Bill > SB0108

This bill establishes a Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Grant Program aimed at providing swimming lessons to low-income children under five years old. The program creates a restricted account within the General Fund that will be financed through legislative appropriations, private donations, grants, and interest earnings. Qualified entities such as local health departments, nonprofits, local governments, tribal governments, school districts, and private organizations can apply for competitive grants to provide swimming instruction to eligible children, defined as those from households with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. The Department of Health and Human Services will manage the program, establish grant criteria, evaluate applications based on community need and cost-effectiveness, and collect data on program outcomes. Recipients must use grant funds solely for paying swimming lesson fees, and the department is required to submit an annual report to the Health and Human Services Interim Committee detailing grant awards, children served, geographic distribution, and program effectiveness. For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, the bill appropriates $250,000 to the program from the General Fund. The bill will take effect on May 7, 2025, with the goal of reducing child drowning risks through structured swimming and water safety education.

Budget and Finance

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/SB0108.html