Legislative Services

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    An integral responsibility of the CCIU is to assist in keeping area educators apprised of state and federal legislation and, in turn, informing the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and state legislative representatives of local support and/or opposition to issues and policies, as well as the impact that proposed legislation will have on Chester County.

    As part of this responsibility, the CCIU’s Communications and Learning Solutions Division coordinates and hosts the Chester County School Boards Legislative Council (CCSBLC) , and the director serves as a county liaison to various statewide legislative councils.

    The purpose of the Chester County School Boards Legislative Council (CCSBLC) is to keep Chester County school directors and school district administrative personnel apprised of current legislative and regulatory activity and to share in discussion regarding the potential outcomes. As a unit, we have the ability to inform the Pennsylvania Department of Education and state legislative representatives of local support and/or opposition to issues and policies, and of the impact proposed legislation will have on Chester County.

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Current Legislative Updates

Tracking List: CCIU Website - Pennsylvania Legislative Services

Tracking List: CCIU Website


HB25 - An Act amending Title 24 (Education) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, establishing the Adult Education Workforce Recovery Grant Program and the Adult Education and Workforce Recovery Grant Program Fund; and making a transfer.
Sponsor: Rep. James B. Struzzi (R)
Summary: (PN 15) Amends Title 24 (Education), establishing the Adult Education Workforce Recovery Grant Program and the Adult Education and Workforce Recovery Grant Program Fund; and making a transfer. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/07/2023
Bill History:
03/07/2023 
H - Introduced
03/07/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB27 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in preliminary provisions, further providing for Basic Education Funding Commission and for special provisions applicable to limited school years, establishing the Child Reunification Program in the Department of Education and providing for minimum number of days or hours, for public job posting database, for instructional vacancy data and for data transparency; in duties and powers of boards of school directors, further providing for additional schools and departments; in school finances, providing for school district budget timeline for 2024 and for procedure for securing approval of electors; in grounds and buildings, further providing for limitation on new applications for Department of Education approval of public school building projects; in school directors' associations and county boards of school directors, further providing for powers and duties; in intermediate units, further providing for visual services and for school safety and security enhancements; in professional employees, repealing provisions relating to religious garb, insignia, etc., prohibited and penalty; in certification of teachers, further providing for substitute teaching permit for prospective teachers, for locally issued temporary certification for substitute teachers and for permit for classroom monitors; providing for Educator Pipeline Support Grant Program; in pupils and attendance, further providing for compulsory education of physical defectives, for dependent children, for cost of tuition and maintenance of certain exceptional children in approved institutions, for payment of cost of tuition and maintenance of certain exceptional children, for transfer of funds for transferal programs and for children under six with defective hearing and parent or guardian advised of schools, etc.; in safe schools, further providing for definitions and for Office for Safe Schools, repealing provisions relating to regulations and to reporting, further providing for policy relating to bullying and for maintenance of records, repealing provisions relating to safe schools advocate in school districts of the first class, to standing, to enforcement and to construction of article and other laws; in school safety and security, further providing for definitions and for School Safety and Security Committee, providing for duties of committee, further providing for School Safety and Security Grant Program, providing for Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools and School Entities Program, for standardized protocols, for county safe schools' collaborative and for school mental health grants for 2023-2024 school year, further providing for school safety and security coordinator training and providing for reporting and memorandum of understanding, for safe schools advocate in school districts of the first class and for enforcement; in school security, further providing for definitions, for school police officers, for annual report and for school security guards; in school health services, further providing for dental examinations and dental hygiene services and providing for eating disorder awareness and education; in drug and alcohol recovery high school program, providing for enrollment of students; in terms and courses of study, providing for calculation of average daily membership for a dual credit course and further providing for Economic Education and Personal Financial Literacy Programs; in early learning programs, providing for quarterly meetings; in character education program, further providing for character education program; providing for the Dual Credit Innovation and Equity Grant Program; in high schools, further providing for attendance in other districts; in community colleges, further providing for financial program and reimbursement of payments; in educational tax credits, further providing for qualification and application by organizations, for limitations and for low-achieving schools; in school districts of the first class, further providing for qualifications of principals and teachers; in funding for public libraries, providing for State aid for fiscal year 2023-2024; in credit card marketing, further providing for regulation of on-campus credit card marketing; in reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for definitions and for payments on account of pupils enrolled in career and technical curriculums, providing for Level-Up Supplement for 2022-2023 school year, further providing for payments on account of courses for exceptional children, for payments to intermediate units, for assistance to school districts declared to be in financial recovery status or identified for financial watch status, for payments, for payments on account of pupil transportation, for Ready-to-Learn Block Grant and for payment of required contribution for public school employees' Social Security; in construction and renovation of buildings by school entities, further providing for applicability; providing for School Environmental Repairs Program; abrogating a regulation; and making an editorial change.
Sponsor: Rep. James B. Struzzi (R)
Summary: (PN 2106) Amends the Public School Code to add extensive provisions relating to children reunification program, education, tax credits and the Department of Education (PDE). Repeals provisions of 22 Pa. Code as they are inconsistent with the act. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number(s): 17, 1639, 1987, 2004) (PN 2004) Amends the Public School Code, in preliminary provisions, to further provide for special provisions applicable to limited school years; in intermediate units, to provide definitions for school safety and security enhancements; and in certification of teachers, further providing for substitute teaching permit for prospective teachers, for locally issued temporary certification for substitute teachers, repeals section 1218 of the Act, expired on June 30, 2023, and amends the act to provide for permit for classroom monitors expiring on June 30, 2026. Amends Article XIII-A heading and sections 1301-A and 1302-A of the Act, renaming Article XII-A as student supports, specifying several definitions, repealing provisions relating to regulations and to reporting, further providing for policy relating to bullying and for maintenance of records, repealing provisions relating to safe schools advocate in school districts of the first class, to standing, and to enforcement and to construction of article and other laws. Amends section 1301-B to further provide for definitions. Provides for School Safety and Security Committee, detailing for duties of committee. Further provides for School Safety and Security Grant Program and for Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools Program. Establishes standardized protocols. Provides for county safe schools' collaborative and for school mental health grants for the 2023-2024 school year. Further provides for school safety and security coordinator training. Provides for reporting and memorandum of understanding, for safe schools advocate in school districts of the first class and for enforcement. Specifies definitions in school security. Further provides for police officials. Details the annual report. Provides for security guards. Makes an editorial change. (Prior Printer Number(s): 17, 1639, 1987) (PN 1987) Amends the Public School Code, in preliminary provisions, further providing for special provisions applicable to limited school years, in certification of teachers, further providing for substitute teaching permit for prospective teachers, for locally issued temporary certification for substitute teachers and for permit for classroom monitors. Extends special provisions applicable to limited school years and substitute teaching permit for prospective teachers allowing individuals in student teacher programs may serve as a substitute teacher for more than 10 days in the person's assigned classroom. Repeals provisions relating to permit for classroom monitors, expired June 30, 2023, to carry out the act. Provides for permit classroom monitors and outlines details of monitors and duties of the Department of Education (PDE). Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number(s): 17, 1639) (PN 1639) Amends the Public School Code, in preliminary provisions, extending special provisions applicable to limited school years and substitute teaching permit for prospective teachers allowing individuals in student teacher programs may serve as a substitute teacher for more than 10 days in the person's assigned classroom. Provides schools shall report on permits for classroom monitor by March 1, 2026 and report on the effectiveness of the classroom monitor permit by April 15, 2026. Effective immediately (Prior Printer's Number: 17). (PN 17) Amends the Public School Code, extending special provisions applicable to limited school years and substitute teaching permit for prospective teachers for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years; and, in certification of teachers, extending locally issued temporary certification for substitute teachers for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/07/2023
Bill History:
03/07/2023 
H - Introduced
03/07/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
06/21/2023 
H - Reported as amended - House Education
06/21/2023 
H - First consideration
06/21/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Rules
06/29/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Rules
06/29/2023 
H - Second consideration
06/29/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
07/06/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
07/06/2023 
H - Third consideration and final passage
07/17/2023 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
09/18/2023 
S - Reported as amended - Senate Education
09/18/2023 
S - First consideration
09/19/2023 
S - Second consideration, with amendments  
09/19/2023 
S - Re-referred to - Senate Appropriations
09/20/2023 
S - Re-reported as committed - Senate Appropriations
09/20/2023 
S - Third consideration and final passage 
09/22/2023 
H - Referred to - House Rules
10/04/2023 
H - Amended in House Committee on - House Rules
10/04/2023 
H - Re-reported as amended - House Rules
10/04/2023 
H - House concurred in Senate amendments, as amended by the House
10/16/2023 
S - Referred to - Senate Rules & Executive Nominations
12/12/2023 
S - Meeting Scheduled - 12/13/2023 - Off the Floor Voting Meeting (Senate Rules & Executive Nominations), Rules Committee Conference Room
HB45 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, further providing for attendance policy at charter, regional charter and cyber charter schools.
