The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 263, aims to enhance water safety and swim instruction for children under the age of seventeen who meet specific eligibility criteria. An "eligible participant" is defined as a child who either resides in a qualified census tract, is eligible for the supplemental nutrition assistance program, or qualifies for the federal Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children. The bill mandates that by May 1, 2027, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) must establish and administer a program that provides free swimming lessons annually during the summer months for these eligible participants. DEEP is also authorized to contract with nonprofit organizations to facilitate the swimming lessons and may accept donations to support the program.

The bill introduces new legal language that outlines the establishment of this program and its funding mechanisms, while it does not delete any existing legal provisions. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026, and its primary purpose is to ensure that children from low-income backgrounds have access to swimming lessons, thereby promoting water safety in the community.