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Committee forwards DEEP swim-instruction bill after debate over funding and capacity
Summary
The Children's Committee voted to send SB 1218, a bill to fund swim instruction for youth in qualified census tracts or receiving SNAP/WIC, to the floor. Lawmakers debated whether the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has capacity and where the money would come from.
The Children’s Committee on Feb. 18, 2025 voted to send SB 1218, an act concerning water safety and swim instruction, to the floor with a joint favorable recommendation.
Why it matters: The bill would require the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to establish a program providing free swimming lessons to youth under 17 who live in qualified census tracts or are eligible for SNAP or WIC; DEEP may contract with nonprofits for delivery. Sponsors said the program previously had larger one-time federal funding and that current language contemplates a smaller allocation and private grants.
Commi…
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