Sponsor: Rep. Clint Owlett (R)
Summary: (PN 34) Amends the Public School Code, in pupils and attendance, further providing for attendance policy at charter, regional charter and cyber charter schools by providing a cyber charter school shall report on a weekly basis the attendance of each student for the preceding week to the school district of residence on a form developed by the Department of Education; provisions are effective beginning the 2023-2024 school year. Effective immediately. (PN 34) Amends the Public School Code, in pupils and attendance, further providing for attendance policy at charter, regional charter and cyber charter schools by providing a cyber charter school shall report on a weekly basis the attendance of each student for the preceding week to the school district of residence on a form developed by the Department of Education; provisions are effective beginning the 2023-2024 school year. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/07/2023
Bill History:
03/07/2023 
H - Introduced
03/07/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB87 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in construction and renovation of buildings by school entities, further providing for maintenance program.
Sponsor: Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D)
Summary: (PN 76) Amends Public School Code, in construction and renovation of buildings by school entities, further providing for a maintenance program to specify for each grant awarded, a school entity shall provide a local match equal to the lessor of the subtraction of the school entity's market value and income aid ratio, then multiplying the difference by the cost of the maintenance project. No grant award may exceed $3 million. Further providing for funding by specifying any amount appropriated for school building projects shall be used exclusively for the program for Fiscal Years 2023-2024, 2024-2025 and 2025-2026. Effective immediately. (PN 76) Amends Public School Code, in construction and renovation of buildings by school entities, further providing for a maintenance program to specify for each grant awarded, a school entity shall provide a local match equal to the lessor of the subtraction of the school entity's market value and income aid ratio, then multiplying the difference by the cost of the maintenance project. No grant award may exceed $3 million. Further providing for funding by specifying any amount appropriated for school building projects shall be used exclusively for the program for Fiscal Years 2023-2024, 2024-2025 and 2025-2026. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/07/2023
Bill History:
03/07/2023 
H - Introduced
03/07/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB100 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for cross-age tutoring program.
Sponsor: Rep. Robert Freeman (D)
Summary: (PN 1093) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, providing for tutoring program. Directs the State Board of Education to establish a tutoring program whereby pupils in grades 11 and 12 may tutor pupils in grades one through six, further providing for regulations. Adds a publication requirement. Makes editorial changes. Adds a definition for program. Effective in 90 days. (Prior Printer Number(s): 87, 965) (PN 87) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, providing for tutoring program. Directs the State Board of Education to establish a tutoring program whereby pupils in grades 11 and 12 may tutor pupils in grades one through six, further providing for regulations. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/07/2023
Bill History:
03/07/2023 
H - Introduced
03/07/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
04/24/2023 
H - Reported as amended - House Education
04/24/2023 
H - First consideration
04/24/2023 
H - Laid on the table
04/25/2023 
H - Removed from table
05/01/2023 
H - Second consideration, with amendments
05/01/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
05/02/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
05/02/2023 
H - Third consideration and final passage
05/15/2023 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
06/06/2023 
S - Reported as committed - Senate Education
06/06/2023 
S - Re-referred to - Senate Rules & Executive Nominations
HB110 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, providing for Shared Services Grant Program.
Sponsor: Rep. Joe Ciresi (D)
Summary: (PN 94) Amends the Public School Code, providing for Shared Services Grant Program. Adds definitions for "department" and "program." Establishes the grant program under the Department of Education and provides for its administration through the department. Requires publication of information by the department regarding the availability of the grants. Provides for the appropriation of money by the General Assembly. Requires an annual report by the department to the General Assembly regarding the program. Provides for the department to be create rules and regulation as it deems necessary. Effective in 365 days.
Introduced Date: 03/07/2023
Bill History:
03/07/2023 
H - Introduced
03/07/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB111 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school finances, further providing for fiscal year and for tax levy and limitations.
Sponsor: Rep. Joe Ciresi (D)
Summary: (PN 95) Amends the Public School Code, in school finances, further providing for fiscal year and for tax levy and limitations. Replaces "fifteen" days with "thirty" days regarding the adoption of the annual budget. Replaces "twenty" days with "thirty-five" days regarding the assessment of all school taxes. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/07/2023
Bill History:
03/07/2023 
H - Introduced
03/07/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB114 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for student-weighted basic education funding and for special education payments to school districts.
Sponsor: Rep. Joe Ciresi (D)
Summary: (PN 97) Amends the Public School Code, in reimbursements by commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for student-weighted basic education funding and for special education payments to school districts. Provides for a payment schedule for the amount received by school districts in the school year 2013-14, to be funded in full for the school years 2015-16 through 2022-23 and decreasing by 20 percent every subsequent school year until 2027-28 when the funding will be zero. Adds that school districts will receive the full amount it received for school year 2013-14 for school years 2016-27 through 2023-24. After that, the funding will decrease by 20 percent every subsequent school year until 2028-29 when it will be at zero. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/07/2023
Bill History:
03/07/2023 
H - Introduced
03/07/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB118 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, further providing for days schools not to be kept open and for additional holidays and vacations.
Sponsor: Rep. Joe Ciresi (D)
Summary: (PN 101) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, further providing for days schools not to be kept open and for additional holidays and vacations. Makes technical adjustments. Strikes the requirement that the board of school directors should require schools to observe Veteran's Day by special exercises. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/07/2023
Bill History:
03/07/2023 
H - Introduced
03/07/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB124 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in charter schools, further providing for powers of board of trustees.
Sponsor: Rep. Joe Ciresi (D)
Summary: (PN 107) Amends the Public School Code, in charter schools, providing the board of trustees of a charter school shall include a member appointed by the local board of school directors. Provides that a board of school directors shall appoint a member for regional charter schools. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/07/2023
Bill History:
03/07/2023 
H - Introduced
03/07/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB132 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in charter schools, providing for full-time cyber education program offered by school district.
Sponsor: Rep. Ryan A. Bizzarro (D)
Summary: (PN 115) Amends the Public School Code, in charter schools, providing for full-time cyber education program offered by school district to specify if a student in a school district that offers full-time cyber education enrolls in the cyber education, the student shall be subject to no tuition fees other than fees the school imposes on its students generally; if the student chooses to enroll in a cyber charter school, the student or their parent or guardian shall be responsible for paying the cyber charter school a per-student amount to the school in 12 equal monthly payments by the fifth day of each month within the school year. Provides a definition for full-time cyber education program. Effective in 60 days. (PN 115) Amends the Public School Code, in charter schools, providing for full-time cyber education programs offered by the school district to specify if a student in a school district that offers full-time cyber education enrolls in the cyber education, the student shall be subject to no tuition fees other than fees the school imposes on its students generally. iI the student chooses to enroll in a cyber charter school, the student or their parent or guardian shall be responsible for paying the cyber charter school a per-student amount to the school in 12 equal monthly payments by the fifth day of each month within the school year. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/07/2023
Bill History:
03/07/2023 
H - Introduced
03/07/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB143 - An Act establishing the Pennsylvania Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program.
Sponsor: Rep. Regina G. Young (D)
Summary: (PN 411) The Pennsylvania Teacher Loan Forgiveness Act establishes the Pennsylvania Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program within the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), providing that a qualified applicant is eligible for payment by the agency of a portion of the debt incurred by the qualified applicant through the agency-administered guaranteed Stafford or consolidation loan programs for the education necessary to be a school teacher in Pennsylvania if the recipient enters into a contract with the agency that requires the recipient to remain employed as a school teacher in Pennsylvania. Directs the agency to forgive 25 percent of the loan each year up to a maximum of $10,000 per year for up to a maximum of four years, further providing that no more than $40,000 shall be forgiven for a recipient. Further provides the agency shall determine a proportional forgiveness amount for part-time teachers based on the proportion of a full year that those recipients worked. Requires payments be made in accordance with regulations established by the agency. Provides the loan forgiveness award shall not be made for a loan that is in default at the time of application and loan forgiveness shall not be concurrently awarded to a recipient of another Commonwealth-provided loan forgiveness program. Directs PHEAA to compile a report by October 1, 2024, and every year thereafter to the governor and chair and minority chair of the appropriations committees and education committees in both chambers. Directs recipients to submit documentation of eligibility as required by PHEAA. Provides that program administration shall be made to the extent that money is appropriated by the General Assembly, further providing that if money is insufficient to fully fund administration of the program and all qualified applications, money shall be disbursed pro rata among recipients. Establishes PHEAA shall adopt regulations, policies, procedures and forms to implement the act. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/16/2023
Bill History:
03/16/2023 
H - Introduced
03/16/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB147 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in preliminary provisions, providing for Keystone Exam Alternative Feasibility Study.
