The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1218, aims to enhance water safety and swim instruction for children under seventeen years of age. It defines "eligible participant" as individuals who either reside in a qualified census tract, are eligible for the supplemental nutrition assistance program, or qualify for the federal Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children. The bill mandates the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to establish and administer a program that provides free swimming lessons to these eligible participants during the summer months, with the option to contract nonprofit entities for the delivery of these lessons.

Additionally, the bill allows the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to accept gifts, grants, and donations from both public and private sources to support the program. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and introduces new legal language to current law without any deletions.