Bill > HB1885

This bill establishes a statewide school swimming education program that requires the Pennsylvania Department of Education to develop a comprehensive water and swimming safety curriculum for students in kindergarten through 12th grade by July 1, 2026. The curriculum must be age-appropriate and publicly accessible, covering critical safety topics such as water condition awareness, safe water behaviors, proper use of flotation devices, and the risks of alcohol and substance use during water activities. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, school entities (including school districts, charter schools, and technical schools) may either adopt the state's model curriculum or develop their own, with the option to partner with local parks and recreation agencies to provide necessary swimming facilities. Schools can use public or private resources to implement the program, subject to child safety regulations. The bill allocates $20 million from the General Fund to support program implementation and provides a financial incentive of $35 per student who completes the swimming education program. The Department of Education will be responsible for creating rules and regulations to implement and enforce the program, with the act taking effect 60 days after its passage.

Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1885