Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to allocate funds for a youth water safety grant program in Minnesota. The aim is to enhance water safety education and swimming skills among children, especially those who are low-income or at-risk.

Main Provisions

• The bill proposes an appropriation of $250,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund for the fiscal year 2026.
• The funds are to be managed by the commissioner of education and distributed as grants.
• Nonprofit organizations and city/county parks and recreation programs that offer swimming lessons to youth are eligible for these grants.
• There is no requirement for eligible applicants to collaborate with other entities to receive funding.
• The primary use of the grant money is to provide scholarships for swimming lessons to low-income and at-risk children.
• Up to 15% of the grant funds can be directed to hiring or training water safety instructors and lifeguards.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill introduces a specific allocation of funds from the arts and cultural heritage fund for a youth water safety program, which did not exist prior to this appropriation.

Relevant Terms

water safety, youth water safety grant, swimming lessons, low-income children, at-risk youth, scholarships, nonprofit organizations, parks and recreation, water safety instructors, lifeguards, arts and cultural heritage fund.