Relating to the authority of the Texas Department of Insurance to publish and maintain a list of certain ready-to-swim programs.

HB 3496 requires the Texas Department of Insurance to publish and maintain a public list of "ready-to-swim programs" on its website. This applies to programs that charge for swim instruction (operated by businesses, nonprofits, or municipalities) and must submit biennial written verification to be included. To qualify, programs must maintain specific instructor-to-student ratios: at least 1 instructor per 4 students for children under 6 or beginners without adult supervision in the water, or 1 per 10 students if an adult is present. The bill defines "ready-to-swim programs" as those providing swim instruction to students and establishes basic water safety skills as the standard for program effectiveness.