Norman Sanderson.