Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Reauthorization Act

This legislation, known as the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Reauthorization Act, aims to strengthen and extend the provisions of the original Act. It significantly expands the definition of a "covered entity" eligible for federal assistance to include nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt and possess proven experience in swimming pool or spa safety and drowning prevention. This change allows a broader range of organizations to participate in efforts to prevent drownings and entrapments. The bill reestablishes a comprehensive Swimming Pool Safety Grant Program , administered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), to provide financial assistance to eligible states, Indian Tribes, and nonprofit organizations. To qualify, states and tribes must have and enforce a statute meeting minimum safety requirements, while nonprofits must operate in jurisdictions with such statutes. Grant funds for states and tribes are designated for hiring and training personnel for safety enforcement and inspections, as well as for public education campaigns. Nonprofit organizations are primarily directed to use funds for educating pool owners, operators, and the public on drowning prevention. The CPSC is mandated to prioritize grant recipients based on factors such as prior grant history, proposed expansion of educational activities, existing expertise, and the prevalence of drowning incidents in a geographic area, with an emphasis on underserved and rural communities. The bill also reauthorizes the CPSC's education and awareness program , requiring the development of targeted educational materials for various stakeholders and a national media campaign to promote safety. Furthermore, it mandates the appointment of a Director of Drowning Prevention and dedicated full-time equivalents within the CPSC to coordinate safety activities. The legislation authorizes appropriations of $2,500,000 annually for both the grant program and the education and awareness program for each of the fiscal years 2026 through 2030. It also requires the CPSC to submit annual reports to Congress evaluating the effectiveness of the grant program, including details on applicants, recipients, and recommendations for improvement.