Researcher: ST Page 1 3/3/25
OLR Bill Analysis
SB 1218
AN ACT CONCERNING WATER SAFETY AND SWIM INSTRUCTION.
SUMMARY
This bill requires the Department of Energy and Environmental
Protection (DEEP), within available appropriations, to establish and
administer an annual program to provide free swimming lessons
throughout the summer to children under age 17 who meet certain
criteria. To qualify, participants must live in a qualified census tract (see
BACKGROUND) or be eligible for either the supplemental nutrition
assistance program administered by the Department of Social Services,
or the federal Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants
and Children administered by the Department of Public Health.
The bill also allows DEEP to (1) contract with non-profit
organizations that provide swimming lessons and water safety skills
instruction to provide swimming lessons through the program and (2)
accept public and private gifts, grants, and donations to create and
administer the program.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2025
BACKGROUND
Qualified Census Tract
A “qualified census tract” is any census tract, during a given year,
where either (1) 50% or more of the households had an income less than
60% of the area median gross income or (2) the poverty rate is at least
25%. Qualified census tracts are designated by the U.S. Secretary of
Housing and Urban Development (26 U.S.C. § 42(d)(5)(B)(ii); see CGS §
4-66c).
2025SB-01218-R000030-BA.DOCX
Researcher: ST Page 2 3/3/25
COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee on Children
Joint Favorable
Yea 12 Nay 5 (02/18/2025)