Utah Senate Bill SB0108

Utah 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/25
• Refer: 1/23/25
• Report Pass: 3/5/25
• Failed: 3/7/25

Caption

Water Safety Amendments

Impact

By creating the Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Restricted Account, the bill lays the foundation for a sustainable source of funding to support water safety initiatives. The initial appropriation of $250,000 from the General Fund sets a precedent for ongoing financial commitment to water safety education. This funding will facilitate grants to various qualified entities, including local health departments and non-profit organizations, allowing them to deliver crucial swimming instruction to eligible children. The structured approach ensures accountability and outlines specific criteria for evaluating grant applications, making it a targeted effort to address the issue of water safety.

Summary

SB0108, known as the Water Safety Amendments, introduces measures aimed at enhancing water safety in Utah through the establishment of a structured drowning prevention and water safety grant program. This initiative is particularly focused on providing swimming lessons to low-income children under the age of five. The bill emphasizes the importance of water education as a means to reduce drowning incidents, which are a significant concern in many communities, especially for young children belonging to economically disadvantaged families.

Contention

While the bill enjoys bipartisan support for its potential positive impact on children's safety and public health, some concerns may arise regarding the execution of the grant program. Questions about the criteria for selecting qualified entities to manage the swimming instruction programs and ensuring equitable access for children across different communities could lead to critical discussions. Additionally, there may be debates surrounding the adequacy of the funding allocated in addressing the broader challenges of water safety, considering Utah's diverse aquatic environments.

Administration

The implementation of SB0108 will require the Department of Health and Human Services to develop actionable rules regarding grant applications and fund distribution. The department is also charged with collecting data on program outcomes and reporting these findings annually to the Health and Human Services Interim Committee. This accountability feature will help in evaluating the success of the program and in making necessary adjustments to improve water safety measures across the state.