Sponsor: Rep. Jason Ortitay (R)
Summary: (PN 124) Amends the Public School Code, in preliminary provisions, providing for Keystone Exam Alternative Feasibility Study. Directs the secretary of education to contract for an independent study to determine whether the SAT and ACT may be administered in lieu of the current statewide, standardized Keystone Exams in literature, algebra I and biology for high school students consistent with federal requirements under 20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(2)(H) (relating to state plans) with a report submitted within one year of the effective date of this subsection to the governor and chair and minority chair of the Education Committee in both chambers. Further defines "ACT," "Keystone Exam," "SAT" and "Secretary." Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/08/2023
Bill History:
03/08/2023 
H - Introduced
03/08/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB148 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school health services, providing for eating disorder awareness and education.
Sponsor: Rep. Jason Ortitay (R)
Summary: (PN 955) Amends the Public School Code, in school health services, providing for eating disorder awareness and education. Directs school entities to annually provide parent education information regarding eating disorders for pupils in grades six through twelve. Establishes eating disorder awareness and education requirements. Adds educational information and material requirements. Establishes an Eating Disorders Advisory Committee and provides for its membership and duties. Requires the Department of Education (PDE) to create educational information, materials and recommendations to school entities within one year. Requires PDE, the Department of Health (DOH) and the advisory committee to identify and develop appropriate additions or revisions to school health regulations. Adds further definitions. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number(s): 125) (PN 125) Amends the Public School Code, in school health services, providing for parent educational information regarding eating disorders. Directs school entities to annually provide parent education information regarding eating disorders for pupils in grades six through twelve, further providing for guidelines. Provides the Department of Education (PDE), in conjunction with the Department of Health (DOH), shall develop an Eating Disorders Task Force to develop and implement guidelines for providing parent educational information regarding eating disorders. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/08/2023
Bill History:
03/08/2023 
H - Introduced
03/08/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
04/21/2023 
H - Reported as amended - House Education
04/21/2023 
H - First consideration
04/21/2023 
H - Laid on the table
04/24/2023 
H - Removed from table
04/25/2023 
H - Second consideration
04/25/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
04/26/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
04/26/2023 
H - Third consideration and final passage
05/03/2023 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
HB180 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, providing for the Universal School Meal Program; establishing the Universal School Meal Fund; and making an interfund transfer and an appropriation.
Sponsor: Rep. Emily Kinkead (D)
Summary: (PN 606) Amends the Public School Code, providing for the Universal School Meal Program; establishing the Universal School Meal Fund; and making an appropriation. Adds further definitions. Provides the duty of public schools to provide free breakfast and free lunch. Requires the collection of household income information regarding students of the public school entity through a household meal benefit application that aligns income data collection with federal law relating to school meal requirements and outlines the use of the data. Provides that additional snacks may be paid for by the student. Provides for the administration of the program by the department and allows the State Board of Education to create regulations as necessary. Provides annual public-school entity reporting and outlines the contents of the report. Adds that the department monitors public school entities that receive state reimbursement for compliance with the provisions of the section. Provides for state reimbursement, requires public school entities to maximize the federal reimbursements and provides that the department will provide state reimbursement to public school entities equal to the difference between the federal free reimbursement rate and the reduced price and the paid reimbursement rate under the National School Lunch program. Provides for the distribution of the reimbursement through the department. Requires public school entities to provide a meal in which the cost of the meal is equal to the federal reimbursement rate for a free meal. Establishes the Universal School Meal Fund in the Treasury. Provides for the continuing appropriation of the funds to the department and prevents administration action from preventing the deposit of money. Outlines the use of the fund and provides for the sources of the money, including the general fund, the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund, special funds, federal funds and any other sources of revenue. Provides for the inter-fund transfer 30 days after the effective date for the amount of cost for two meals for every student enrolled in a public school entity. Provides for the appropriation of $25 million from the general fund. Allows the department to create rules and regulations as necessary. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/23/2023
Bill History:
03/23/2023 
H - Introduced
03/23/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
05/08/2024 
H - Press Conference Held
HB211 - An Act prohibiting public school entities from engaging in certain communications and actions involving prohibited indoctrination; and providing for requirements for public contractors and for enforcement.
Sponsor: Rep. Barbara Gleim (R)
Summary: (PN 171) The Honesty in Teaching Act prohibits public school entities from engaging in certain communications and actions involving prohibited indoctrination, usage of school funds to teach prohibited material and teachers from being trained to avoid prohibited indoctrination. Provides requirements for public contractors to contract with a school. Provides for enforcement of provisions through guidelines and the review of complaints against a school regarding prohibited indoctrination. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/08/2023
Bill History:
03/08/2023 
H - Introduced
03/08/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB213 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in the State Board of Education, further providing for definitions and providing for academic standards review; and making editorial changes.
Sponsor: Rep. Barbara Gleim (R)
Summary: (PN 173) Amends the Public School Code, in the State Board of Education, further providing for definitions to insert a definition for department and amend the definition for State Board of Education. Provides for academic standards review by requiring the State Board to establish a schedule for the review of all academic standards relating to academic standards and assessment within 90 days. The review shall determine if standards are age appropriate, clear, industry-specific, academically challenging and meet the needs of the job market. The board shall submit a report to the appropriate education committees in the General Assembly with recommendations and findings on state academic standards. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/08/2023
Bill History:
03/08/2023 
H - Introduced
03/08/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB215 - An Act requiring school districts to provide annual notice relating to certain pension and other postemployment benefit obligations; and providing for property disclosure statement and for duty of State Real Estate Commission.
Sponsor: Rep. Barbara Gleim (R)
Summary: (PN 175) The Property Tax Pension Obligation Disclosure Act provides definitions for commission, other postemployment benefit and pension. Requires school districts to provide annual notice relating to the calculated total of unfunded pension and other postemployment benefits. Sellers that intend to transfer an interest in real property shall disclose the results of the calculation as an item on the property disclosure form. The State Real Estate Commission shall, within 90 days of the effective date, revise the property disclosure form and submit it for publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Provisions relating to property disclosure form are effective six months after publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Provisions relating to the commission's duties are effective immediately and the rest of the act is effective in 60 days. (PN 175) The Property Tax Pension Obligation Disclosure Act requires school districts to provide annual notice relating to certain pension and other postemployment benefit obligations; and provides for property disclosure statement and for duty of State Real Estate Commission. Portions are effective in 60 days and portions are effective six months after publication.
Introduced Date: 03/08/2023
Bill History:
03/08/2023 
H - Introduced
03/08/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB216 - An Act providing for sport activities in public institutions of higher education and public school entities to be expressly designated male, female or coed; and creating causes of action for harms suffered by designation.
Sponsor: Rep. Barbara Gleim (R)
Summary: (PN 176) The Fairness in Women's Sports Act provides for sport activities in public institutions of higher education and public school entities to be expressly designed for male, female or coed; and creates causes of action for harms suffered by designation. Provides definitions. Prohibits male students from participating in athletic teams or sports designated for females, women or girls. Establishes limitations on restriction. Provides for protection of educational institutions, cause of action and severability. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/08/2023
Bill History:
03/08/2023 
H - Introduced
03/08/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB218 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in charter schools, providing for study of charter school academic and financial practices.
Sponsor: Rep. Mary Isaacson (D)
Summary: (PN 178) Amends Public School Code, in charter schools, providing for study of charter school academic and financial practices. Details what the study shall include. Provides that the state board, in conducting the study, shall give consideration to an examination of the factors associated with high-performing charter schools and low-performing charter schools, and shall identify policies, regulations and legislative changes needed to improve the academic and learning success of charter school students. No later than 12 months after the effective date, the state board shall issue a report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly. Provides definitions. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/08/2023
Bill History:
03/08/2023 
H - Introduced
03/08/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB227 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school security, providing for school armed guards.
Sponsor: Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R)
Summary: (PN 202) Amends the Public School Code, in school security, providing for school armed guards. Requires each school entity that met tier 1 baseline criteria for physical security established by the School Safety and Security Committee to assign at least one school armed guard to each school building, designate a point or points of entry in each building through which each individual must enter and exit, except in the event of a fire drill, school security drill or emergency evacuation and equip each exterior door of a school building that has not been designated a point of entry and exit with a clearly marked sign designating the door as an emergency exit only and an audible alarm that sounds when the door is opened within one year of the section's effective date. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/10/2023
Bill History:
03/10/2023 
H - Introduced
03/10/2023 
H - Referred to - House Judiciary
HB230 - An Act establishing the Integrated Student Supports Program and the Integrated Student Supports Fund; and conferring powers and imposing duties on the Department of Education.
Sponsor: Rep. Carol Hill-Evans (D)
Summary: (PN 191) The Integrated Student Supports Act intends to remove academic and nonacademic barriers to learning as a means to enhance student academic success, decrease dropout rates and increase graduation rates in public elementary and secondary schools, and provide the Department of Education the ability to distribute grants to public school entities. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/10/2023
Bill History:
03/10/2023 
H - Introduced
03/10/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB242 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school health services, providing for face covering or mask mandate opt out.
