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Committee gives narrow approval to school water‑safety guidance bill nicknamed the "Llorona" bill
Summary
A bill that would require schools to provide parents with water‑safety guidance — described in committee as a first step in a broader drowning‑prevention effort — received a do‑pass recommendation after debate over where responsibility best sits and whether schools are the appropriate vehicle for the policy.
The Senate Education Committee on March 14 voted to give a do‑pass recommendation to a House bill that would require schools to develop or adopt guidance for student water safety; the measure was referred to in committee as the “Llorona bill.”
Representative Sanchez presented the bill and introduced Casey McGovern, executive director of Every Child a Swimmer, who testified as an expert witness and described her personal experience as the mother of a drowning victim. McGovern told the committee that drowning is a leading cause of death for young children and urged schools to use registration and other touch points to give parents guidance and resources for local swim lessons. “Drowning is the number 1 cause of death for children 1 to 4, and it's the number 2 cause of death for children 5 to 14, and it's 100% preventable,” McGovern said.
Supporters characterized the measure as a low‑cost awareness step that could be implemented by posting guidance on district websites, including information in enrollment packets or distributing existing materials from national partners. The sponsor and witnesses noted the bill contains no appropriation and that the guidance could be satisfied with free resources already available from groups such as the American Red Cross.
Several senators expressed reservations about placing the requirement in the Public Education Department. Questions included whether many schools lack pools or nearby swim‑instruction access, whether the handbook or registration packet is an effective way to reach parents of the youngest children at highest risk, and whether local public‑health channels would be a more effective delivery mechanism. One senator said county health councils, home‑visiting programs and pediatricians might be better suited to reach parents of children ages 1–4. Sponsors said the bill is intended as a first, broad “touch point” and that subsequent work could expand outreach through public‑health partners.
The committee approved the bill by roll call; the clerk announced a do‑pass on a 4‑3 vote with two excused. Supporters said they view the measure as a baseline step intended to increase parental awareness and that broader, multi‑agency action would follow in future efforts.
