Bill > HF3066

This bill establishes an adaptive swimming lessons and water safety education program specifically designed for children with developmental delays and their parents. The program, to be administered by the Minnesota Commissioner of Health in collaboration with St. Paul and autism advocacy organizations, will provide vouchers to eligible children (ages 3-21 with developmental delays and meeting specific income criteria) for 12 weeks of specialized swimming instruction. Swim instructors must be certified, trained in water safety, and specifically qualified to teach neurodivergent children. The program will offer at least two sessions every six months, serving a minimum of 100 children annually, and will provide participants with swim kits containing necessary safety and swimming equipment. Parents will receive culturally appropriate water safety education, including remote learning options, with support from autism advocacy organizations to help them stay engaged. The bill appropriates $500,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund various aspects of the program, including swimming lessons, instructor training, facility rentals, community outreach, and program administration. The goal is to improve water safety skills and awareness for children with developmental delays and their families.

Health and Social Services

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF3066&ssn=0&y=2025