Committee gives 'do‑pass' to bill ordering schools to share water‑safety information with families

House Education Committee — The committee voted a due‑pass recommendation for House Bill 532, which would require schools and charter schools to provide parents and caregivers with water‑safety information, risk factors and directions to local swim‑lesson resources.

Sponsor Representative Sanchez introduced Casey (Kasey) McGovern, who testified for Every Child A Swimmer (ECAS) and described the bill as an information and referral measure rather than a mandate to provide in‑school swim lessons. “Drowning is 100 percent preventable, and education is the key,” McGovern said, asking the committee to support a short written or digital packet for families that explains risks and local resources.

Lawmakers who testified in support included school districts, advocacy groups and public‑safety officials. Committee members raised logistical questions about rural districts without pool access; McGovern and witnesses said the bill deliberately stops at information and resource referral and that national materials (for example, American Red Cross curricula and toolkits ECAS provides) can be used to tailor outreach in districts without facilities.

Representative Latta moved a due‑pass motion; Representative Roybal Caballero seconded. The chair called for objections; none were recorded on the transcript and the motion passed.

Ending: The bill received a due‑pass recommendation from committee and will proceed to the next stage in the legislative process.