Sponsor: Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R)
Summary: (PN 205) Amends the Public School Code, in school health services, providing a parent or legal guardian of a child of school age may opt out the child from wearing a face covering or mask which the child's school imposes as a result of a recommendation or mandate from the secretary of health or local board or department of health or school board that is primarily responsible for the prevention and control of communicable or noncommunicable disease. Requires posting a form online to allow parents or legal guardians to opt out of the child from wearing a face covering or mask and the form may not require an excuse to opt out. Provides a student who opts out may not be relegated to certain physical locations, isolated during school activities or excluded from school sponsored events or activities. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/10/2023
Bill History:
03/10/2023 
H - Introduced
03/10/2023 
H - Referred to - House Health
HB259 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in high schools, further providing for assessment of civic knowledge.
Sponsor: Rep. Joe Webster (D)
Summary: (PN 222) Amends the Public School Code further providing for the assessment of civic knowledge. Provides beginning in the 2024-25 school year and each school year thereafter, in order to graduate from high school or obtain a general equivalency diploma, a student shall correctly answer at least 60 percent of the questions on the assessment of civic knowledge. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/10/2023
Bill History:
03/10/2023 
H - Introduced
03/10/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB260 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, providing for capital investment needs.
Sponsor: Rep. Joe Webster (D)
Summary: (PN 223) Amends the Public School Code adding a new article requiring the Department of Education to conduct a one-time survey of each school entity to determine the amount of current capital investment needs of the school entity. Provides for the content of the survey. Also requires a school entity to provide a report in response to the survey to the department and the contents of the report. Further requires the department to consolidate the survey results and issue a detailed report to the General Assembly. Further provides for temporary regulations. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/10/2023
Bill History:
03/10/2023 
H - Introduced
03/10/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB261 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, further providing for extended special education enrollment due to COVID-19.
Sponsor: Rep. Joe Webster (D)
Summary: (PN 224) Amends the Public School Code adding language allowing the secretary of education, through the 2035-36 school year, to permit a student who meets certain conditions to attend a school entity through the school year in which the student reaches 22 years of age. The conditions include: the student has not graduated from high school; the student has an active Individualized Education Program (IEP) at any point during the school year in which the student turned 21 years of age; and the student has been continuously enrolled in a school entity since the 2020-21 school year. Requires a school entity to enroll a student if the secretary provides permission and requires the department to develop a standard election form for a parent or guardian to elect to enroll the student. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/10/2023
Bill History:
03/10/2023 
H - Introduced
03/10/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB263 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school directors, further providing for school director training programs.
Sponsor: Rep. Joe Webster (D)
Summary: (PN 226) Amends the Public-School Code, in school directors, adding requirements for the 2024-2025 school year, and in each school year thereafter, to include the completion of a training program made available by the Department of Education (PDE) within the first year of the director's first term, the requirements for the training program, and the completion of an advanced training program each year by the director, as made available by the department, provides requirements for the training program to be made available by the PDE at no cost to the school districts or directors and for the newly appointed trustee of a charter school entity to include the completion of a training program, made available by the department in consultation with statewide organizations representing Charter Schools, provides for program definitions, provides that the training program should consist of a minimum of 14 hours of instruction and requirements; further provides for four-hour advanced training programs at no extra cost to the charter school entities or trustees. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/10/2023
Bill History:
03/10/2023 
H - Introduced
03/10/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB264 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in the State System of Higher Education, providing for free tuition for school board members.
Sponsor: Rep. Joe Webster (D)
Summary: (PN 227) Amends the Public-School Code, in the State System of Higher Education, adding individuals who serve as school board members are eligible to enroll in eligible courses. Provides for the responsibilities of the board to include identifying and reviewing courses offered within the system that could be deemed eligible, developing a list of eligible courses, and updating the list every three years. Adds the requirements for the annual report submitted by each institution to include the number of school board members taking the courses and the total number of eligible courses in which the members are enrolled. Stipulates that no later than June 30, 2024, and each June 30 thereafter the board should report the total number of eligible courses taken by school board members to the General Assembly. Adds that the General Assembly should appropriate sufficient money to reimburse the system for each eligible course taken by no later than June 30, 2024, and each June 30 thereafter. Adds definitions for eligible courses and school board members. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/10/2023
Bill History:
03/10/2023 
H - Introduced
03/10/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB266 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school directors, further providing for compensation and oath of office.
Sponsor: Rep. Joe Webster (D)
Summary: (PN 229) Amends the Public School Code, in school directors, providing compensation for a person elected or appointed as a school director for service on behalf of the school district. Adds the requirement that the compensation must be approved by the board, and that it should be consistent with the compensation limits for individuals elected to serve in a municipality in which the school district is located. Provides that the school director should swear an oath before assuming office. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/10/2023
Bill History:
03/10/2023 
H - Introduced
03/10/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB301 (Chapter 33) - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, further providing for actual cost of tuition and maintenance of certain exceptional children in the four chartered schools for education of the deaf and the blind; making a repeal; and making editorial changes.
Sponsor: Rep. Patrick J. Harkins (D)
Summary: (PN 2326) Amends the Public School Code to provide for an extensive number of provisions. In educational tax credits, removes provisions relating to definitions, qualification and application by organizations and to limitations. Establishes the School Environmental Repairs Program. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number(s): 256, 954, 1035, 2311) (PN 2311) Amends the Public School Code to provide for an extensive number of provisions. Establishes the School Environmental Repairs Program. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number(s): 256, 954, 1035) (PN 1035) Amends the Public School Code, in pupils and attendance, further providing for actual cost of tuition and maintenance of certain exceptional children in the four chartered schools for education of the deaf and the blind. Specifies that $1 million of the money appropriated to the Department of Education (PDE) shall be used for capital-related costs and deferred maintenance, to be divided equally between each chartered school for education of the deaf and blind. Specifies that $1,000,000 shall be used for capital-related costs and deferred maintenance to be divided equally between each chartered school for education of the deaf and the blind. Removes references to “traumatic.” Makes related repeals. The act shall apply retroactively to July 1, 2022. Certain amendments are effective immediately. The remainder of the act is effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number(s): 256, 954) (PN 954) Amends the Public School Code, in pupils and attendance, further providing for actual cost of tuition and maintenance of certain exceptional children in the four chartered schools for education of the deaf and the blind. Specifies that $1 million of the money appropriated to the Department of Education (PDE) shall be used for capital-related costs and deferred maintenance, to be divided equally between each chartered school for education of the deaf and blind. Makes related repeals. Amendments to provisions relating to actual cost of tuition and maintenance of certain exceptional children in the four chartered schools for education of the deaf and blind and repeals are effective immediately. The remainder of the act is effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number(s): 256) (PN 256) Amends the Public School Code, making editorial changes to remove derogatory words, phrases and terms such as "crippled", "defective", "disturbed", "handicapped" and "retarded" from the code. Removes changes to homebound instruction and updates terminology related to intellectual disability, removing reference to "at the detention home" and reference to "other" related inappropriate conduct. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/10/2023
Bill History:
03/10/2023 
H - Introduced
03/10/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
04/21/2023 
H - Reported as amended - House Education
04/21/2023 
H - First consideration
04/21/2023 
H - Laid on the table
04/24/2023 
H - Removed from table
04/25/2023 
H - Second consideration, with amendments
04/25/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
04/26/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
04/26/2023 
H - Third consideration and final passage
05/03/2023 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
06/06/2023 
S - Reported as committed - Senate Education
06/06/2023 
S - First consideration
06/07/2023 
S - Second consideration
06/07/2023 
S - Re-referred to - Senate Appropriations
11/13/2023 
S - Meeting Scheduled - 11/14/2023 - APPROPRIATIONS (S) (Senate Appropriations), Rules Committee Conference Room
11/14/2023 
S - Re-reported as amended - Senate Appropriations
11/15/2023 
S - Third consideration and final passage 
11/15/2023 
H - Received as amended in the House and referred to - House Rules
11/15/2023 
H - Voted favorably from committee on concurrence, as amended - House Rules
11/15/2023 
H - Re-reported on concurrence, as amended - House Rules
11/15/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 11/15/2023, 3:45 PM - Voting Meeting (House Rules), Room 140 Main Capitol
11/15/2023 
H - House concurred in Senate amendments, as amended by the House 
12/11/2023 
S - Referred to - Senate Rules & Executive Nominations
12/12/2023 
S - Meeting Scheduled - 12/13/2023 - Off the Floor Voting Meeting (Senate Rules & Executive Nominations), Rules Committee Conference Room
12/13/2023 
S - Voted Favorably From Committee - Senate Rules & Executive Nominations
12/13/2023 
S - Re-reported on concurrence, as amended - Senate Rules & Executive Nominations
12/13/2023 
S - Laid out for discussion
12/13/2023 
S - Senate concurred in House amendments to Senate amendments, as amended by the Senate 
12/13/2023 
H - Received as amended in the House and referred to - House Rules
12/13/2023 
H - Re-reported on concurrence, as committed - House Rules
12/13/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 12/13/2023 - Off the Floor Voting Meeting (House Rules), Room 140, Main Capitol
12/13/2023 
H - House concurred in Senate amendments to House amendments, as amended by the Senate 
12/13/2023 
H - Signed in House
12/13/2023 
S - Signed in Senate
12/13/2023 
G - Presented to the Governor
12/13/2023 
G - Approved by the Governor - Act 33
HB302 - An Act amending the act of February 14, 2008 (P.L.6, No.3), known as the Right-to-Know Law, in procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records; and, in judicial review, further providing for fee limitations.
