Public Schools - Water Safety and Swimming Course - Established

HB 73 requires Maryland public schools to implement a water safety and swimming course for students in kindergarten through grade 8. Starting in the 2027-2028 school year, county school boards must offer this course based on curriculum standards developed by the State Board of Education by July 2027. The bill mandates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities to fully participate and allows counties to partner with local parks departments for facility access. It also permits counties to award elective physical education credit for course completion. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, with implementation deadlines set for 2027.