HB2019 requires the Arizona Department of Education, before the 2025-2026 school year, to compile and post on its website information explaining the life-saving role of water safety education and swimming lessons. The department must also provide a list of local providers of water safety courses or swimming lessons that lead to certification, including options that are free or offered at reduced cost.
Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, each school district and charter school must give parents who are newly enrolling a child the webpage address for the department’s water safety information. The bill defines a “water safety course” as age-appropriate instruction intended to promote safety in, on, and around bodies of water and reduce the risk of injury or drowning.
Impact
The bill adds a new section, A.R.S. § 15-249.19, to Title 15 governing public schools. It does not mandate that schools provide water safety instruction directly, but it creates a statewide information and referral requirement for the Department of Education and for school districts and charter schools to share that resource with parents. The practical effect is to connect families with water safety education and swimming lesson providers, including low-cost and free options, and to promote drowning prevention awareness.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support and little visible opposition. It passed House and Senate committee and floor votes overwhelmingly, including unanimous committee approvals and a 52-7 House third reading vote and a 28-1 Senate third reading vote. The vote pattern suggests the measure was viewed as a low-conflict public safety and parent-information bill.
Contention
There is little evidence of substantive controversy in the available record, and no committee transcripts are provided. Any potential point of discussion would likely center on whether the state should merely provide information and referrals, rather than require schools to offer instruction or fund lessons directly. The bill’s narrow scope and emphasis on parental notification and resource sharing likely reduced opposition.