Sponsor: Rep. Patrick J. Harkins (D)
Summary: (PN 257) Amends the Right-to-Know Law, in procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records; and, in judicial review, further providing for fee limitations. Adds records that are reasonably burdensome in their score for an agency to produce to exceptions for public records. Establishes for-profit entity fees and outlines the fee guidelines. Exempt newspapers, magazines, broadcast outlets and similar organizations from the fee. Effective 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/10/2023
Bill History:
03/10/2023 
H - Introduced
03/10/2023 
H - Referred to - House State Government
HB311 - A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, further providing for the maintenance and support of public education.
Sponsor: Rep. Milou Mackenzie (R)
Summary: (PN 266) Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, further providing for the maintenance and support of public education to specify the General Assembly shall maintain and support public education funding and that spending shall be allocated to individual students to attend the schools that fit the students' needs. A Joint Resolution proposing integrated amendments to the Constitution of Pennsylvania Constitutional amendments require approval in two consecutive legislative sessions and then approval by the voters through a referendum.
Introduced Date: 03/10/2023
Bill History:
03/10/2023 
H - Introduced
03/10/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
08/06/2024 
H - Discussed during public hearing - House Republican Policy
HB319 - An Act providing for classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity and for parental notification of student health care services; and establishing cause of action for violation.
Sponsor: Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R)
Summary: (PN 282) The Parental Rights in Education Act prohibits a school entity from offering instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through fifth grade; and establishing cause of action for violation. Requires a parental notification system to inform the parent of student health care services offered by the school entity and outlines the content of the notification. Requires written notice, publication and consent withholding options sent to parents or legal guardians regarding student well-being questionnaires or health care screening forms or surveys offered to a student. Prohibits a school entity, professional employee or school representative from encouraging the student to withhold information from their parents regarding their mental or physical health. Prohibits the parent or legal guardian from accessing the student's education or health records created, maintained or used by the school entity. Prohibits retaliation against a student who reports a violation of this act to a school entity or a federal or state agency with oversight. Provides for civil action by a student or parent in case of a perceived violation. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/13/2023
Bill History:
03/13/2023 
H - Introduced
03/13/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB341 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in intermediate units, repealing provisions relating to psychological services; in professional employees, further providing for definitions and providing for school social workers; and, in school health services, further providing for health services and providing for school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers and school nurses.
Sponsor: Rep. Dan L. Miller (D)
Summary: (PN 304) Amends the Public School Code, in intermediate units, repealing provisions relating to psychological services; in professional employees, providing for school social workers to indicate a school entity that employs a school social worker must require the employee in the position to hold an educational specialist certificate for school social workers and barring certain exceptions; and in school health services, providing when a student who enrolls in a school entity after attending another entity, the new entity shall request and be provided the student's health record. Provides for school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers and school nurses by ensuring a ratio of staff is maintained. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/13/2023
Bill History:
03/13/2023 
H - Introduced
03/13/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB346 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in safe schools, further providing for reporting.
Sponsor: Rep. Dan L. Miller (D)
Summary: (PN 309) Amends the Public School Code, in safe schools, requiring chief school administrators to report an incident of attempted suicide or committed suicide on school property no later than 72 hours after the incident. Further provides the report shall not reveal identifying information of a student and meet requirements under 20 U.S.C. 1232g (relating to family educational and privacy rights) or its successor statute. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/13/2023
Bill History:
03/13/2023 
H - Introduced
03/13/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB392 - An Act providing for voluntary student expression of religious viewpoints in public schools; requiring public school districts to allow religious expression in class assignments, to provide students with the freedom to organize religious groups and activities and to provide a limited public forum for student speakers at nongraduation and graduation events; and providing for a model policy for voluntary religious expression in public schools.
Sponsor: Rep. Rob W. Kauffman (R)
Summary: (PN 359) The Student Religious Liberties Act provides definitions for department and public school entity. Prohibits public school entities from discriminating against voluntary student expression of religious viewpoints and requires public schools to allow religious expression. Allows students the freedom to organize and requires public schools to establish a limited public forum for student speakers without discrimination. Provides not later than October 1, 2023, the Department of Education shall develop model policy for public schools in compliance with the act. Effective July 1, 2023, or immediately, whichever is later. (PN 359) The Student Religious Liberties Act provides definitions for department and public school entity. Prohibits public school entities from discriminating against voluntary student expression of religious viewpoints and requires public schools to allow religious expression. Allows students the freedom to organize and requires public schools to establish a limited public forum for student speakers without discrimination. Provides not later than October 1, 2023, the Department of Education shall develop model policy for public schools in compliance with the act. Effective July 1, 2023, or immediately, whichever is later.
Introduced Date: 03/14/2023
Bill History:
03/14/2023 
H - Introduced
03/14/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB431 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, further providing for immunization required and penalty.
Sponsor: Rep. Russ Diamond (R)
Summary: (PN 398) Amends the Public School Code, in pupils and attendance, further providing for immunization required and penalty. Provides a public school entity, nonpublic school, political subdivision or the commonwealth shall include with any notice, publication, posting or provision of information containing new, existing or changes to immunization requirements issued by the commonwealth with specified information. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/15/2023
Bill History:
03/15/2023 
H - Introduced
03/15/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB445 - An Act providing for community college educational assistance.
Sponsor: Rep. Daniel J. Deasy (D)
Summary: (PN 413) The Community College Educational Assistance Act provides for community college educational assistance. Establishes the Community College Educational Assistance Program, providing Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) shall disregard one-third of an eligible student's expected family contribution and Federal Pell Grant award amount when calculating the eligible student's Pennsylvania State Grant. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/16/2023
Bill History:
03/16/2023 
H - Introduced
03/16/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB446 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in duties and powers of boards of school directors, repealing provisions relating to third-party services; and, in terms and courses of study, further providing for pandemic of 2020.
Sponsor: Rep. Valerie S. Gaydos (R)
Summary: (PN 414) Amends the Public School Code, in duties and powers of boards of school directors, repealing provisions relating to third-party services, and, in terms and courses of study, further providing for COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Repeals Section 528 of the Public School Code. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/16/2023
Bill History:
03/16/2023 
H - Introduced
03/16/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB447 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in charter schools, further providing for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations relating to cyber charter schools.
Sponsor: Rep. Daniel J. Deasy (D)
Summary: (PN 415) Amends the Public School Code, in charter schools, further providing for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations relating to cyber charter schools. Provides that cyber charter schools, including cyber charter management companies and other entities that operate cyber charter schools, whether for-profit or not-for-profit, shall be subject to audits by the auditor general under Section 403 of the Fiscal Code. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/16/2023
Bill History:
03/16/2023 
H - Introduced
03/16/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB456 - An Act providing for the display of the national motto "In God We Trust" in classrooms and other areas in public school buildings.
Sponsor: Rep. Perry A. Stambaugh (R)
Summary: (PN 424) The National Motto Display Act provides for the governing board of each school entity to display "In God We Trust," in each school building, directs the secretary of education within 15 days of the effective date and every five years thereafter to provide each school with notification and recommendations for promotion of the national motto. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/16/2023
Bill History:
03/16/2023 
H - Introduced
03/16/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB464 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., nonviolence and civil rights instruction.
Sponsor: Rep. Stephen Kinsey (D)
Summary: (PN 432) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, providing for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., nonviolence and civil rights instruction. Provides that beginning with the 2024-25 school year and each school year thereafter, a school entity shall offer instruction on the civil rights movement from 1954 to 1968, further providing for integration with the social studies course of study required in accordance with state academic standards approved by the State Board of Education. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/16/2023
Bill History:
03/16/2023 
H - Introduced
03/16/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB471 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in books, furniture and supplies, providing for purchase and use of green cleaning products.
Sponsor: Rep. Tim Briggs (D)
Summary: (PN 439) Amends the Public School Code, in books, furniture and supplies, providing for purchase and use of green cleaning products to specify the board of school directors of each school district shall purchase green cleaning products for use by public schools. Schools may exhaust current supplies before purchasing the cleaning products. Provides a definition for green cleaning products. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/16/2023
Bill History:
03/16/2023 
H - Introduced
03/16/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB472 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for mental health education.
Sponsor: Rep. Tim Briggs (D)
Summary: (PN 440) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, providing for mental health education by specifying each school under the Department of Education shall incorporate mental health education into curricula to ensure the school recognizes importance of mental health. Schools may consult a mental health organization to establish age-appropriate material to be taught in mental health education. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/16/2023
Bill History:
03/16/2023 
H - Introduced
03/16/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB473 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for media literacy education.
