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Committee advances bill to develop statewide swim‑lesson voucher program for underserved children
Summary
Assemblymember Davies' AB 1005 would create a framework to plan and develop a statewide swim lesson voucher program and a swim‑lesson directory, targeting underserved communities and families with low incomes; the bill passed out of committee with the roll held on call in committee proceedings.
Assemblymember Davies presented AB 1005, a bill to develop a statewide plan for a swim lesson voucher program and a centralized swim lesson directory aimed at increasing access to drowning‑prevention education for underserved families.
Davies cited child drowning statistics and disparities by race and income, and said the bill would partner schools, parks and recreation agencies, and drowning‑prevention organizations to develop a voucher plan and directory. "Drowning is a preventable issue. This partners with the schools but brings outside resources to educate the parents," she said.
Steve Barrell, representing the California Coalition for Children's Safety and Health, testified in support, outlining the high cost of drowning incidents and the public‑health rationale for preventing them. Multiple parent‑advocacy organizations and county offices of education offered support. No witnesses testified in opposition.
Committee members asked whether the bill creates a voucher program immediately or directs a planning process. The author said the bill establishes a partnership to develop a statewide plan and take advantage of current regional voucher programs; the bill includes a process for the governor to designate an implementing agency.
Ending: The committee voted to move AB 1005 as amended to appropriations; the chair recorded the motion and left the bill on call during the hearing.
