HB 594 – Temp Open Gyms/Health Clubs/Fitness Centers

Primary Sponsor: Sen. Rick Gunn (R-Alamance)

Summary

This bill would authorize indoor or outdoor exercise and fitness facilities, gyms, health clubs, and fitness centers to resume operations while also safeguarding public health to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The bill would require all gyms to do the following:

  • Limit capacity to 50% of the authorized fire capacity.
  • Employee requirement to complete a health questionnaire and have their temperature taken. Any employee showing symptoms/fever is not allowed to enter the establishment
  • All employees wear face masks, except when actively leading a group fitness class or when outdoors socially distances. All visitors are strongly encouraged to wear masks.
  • Contactless check-in, including propping open all entry doors when possible. Markings are on the ground to denote proper social distancing.
  • Sanitation spray bottles with disinfectant or wipes available throughout the establishment
  • Hang sanitizer station available.
  • Employees conduct frequent cleanings.
  • Specific requirement for cardiovascular equipment and group fitness classes.
  • Water fountains are limited to filling water bottles only.
  • Personal hygiene amenity services closed except for toilets.

History

This bill was introduced as a proposed committee substitute, replacing a bill with this fitness center language in the Senate Commerce and Insurance Committee on June 4, 2020.

The bill passed the Senate Rules Committee on June 8, 2020.

This bill was amended on the Senate floor and passed with a vote of 36-13 on June 9, 2020.

The House voted to concur with the Senate changes to the bill on June 10, 2o2o with a vote of 69-50.

This bill was presented to the Governor on June 10, 2020.

The Governor vetoed this bill.

The House failed to override this bill with a vote of 66-55 on June 24, 2020.