Sponsor: Rep. Tim Briggs (D)
Summary: (PN 441) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, providing for media literacy education to state the Department of Education (PDE), in consultation with the State Board of Education, shall develop an age-appropriate model curriculum for students in grades K-12 for media literacy instruction. PDE shall make available to school districts on PDE's website a list of resources and materials on media literacy and shall ensure the training is made available for use in programs for teachers. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/16/2023
Bill History:
03/16/2023 
H - Introduced
03/16/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB476 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in professional employees, further providing for transferred programs and classes.
Sponsor: Rep. Dan L. Miller (D)
Summary: (PN 444) Amends the Public School Code, in professional employees, further providing for transferred programs and classes. Provides protections for professional school employees, temporary professional school employees, and administrators if students are reassigned to another school district due to the closing of a building or buildings. Provides that the closing school district shall create a pool of employees who have received formal notice of suspension as a result of the closure and the receiving school shall offer employment if they need additional staff. Establishes that the receiving school district would select employees in order of seniority to provide services in the receiving district, and employees hired from the pool shall be credited by the hiring school district for all accumulated leave, wages, retirement incentives or severance payments. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/16/2023
Bill History:
03/16/2023 
H - Introduced
03/16/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB481 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in certification of teachers, providing for "What is your Pennsylvania Story" continuing professional development course; and, in terms and courses of study, further providing for Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations instruction.
Sponsor: Rep. Jared G. Solomon (D)
Summary: (PN 3460) Amends Public School Code, in certification of teachers, providing for “What is your Pennsylvania Story” continuing professional development course to indicate the Department of Education (PDE), to the extent funding is available, shall develop and implement a continuing course on each student's “Pennsylvania Story” in anticipation of the United States semiquincentennial; and, in terms and courses of study, providing for cultural intolerance in provisions related to the Holocaust, genocide and human rights. Strikes out language providing for paraprofessionals. Asserts that the course shall provide students the opportunity to learn skills and cultures and increase their tolerance. Provides that by July 31, 2025, and each July 31 thereafter until 2028, PDE shall submit to the appropriate committees of the General Assembly. Provides definitions for “department,” “paraprofessional,” “professional educator,” “school or system leaders” and “What is your Pennsylvania Story.” Strikes out the definition of “paraprofessionals.” Establishes that the Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations instruction shall be age-appropriate, sequential in method of study, communicate the connection between specified subjects and communicate the impact of personal responsibility, civic engagement and societal response. Directs PDE to establish curriculum guidelines to foster implementation by school entities, specifying what the guidelines shall encourage the inclusion of where appropriate in the instruction. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number(s): 449) (PN 449) Amends Public School Code, in certification of teachers, providing for "What is your Pennsylvania Story" continuing professional development course to indicate the Department of Education (PDE) shall develop and implement a continuing course on each student's "Pennsylvania Story" in anticipation of the United States semiquincentennial; and, in terms and courses of study, providing for cultural intolerance in provisions related to the Holocaust, genocide and human rights. The course shall provide students the opportunity to learn skills and cultures and increase their tolerance. By July 31, 2023, and each July 31 thereafter until 2028, PDE shall submit to the appropriate committees of the General Assembly. Provides definitions for department, paraprofessional, professional educator, school or system leaders and "What is your Pennsylvania Story." Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/16/2023
Bill History:
03/16/2023 
H - Introduced
03/16/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
07/01/2024 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 07/01/2024 - Voting Meeting (House Education), Room 60, East Wing
07/01/2024 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee as Amended - House Education
07/01/2024 
H - Reported as amended - House Education
07/01/2024 
H - First consideration
07/01/2024 
H - Re-committed to - House Rules
07/08/2024 
H - Placed on HVS
07/10/2024 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 07/10/2024 - Voting Meeting (House Rules), Room 140, Main Capitol
07/10/2024 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee  - House Rules
07/10/2024 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Rules
HB492 - An Act establishing the Governor's School of Urban Teaching; and providing for duties of the Department of Education.
Sponsor: Rep. Regina G. Young (D)
Summary: (PN 460) The Governor's School of Urban Teaching Act establishes the Governor's School of Urban Teaching and provides for duties of the Department of Education. This legislation provides that the Department of Education shall operate, administer, and schedule the program. The bill also ensures that students attending the Governor's School of Urban Teaching shall not be required to pay any tuition or fees for participation in the program. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/16/2023
Bill History:
03/16/2023 
H - Introduced
03/16/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB502 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in professional employees, providing for National Guard and Reserve parent student support.
Sponsor: Rep. Nancy Guenst (D)
Summary: (PN 471) Amends the Public School Code, in professional employees, providing for National Guard and Reserve parent student support to specify a student who is a child of a member of the National Guard and Reserve shall be afforded the same rights as a student of an active duty military family if a parent is required to move to perform their parental responsibilities. Provides definitions for public school and student. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/17/2023
Bill History:
03/17/2023 
H - Introduced
03/17/2023 
H - Referred to - House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness
06/29/2023 
H - First consideration
06/29/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Rules
06/29/2023 
H - Reported as committed - House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness
09/22/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Rules
09/22/2023 
H - Laid on the table
09/22/2023 
H - Removed from table
09/22/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Rules
12/06/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 03/19/2024, 12:30 PM - Off the Floor Voting Meeting (House Appropriations), Room 140, Main Capitol
03/18/2024 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 03/18/2024, 12:50 PM - Voting Meeting (House Rules), Room 140, Main Capitol
03/18/2024 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee - House Rules
03/18/2024 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Rules
03/18/2024 
H - Second consideration
03/18/2024 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
03/19/2024 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee - House Appropriations
03/19/2024 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
03/19/2024 
H - Laid out for discussion
03/19/2024 
H - Third consideration and final passage
04/05/2024 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
09/12/2024 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 09/30/2024, 9:30 AM - Voting Meeting (House Tourism & Economic and Recreational Development), Room 515, Irvis Office Building
HB514 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, providing for individual empowerment scholarship accounts; and establishing the Pennsylvania Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program, the Department of Education Empowerment Scholarship Fund and the State Treasurer Empowerment Scholarship Fund.
Sponsor: Rep. Ed Neilson (D)
Summary: (PN 483) Amends the School Code, establishing the Pennsylvania Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program in the Department of Education (DEP), DEP Empowerment Scholarship Fund and State Treasurer Empowerment Fund. Adds further definitions. Provides for the qualification requirements for students. Requires a signed enrollment agreement to enroll a qualified student in the program. Outlines the contents of the enrollment agreement. Establishes the Department of Education Empowerment Scholarship fund and provides for its administration by the department. Adds the money in the fund to be subject to legislative appropriation and is to be used by the department for the cost of administering the program. Establishes the State Treasurer Empowerment Scholarship in the treasury and appropriates money transferred by the department to the treasurer. Provides the administration of the fund through the treasurer. Requires account renewals from a parent of a qualified student on an annual basis. Provides for prohibitions and return of any remaining funds. Excludes the money from taxable income to the parent of the qualified student. Provides for the administration of individual empowerment scholarship account, including quarterly transfers of the amount by the department to the treasurer for deposit into the account of the qualified student. Provides for applications, scholarship rewards, private management, audits, account suspensions and referral to the Attorney General in case of misuse. Provides for annual budget submissions and rules and policies, adopted as necessary to administer the program. Adds that a State agency cannot exercise control or supervision over a nonpublic school or home school. Provides for prohibitions, including requiring a school to change its creed, practices, admissions policy or curriculum to accept students who receive an individual empowerment scholarship account. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/17/2023
Bill History:
03/17/2023 
H - Introduced
03/17/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB525 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in certification of teachers, further providing for CPR instruction and providing for procedures regarding response to cardiac arrest and for donations for use related to CPR and AED instruction; and, in school health services, repealing provisions relating to automatic external defibrillators and providing for availability and specifications of automated external defibrillators.
Sponsor: Rep. Ed Neilson (D)
Summary: (PN 493) Amends the Public School Code, in certification of teachers by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, further providing for CPR instruction and providing for procedures regarding response to cardiac arrest. Directs school entities to make available to district employees and volunteers instruction in the principles and techniques of CPR and the use of automated external defibrillator (AED). Requires school entities to ensure that each AED location has at least five people trained and certified in the use of an AED, further requiring school entities to ensure that at a minimum one person trained and certified in the use of an AED is in the immediate vicinity of the location of the AED during school hours. Allows the Department of Education (PDE) to accept donations for use in providing CPR and AED instruction to students, school employees and volunteers. Requires the availability of at least one AED in each occupied building on the school's premises or campus at all times. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/17/2023
Bill History:
03/17/2023 
H - Introduced
03/17/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB533 - An Act amending the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), known as the Pennsylvania Election Code, in nomination of candidates, providing for background checks for candidates for school district office.
