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Read. Follow. Verify.Indiana Senate Bill 123 Requires Annual Water Safety Instruction Video in Public and Charter Schools
Last action · January 22, 2026: Senator Charbonneau added as second authorSponsors: Mark Spencer and 1 other
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What This Bill Proposed
Public schools and charter schools in Indiana are required to show an annual water safety educational video to all students in kindergarten through grade 12, starting July 1, 2026. The Indiana of Education must approve videos tailored for three separate grade groupings, covering topics such as the float method, water conditions, and pool barriers.
The measure establishes a mandatory statewide instructional requirement for all public and charter school students regarding drowning prevention and water safety practices, utilizing approved external or internal video resources.
Who It Would Have Affected
Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
public school students
Students in kindergarten through grade 12 must watch an annual informational video on water safety.
charter school students
Students in charter schools must watch an annual informational video on water safety.
public schools
Public schools are required to present an approved water safety video each school year.
charter schools
Charter schools are required to present an approved water safety video each school year.
Key Facts
- Each public school and charter school must present an annual water safety informational video to kindergarten through grade 12 students.
- The Indiana Department of Education must approve informational videos for three grade groups: K-6, grades 7-8, and grades 9-12.
- Approved videos may be developed by nonprofit organizations or individuals committed to water safety and swimming instruction.
- Instructional video topics must include the flip, float, and follow method, water condition awareness, and safe water behaviors.
Show all 5 facts
- Instructional videos must also cover the importance of pool barriers, fencing, and formal swim lessons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which schools must show the water safety video?
What grade levels are covered by the requirement?
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
This bill did not become law - Died at adjournment · in Senate committee.
Procedural history
3 actions- Jan 22, 2026SenateSenator Charbonneau added as second author
- Dec 9, 2025SenateIntroducedFirst reading: referred to Committee on Education and Career Development
- Dec 9, 2025SenateAuthored by Senator Spencer
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
iga.in.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance20Lowered because this bill did not pass (its text scored 45)
- Controversy10Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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