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H 677

An Act relative to increased access to safe swimming

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sean Garballey and 2 co-sponsors

The bill would allow MSBA to reimburse construction or renovation of school swimming pools in mid-sized, lower-income municipalities with lower college attainment.

Hearing scheduled for 05/12/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
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Bill Summary · H 677

Summary: H 677 — An Act relative to increased access to safe swimming

Purpose and intent

This bill seeks to expand access to safe swimming by directing the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to modify its School Building Grant Program regulations so that schools in certain municipalities can be reimbursed for constructing or renovating swimming pools. The underlying goal is to support safer swimming facilities in school settings.

Key provisions

  • The MSBA, under Section 3 of Chapter 70B, must amend the School Building Grant Program Regulations (963 CMR 2.0).
  • The reimbursement would apply to the construction or renovation of a swimming pool at a school located in a municipality that meets all of the following criteria:
    • Population greater than 35,000 and less than 250,000.
    • Median household income below the Commonwealth’s average.
    • The rate of educational attainment (bachelor’s degree or higher) below the Commonwealth’s average.

In short, funding eligibility for pool projects would be targeted to mid-sized communities with lower income levels and lower rates of bachelor’s degree attainment relative to the state average.

Who or what is affected

  • Affected: Public schools located in qualifying municipalities and seeking MSBA reimbursement for swimming pool projects.
  • Implications for: School districts within these mid-sized municipalities, and potentially local taxpayers who would benefit from state-backed reimbursements for pool construction or renovation.

Procedural and timeline context

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Legislative actions:
    • Referred to the Committee on Education (February 27, 2025).
    • Senate concurrence noted (February 27, 2025).
  • Hearing: A scheduled public hearing on the bill is set for May 12, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in room A-2.
  • Related filing: House Docket No. 463 accompanies the same concept (replaces earlier related matter from prior sessions).

Additional notes

  • The bill is sponsored by Representatives Ramos and Gómez and has been introduced as a joint petition.
  • The proposal builds on prior related efforts (similar matter in earlier sessions, e.g., House No. 559 of 2023-2024) and targets a specific set of municipalities for eligibility.
  • No specific dollar amounts or cap on reimbursements are stated in the provided text; the exact fiscal impact would depend on the amended 963 CMR 2.0 regulations and subsequent appropriations.

This summary captures the bill’s intent, the targeted changes to the grant program, who would be affected, and the current procedural status and timeline for H 677.

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

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