Sponsor: Rep. Jeanne McNeill (D)
Summary: (PN 504) Amends the Pennsylvania Election Code, in nomination of candidates, providing for background checks for candidates for school district office at the time of filing a candidate's nomination petition and a candidate's affidavit. Further provides for certification from the Department of Human Services (DHS) as to whether the candidate is named in the statewide database as the alleged perpetrator in a pending child abuse investigation or as the perpetrator of a founded report or an indicated report. Establishes a candidate may be ineligible to run for any school district office if DHS verifies the candidate is named in the statewide database as the perpetrator of a founded report committed within the five-year period immediately preceding verification pursuant to this section, the candidate's criminal history record information indicates the candidate has been convicted of any of the specified offenses or equivalent crimes under federal law or the law of another state, the candidate's criminal history record information indicates that the candidate has been convicted of a felony offense under The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act committed within the five-year period immediately preceding verification under this section, the candidate's criminal history record information indicates that the candidate has been convicted of an offense under 18 U.S.C. 2261 (relating to interstate domestic violence) or 2262 (relating to interstate violation of protection order), the candidate's name appears on the National Crime Information Center National Sex Offender Registry or the state's sex offender registry or the candidate's name appears on a statewide database or its equivalent as a perpetrator of child abuse. Provides the Department of State (DOS) shall promulgate rules and regulations as necessary to carry out this section. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/17/2023
Bill History:
03/17/2023 
H - Introduced
03/17/2023 
H - Referred to - House State Government
HB539 - An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in assault, further providing for the offense of aggravated assault.
Sponsor: Rep. Ed Neilson (D)
Summary: (PN 512) Amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses), in assault, further providing for the offense of aggravated assault. Includes a school crossing guard of a school district or local police department, while acting within the scope of their employment to the offense of aggravated assault. Effective 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/20/2023
Bill History:
03/20/2023 
H - Introduced
03/20/2023 
H - Referred to - House Judiciary
HB552 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for nonpublic school and home education program exemption.
Sponsor: Rep. David H. Zimmerman (R)
Summary: (PN 525) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, providing that nonpublic school and home education programs shall be exempt from the requirements of any declaration by the governor of disaster emergency or any order by the secretary of health. Provides definitions. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/20/2023
Bill History:
03/20/2023 
H - Introduced
03/20/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB557 - An Act amending the act of January 28, 1988 (P.L.24, No.11), known as the Private Academic Schools Act, further providing for definitions, for State Board of Private Academic Schools, for powers and duties of board, for application for license, for issuance and renewal of license, for directory of private academic schools, for requirements for licensure and operation, for enforcement, refusal, suspension or revocation of license and for promulgation of rules and regulations.
Sponsor: Rep. David H. Zimmerman (R)
Summary: (PN 529) Amends the Private Academic Schools Act providing that "private academic school" or "school" includes online schools and makes changes to incorporate online schools. Provides that the board shall promulgate rules and regulations and establish policies, principles and standards necessary to carry out the purposes of this act as they relate to online schools. Responsibilities under the act are delegated from the department to the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/20/2023
Bill History:
03/20/2023 
H - Introduced
03/20/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB561 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in organization meetings and officers of boards of school directors, further providing for solicitor and other appointees.
Sponsor: Rep. David H. Zimmerman (R)
Summary: (PN 533) Amends the Public School Code, in organization meetings and officers of boards of school directors, further providing for solicitor and other appointees. Provides that it is the duty of a solicitor or assistant solicitor appointed by a board of school directors to act loyally and in accordance with the best interest of the students and parents, act impartially and avoid conflicts of interest, abstain from deception, practice honesty and equity, act with care, competence and diligence, and act in good faith. Allows a parent or student to bring a civil cause of action in a court of common pleas based upon a violation of a duty and may recover $1,000 per violation, treble damages, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/20/2023
Bill History:
03/20/2023 
H - Introduced
03/20/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB562 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school health services, further providing for health services and for vision screening and examinations, providing for eye health examinations and further providing for examinations by examiners of own choice.
Sponsor: Rep. David H. Zimmerman (R)
Summary: (PN 534) Amends the Public School Code, in school health services, further providing for health services and for vision screening and examinations. Provides that children of school age shall be given an eye health examination upon admission to school, in fourth grade, in eighth grade and as part of the evaluation of and prior to the student's application for certain federal programs. Provisions are not applicable to students not enrolled at a school. Provides a definition for "eye health examination." Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/20/2023
Bill History:
03/20/2023 
H - Introduced
03/20/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB574 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools.
Sponsor: Rep. Jessica Benham (D)
Summary: (PN 546) Amends the Public School Code, in charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools. Provides that for the 2020-2021 school year and each school year thereafter for special education students, the charter school shall receive for each student enrolled an amount which shall be paid by the district of residence of each student. For each special education student enrolled in the charter school for which the annual expenditure is less than $25,000, multiply the same funding for each non-special education student by 1.51. For each special education student enrolled in the charter school for which the annual expenditure is greater than $25,000 and less than $50,000, multiply the same funding for each non-special education student by 3.77. For each special education student enrolled in the charter school for which the annual expenditure is greater than $50,000, multiply the same funding for each non-special education student by 7.46. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/20/2023
Bill History:
03/20/2023 
H - Introduced
03/20/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB576 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, providing for evaluation of potentially hazardous walking routes; and imposing duties on the Department of Transportation.
Sponsor: Rep. Jessica Benham (D)
Summary: (PN 548) Amends the Public School Code, in pupils and attendance, providing for evaluation of potentially hazardous walking routes and imposing duties on the Department of Transportation. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/20/2023
Bill History:
03/20/2023 
H - Introduced
03/20/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB579 - An Act establishing and providing for the implementation and administration of the Beginning Educator Support and Training (BEST) Program; and providing for powers and duties of the Department of Education.
Sponsor: Rep. Stephen Kinsey (D)
Summary: (PN 553) The Beginning Educator Support and Training (BEST) Program Act establishes and provides for the implementation and administration of the BEST program and provides for powers and duties of the Department of Education (PDE). Establishes that PDE shall allocate an amount not to exceed $1,500 for each beginning educator participating in the program at an eligible school district. Provides that PDE shall evaluate the effectiveness of the program two years following its full implementation with an interim report provided to the General Assembly no later than July 1, 2024, if full funding has not been provided prior to that date. Effective July 1, 2021, or immediately, whichever is later.
Introduced Date: 03/20/2023
Bill History:
03/20/2023 
H - Introduced
03/20/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB582 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, further providing for fire and emergency evacuation drills.
Sponsor: Rep. Stephen Kinsey (D)
Summary: (PN 556) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, providing for school security drills and requiring an accurate and up-to-date record of all drills completed by a person in charge at each school building. The Department of Education shall annually provide a report on statewide compliance with this section to the education committees of the General Assembly and the state fire commissioner and the report shall be made available online. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/20/2023
Bill History:
03/20/2023 
H - Introduced
03/20/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB593 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, providing for Child and Adult Care Food Program Supplement; and making an appropriation.
Sponsor: Rep. Melissa L. Shusterman (D)
Summary: (PN 794) Amends the Public School Code, providing for child and adult care food program supplements. Inserts definitions for department, enrollee, facility, program and supplement. Establishes the Child and Adult Care Food Program Supplement to be administered by the Department of Education (PDE). Appropriates $30,000,000 on an annual, continuing basis from the General Fund to PDE for the period beginning the first October 1 after the effective date and each October 1 thereafter, to end on the first subsequent September 30 and each September 30 thereafter. Makes appropriations. No later than June 1 following the date of each appropriation, PDE shall compile an annual report on the program and supplement. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/21/2023
Bill History:
03/21/2023 
H - Introduced
03/21/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB623 (Chapter 28) - An Act providing for the capital budget for fiscal year 2023-2024.
Sponsor: Rep. Jordan A. Harris (D)
Summary: (PN 1132) The Capital Budget Act of 2023-2024 provides for overall limitations on debt to be incurred for capital projects. Provides the maximum principal amount of additional debt to be incurred during the 2023-2024 fiscal year for capital projects shall be capped at $600,000 for building and structure public improvement projects, $10,000,000 for furniture and equipment, $350,000,000 for transportation assistance projects, $375,000,000 for redevelopment assistance projects and $1,335,000,000 for flood control projects. Effective July 1, 2023, or immediately, whichever is later.
Introduced Date: 05/02/2023
Bill History:
05/02/2023 
H - Introduced
05/02/2023 
H - Referred to - House Appropriations
06/13/2023 
H - Reported as committed - House Appropriations
06/13/2023 
H - First consideration
06/13/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Rules
06/14/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Rules
06/14/2023 
H - Second consideration
06/14/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
06/22/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
06/22/2023 
H - Third consideration and final passage
06/26/2023 
S - Referred to - Senate Appropriations
06/27/2023 
S - Reported as committed - Senate Appropriations
06/27/2023 
S - First consideration
06/28/2023 
S - Second consideration
10/04/2023 
S - Laid on the table (Pursuant to Senate Rule 9)
10/24/2023 
S - Removed from table
11/13/2023 
S - Third consideration and final passage 
11/13/2023 
H - Signed in House
11/13/2023 
S - Signed in Senate
11/13/2023 
G - Presented to the Governor
11/13/2023 
G - Approved by the Governor - Act 28
HB639 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for litterbug education.
