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SB 428

Relating to: county public works notice and competitive bidding thresholds. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cory Tomczyk

SB 428 provides financial vouchers for swimming lessons to low-income families with children aged 1-4, enhancing water safety and reducing drowning risks in Florida.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
0
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Bill Summary · SB 428

Summary of SB 428 - Swimming Lesson Voucher Program

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: SB 428
- Title: Swimming Lesson Voucher Program
- Status: Filed
- Introduced: November 07, 2025
- Classification: Bill
- Subject: Swimming lessons and solicitations

Purpose and Intent

The Swimming Lesson Voucher Program aims to enhance water safety in Florida by providing financial assistance to families for swimming lessons. The program is designed to ensure that children from low-income households have access to essential swimming education, thereby reducing the risk of drowning and promoting water safety awareness.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following amendments to Section 514.073 of the Florida Statutes:

  1. Age Requirements:

    • The age limit for children eligible to receive a voucher will be revised from 1 to 7 years to 1 to 4 years. This change narrows the age range for eligibility, focusing on younger children.

  2. Income Eligibility:

    • Families with an income of up to 200% of the federal poverty level will qualify for the program. This income threshold remains unchanged, ensuring that assistance is targeted towards low-income families.

  3. Application Process:

    • The Florida Department responsible for the program will establish a method for public applications and determine eligibility criteria, which will include:
      • The age of each child for whom a voucher is being requested.
      • The family's income level.
      • The family's residency address within Florida.

Impact

The Swimming Lesson Voucher Program is expected to:
- Benefit Families: Provide financial support to low-income families, enabling them to enroll their young children in swimming lessons at no cost.
- Enhance Water Safety: Increase the number of children who receive swimming instruction, potentially reducing drowning incidents among young children in Florida.
- Target Specific Demographics: Focus on children aged 1 to 4 years, which is a critical age for developing water safety skills.

Timeline

  • Effective Date: The provisions of this act will take effect on July 1, 2026, allowing time for the necessary administrative processes to be established.

This bill represents a proactive step towards improving water safety for Florida's youngest residents, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent access to vital swimming education.

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

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