House Bill 1281 - William Lee Montjoy Pool Safety Act

• Creates pool safety requirements for multiunit rental complexes, property owners associations, and private clubs, requiring complete enclosure of pool yards with fences or walls at least 48 inches high with specific opening restrictions.

• Prohibits doors, sliding glass doors, or French doors from opening directly into pool yards for buildings with initial electrical service on or after July 1, 2012; existing buildings must have self-closing devices, keyed dead bolts, or keyless bolting devices installed.

• Requires pool yard gates to have self-closing and self-latching devices with locks operable by padlock or key/card/combination, with latches positioned at least 60 inches above ground or lower under specific conditions.

• Mandates owners and property owners associations inspect pool enclosures, gates, and safety devices at least every 31 days and maintain them in working order; prohibits waiving these maintenance duties.

• Allows tenants, property members, governmental entities, or other persons to sue for non-compliance and seek court orders, actual damages, attorney's fees for intentional/malicious/grossly negligent violations, or civil penalties up to $5,000.