To amend the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act to reauthorize certain programs, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4751
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Commerce
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-23: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-24T09:05:39Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill (H.R. 4751) aims to extend the funding authorization for two key safety programs under the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, a federal law focused on preventing drownings and injuries in public pools and spas by addressing hazards like faulty drains.
Key Provisions
- Reauthorization of the Swimming Pool Safety Grant Program: Updates the law to provide grants for states to improve pool safety standards, covering fiscal years 2025 through 2027.
- Reauthorization of the Education and Awareness Program: Extends funding for public education efforts on pool and spa safety risks, also for fiscal years 2025 through 2027.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Previously, both programs were authorized only for fiscal year 2023.
- The bill replaces this single-year limit with a three-year authorization (2025–2027), allowing continued federal support without needing new legislation in the interim.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which oversees the original Act, can maintain ongoing grant distribution and outreach without funding gaps, potentially streamlining operations.
- On Citizens: Enhances public safety by sustaining efforts to reduce accidents in recreational water facilities, benefiting families, swimmers, and children who use pools and spas.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic public health and safety.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Pool and Spa Operators: Owners of public facilities (e.g., community centers, hotels) who receive grants to upgrade safety equipment.
- State and Local Governments: Eligible for funding to enforce safety regulations and run awareness campaigns.
- General Public and Safety Advocates: Indirectly supported through continued education on preventing entrapment injuries (e.g., from drains) and drownings.
- Federal Agencies: Primarily the CPSC, which administers the programs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: This is a minor, technical amendment that simply extends existing authorizations, avoiding new regulatory burdens or legal challenges.
- Constitutional: No significant issues, as it involves routine congressional spending authority under the Commerce Clause (regulating interstate commerce in consumer products).
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (introduced by Democrats and a Republican) suggests broad support for child safety initiatives; it promotes continuity in public health policy without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25]
Cosponsors (8)
Rep. Carter, John R. [R-TX-31], Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22], Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-23: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-07-23: Introduced in House
- 2025-07-23: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To amend the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act to reauthorize certain programs, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-07-23 — PDF (2 pages)