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HR 509

A Resolution recognizing the month of May 2026 as "National Water Safety Month" in Pennsylvania.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marc Anderson and 11 co-sponsors

Designates May 2026 in Pennsylvania as National Water Safety Month to promote awareness and education on water safety without creating new laws or funding.

Laid on the table (Pursuant to House Rule 71)
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Bill Summary · HR 509

Summary: HR 509 (Session 2025-2026) – Recognizing May 2026 as “National Water Safety Month” in Pennsylvania

Purpose and Intent

  • HR 509 is a resolution recognizing May 2026 as “National Water Safety Month” in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  • The bill expresses the General Assembly’s support for awareness efforts around water safety, with the aim of reducing drownings and promoting safe practices around water activities.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Official designation: The resolution designates May 2026 in Pennsylvania as National Water Safety Month.
  • Purpose statement: It emphasizes the importance of water safety education, awareness campaigns, and outreach to the public to prevent water-related injuries and fatalities.
  • Non-binding nature: As a concurrent resolution, it conveys a formal expression of the Legislature’s position and does not create new laws, funding, or regulatory requirements.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Public awareness and education: Broadly targets Pennsylvanians, organizations, schools, swimming facilities, and community groups to participate in water safety activities during May 2026.
  • State agencies and local governments: Encouraged to support or coordinate water safety initiatives, but there is no mandate or appropriation attached.
  • Stakeholders: Lifeguards, pool operators, boating communities, parents, schools, parks departments, and non-profit organizations focused on water safety.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced as a House Resolution (HR) for the 2025-2026 session.
  • Effective date: Typically, a resolution of this nature takes effect upon enactment or passage by the House and Senate and signature by the Governor, but conventions for concurrent resolutions vary; generally, it becomes effective for May 2026.
  • Enactment mechanics: As a symbolic resolution, it does not require a gubernatorial signature to have effect as a statement of purpose, but passage by both chambers typically accompanies recognition and may be proclaimed in joint or separate ceremonies.

Sponsorship

  • Primary context: Bipartisan list of co-sponsors representing multiple districts.
  • Co-sponsors include: Bob Freeman, Dave Zimmerman, Pat Gallagher, Valerie Gaydos, Nikki Rivera, Marc Anderson, Lee James, Bob Merski, Natalie Mihalek, Nate Davidson, David Rowe, and Tim Brennan.

Potential Impact

  • Public awareness: Elevates attention to water safety practices across Pennsylvania, potentially encouraging participation in swim lessons, life jacket usage, supervision, and safety regulations at pools and aquatic facilities.
  • Behavioral influence: May motivate schools and community groups to host water safety events or educational programs during May 2026.
  • Limited scope: As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws, funding, or regulatory mandates; impact relies on voluntary participation and public education.

If you’d like, I can add a brief note comparing this resolution to typical resolutions of similar scope in other states or provide a suggested one-page briefing for constituents.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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