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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.
Committee debate focused on cost and DEEP’s capacity. Representative Dauphine said she was concerned about taxpayer burden and limited reach and said she would vote no. Representative Lanou and Senator Martin raised questions about whether DEEP should administer instruction directly and about competing priorities, such as staffing for water patrols and forest-fire prevention. Sponsors replied that the program is typically run by nonprofits (YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs) and that DEEP would administer funds and contracts rather than teach lessons directly.
Representative Perez noted the program previously received ARPA funds and that the present proposal seeks $250,000 for the program; Senator Marr said a prior allocation of $1.5 million served about 2,000 children (the sponsor explained that count represented one program year and that a two-year biennium figure would be roughly double). Senator Martin pressed on per-child costs, noting the earlier figure equated to about $750 per child if counting 2,000 served.
The motion passed on roll call. Recorded yes votes included Representative Perez, Senator Maher, Representative Wheatlander, Senator Cohen, Representative Belton, Senator Kushner and Representative Martinez; recorded no votes included Representative Dauphine, Senator Martin, Representative Lanou, Representative Mastro Francesco and Representative Pezzuto.
Ending: Sponsors said DEEP may accept grants and donations and would likely contract with community providers. Committee members directed consideration of funding sources and possible reporting back; DEEP would be responsible for program administration if appropriations or grants are provided.
Quote (direct): Representative Dauphine: “I do believe this would only help a certain group of children, and it wouldn't be privy to the entire state... I'll be a no on that today.”
