Youth water safety grant program appropriation

This bill appropriates $250,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund for a youth water safety grant program in fiscal year 2026. The funds will be distributed by the Commissioner of Education to nonprofit organizations and city/county parks and recreation programs that offer swimming lessons to youth. Grants must primarily cover scholarships for low-income and at-risk children to attend swimming lessons, with up to 15% of funds allowed for hiring or training water safety instructors. The program directly supports children in underserved communities by increasing access to lifesaving swimming education.