Summary#
This bill would reauthorize and update the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. It directs the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (the Commission) to run a swimming pool safety grant program, an education and awareness program, and regular reporting about those programs. The bill expands the definition of covered entities to include States, Indian Tribes, and certain nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3) groups with proven pool or spa safety experience). It sets rules for who can get grants, what grant money can be used for, and what recipients must report. The bill also creates a Director of Drowning Prevention at the Commission and requires more than one full-time equivalent staff dedicated to these activities.
What it means for you#
- States and Indian Tribes that want grant money must have a swimming pool law that meets the minimum requirements in the Act and that applies to pools built on or after the law's effective date (except as provided in section 1406(a)(1)(A)(i)).
- Qualified nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3) with relevant experience) can apply for grants to provide education about drowning and entrapment prevention.
- Grant funds to States and Tribes must use at least 25% for hiring and training staff to implement and enforce standards and to inspect, repair, or replace drain covers; the rest can be used for public education and related administrative costs.
- Nonprofits must use grant funds for public education about preventing drownings and for related administrative costs.
- Grant recipients must report to the Commission within 90 days after the project period about how they used the funds and any barriers or best practices.
- The Commission must run an outreach campaign so covered entities know about the grants and must produce educational materials and a national media campaign.
Expenses#
- The bill authorizes $2,500,000 per fiscal year for 2026 through 2030 to carry out the swimming pool safety grant program.
- The bill also authorizes $2,500,000 per fiscal year for 2026 through 2030 for the Commission's education and awareness program.
- No publicly available information on total expected spending beyond these authorized amounts or on offsets.
Proponents' View#
No publicly available information.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.