Bill > HB1127

This bill requires each county board of education in Maryland to develop and implement age-appropriate water safety instructional content for public school students by July 1, 2026. The instructional content must be integrated into health or physical education curriculum and should be offered at least once during elementary, middle, and high school. The bill emphasizes that the content should include opportunities for students with disabilities, where practicable. Notably, the bill specifically clarifies that county boards are not required to provide in-water training at swimming pools. An earlier draft of the bill also included a requirement for county boards to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure students' access to swimming pools and related facilities, but this provision has been deleted in the current version of the bill. The new water safety instructional content will become mandatory in the 2026-2027 school year, with the aim of improving students' understanding of water safety without mandating actual swimming lessons.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1127?ys=2025RS