Sponsor: Rep. Milou Mackenzie (R)
Summary: (PN 578) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, providing for litterbug education beginning with the 2024-25 school year. Establishes that each student enrolled in a school entity in kindergarten through grade give shall have instruction in litter prevention and awareness. Provides guidance for instruction and defines school entity. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/21/2023
Bill History:
03/21/2023 
H - Introduced
03/21/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB640 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in professional employees, providing for professional librarian.
Sponsor: Rep. Joe Ciresi (D)
Summary: (PN 579) Amends the Public School Code, in professional employees, providing that each public school in the commonwealth shall employ at least one professional, certified librarian. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/21/2023
Bill History:
03/21/2023 
H - Introduced
03/21/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB645 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for bullying prevention education.
Sponsor: Rep. Stephen Kinsey (D)
Summary: (PN 584) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, providing for bullying prevention education beginning in the 2023-24 school year. Directs the Department of Education (PDE) to develop a model bullying prevention education curriculum and compile, develop and post recommended guidelines and educational materials for the training on PDE's website. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/21/2023
Bill History:
03/21/2023 
H - Introduced
03/21/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB647 - An Act establishing the Safe Schools Partnership; conferring powers and imposing duties on the Attorney General and the Secretary of Education; providing for a bullying identification, prevention and intervention model plan; and imposing duties on schools and school districts.
Sponsor: Rep. Stephen Kinsey (D)
Summary: (PN 586) The Safe Schools Partnership Act establishes the Safe Schools Partnership within the Office of Attorney General; confers powers and imposes duties on the attorney general and the secretary of education; provides for a bullying identification, prevention and intervention model plan; and imposes duties on the schools and school districts. Provides definitions. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/21/2023
Bill History:
03/21/2023 
H - Introduced
03/21/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB649 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in safe schools, providing for parental notification of certain incidents.
Sponsor: Rep. Stephen Kinsey (D)
Summary: (PN 588) Amends the Public School Code, in safe schools, providing for parental notification of certain incidents. Requires all school entities to adopt policies and procedures for timely notification to parents, guardians or custodial parents of a student involved in incidents that occur on school property. Establishes that schools shall provide notice when students sustain serious injuries or inflict serious injuries on another student while on school property, on the school bus or at a school activity. Requires a school safety report to be submitted to the Department of Education. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/21/2023
Bill History:
03/21/2023 
H - Introduced
03/21/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB655 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, further providing for definition of children with exceptionalities, reports and examination.
Sponsor: Rep. Stephen Kinsey (D)
Summary: (PN 594) Amends the Public School Code, in pupils and attendance, further providing for definition of children with exceptionalities, reports and examination. Adds language to include dyslexia in the term "children with exceptionalities." Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/21/2023
Bill History:
03/21/2023 
H - Introduced
03/21/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB659 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school finances, further providing for distress in school districts of the first class; in grounds and buildings, further providing for public hearing prior to closing school; and, in pupils and attendance, providing for conditions for closing schools.
Sponsor: Rep. Stephen Kinsey (D)
Summary: (PN 598) Amends the Public School Code, in school finances, directing the board of school directors or a special board of control in a school district of the first class to hold a separate hearing for each school proposed to permanently close in the school district and each school designated to receive an increase of 30 percent or more in school enrollment as the result of a school being permanently closed. Provides for notice on the school district's website. Establishes conditions for closing schools. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/21/2023
Bill History:
03/21/2023 
H - Introduced
03/21/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB662 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, providing for comprehensive school counseling services.
Sponsor: Rep. Dan L. Miller (D)
Summary: (PN 601) Amends the Public School Code requiring sufficient time at each school entity to be allotted for the school entity's counselor to carry out duties stated in the school entity's plan. Directs the Department of Education (PDE) to monitor each school entity to ensure implementation and compliance with this article beginning with the 2024-25 school year. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/21/2023
Bill History:
03/21/2023 
H - Introduced
03/21/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB663 (Chapter 67) - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, further providing for residence and right to free school privileges.
Sponsor: Rep. Jeanne McNeill (D)
Summary: (PN 2229) Amends the Public School Code, in pupils and attendance, further providing for residence and right to free school privileges by adding that if it is found that the parents or guardian of a child do not reside in the school district, the child may not be removed from the school until all possible appeals have been exhausted or, if no appeal is filed, the last date upon which the final appeal could have been filed pursuant to the appropriate grievance policy of the school district until certain conditions are met by the parents or guardian. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number(s): 604) (PN 604) Amends the Public School Code, in pupils and attendance, further providing for residence and right to free school privileges by adding that if it is found that the parents or guardian of a child do not reside in the school district, the child may not be removed from the school until all possible appeals have been exhausted or, if no appeal is filed, the last date upon which the final appeal could have been filed pursuant to the appropriate grievance policy of the school district. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/22/2023
Bill History:
03/22/2023 
H - Introduced
03/22/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
04/21/2023 
H - Reported as committed - House Education
04/21/2023 
H - First consideration
04/21/2023 
H - Laid on the table
09/28/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 11/13/2023, 12:30 PM - APPROPRIATIONS (H) (House Appropriations), Room 140 Main Capitol
10/30/2023 
H - Removed from table
10/31/2023 
H - Second consideration, with amendments
10/31/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
11/13/2023 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee - House Appropriations
11/13/2023 
H - Reported as committed - House Appropriations
11/13/2023 
H - Third consideration and final passage
11/15/2023 
H - Discussed during informational meeting - House Education
11/15/2023 
H - Discussed during informational meeting - House Children & Youth
11/21/2023 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
03/15/2024 
S - Meeting Scheduled - 03/19/2024, 10:30 AM - Voting Meeting (Senate Education), Room 8E-A, East Wing
03/19/2024 
S - Voted Favorably From Committee - Senate Education
03/19/2024 
S - Reported as committed - Senate Education
03/19/2024 
S - First consideration
04/08/2024 
S - Second consideration
04/08/2024 
S - Re-referred to - Senate Appropriations
07/08/2024 
S - Meeting Scheduled - 07/09/2024 - Voting Meeting (Senate Appropriations), Rules Committee Conference Room
07/09/2024 
S - Voted Favorably From Committee  - Senate Appropriations
07/09/2024 
S - Re-reported as committed - Senate Appropriations
07/11/2024 
S - Laid out for discussion
07/11/2024 
S - Third consideration and final passage 
07/11/2024 
H - Signed in House
07/11/2024 
S - Signed in Senate
07/12/2024 
G - Presented to the Governor
07/17/2024 
G - Approved by the Governor - Act 67
HB668 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in fostering independence through education, further providing for definitions, for fostering independence waiver program, for outreach and for report.
Sponsor: Rep. Jessica Benham (D)
Summary: (PN 1719) Amends the Public School Code, in fostering independence through education, further providing for definitions to insert definitions for kinship care and kinship caregiver and amends the definition of kinship care to reduce it to the care of a child by a kinship caregiver when the biological or custodial parents of the child cannot care for the child. Provides eligibility requires people to be under the care of a kinship care giver and be eligible for a Pell grant. Effective July 1, 2023, or immediately, whichever is later (Prior Printer Number(s): 611, 956). (PN 956) Amends the Public School Code, in fostering independence through education, further providing for definitions to insert definitions for kinship care and kinship caregiver and amends the definition of kinship care to reduce it to the care of a child by a kinship caregiver when the biological or custodial parents of the child cannot care for the child. Effective July 1, 2023. (Prior Printer Number(s): 611) (PN 611) Amends the Public School Code, in fostering independence through education, further providing for definitions to insert definitions for kinship care and kinship caregiver. Further providing for fostering independence waiver program to detail eligibility in the fostering independence waiver program. Further providing for outreach to specify recipients of grants under the Chafee Education and Training Grant Program are included in provisions. And further providing for report to add the reporting requirement of the number of students in kinship care who are participating in the program. Makes technical and organizational changes. Effective on July 1, 2023.
Introduced Date: 03/23/2023
Bill History:
03/23/2023 
H - Introduced
03/23/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
04/21/2023 
H - Reported as amended - House Education
04/21/2023 
H - First consideration
04/21/2023 
H - Laid on the table
06/22/2023 
H - Removed from table
06/26/2023 
H - Second consideration, with amendments
06/26/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
06/27/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
06/27/2023 
H - Third consideration and final passage
07/06/2023 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
HB670 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school finances, further providing for fiscal year.
Sponsor: Rep. Tarah Probst (D)
Summary: (PN 613) Amends the Public School Code, in school finances, further providing for fiscal year to specify the fiscal year beginning after June 30, 2022, is the budget reporting deadline by the board of school directors of a school district of the second, third or fourth class. Adds that for fiscal years beginning after June 30, 2022, a school district of the second, third or fourth class may delay the adoption of its annual budget beyond the last day of July where legislation providing the appropriation for basic education funding is not enacted by July 1. Requires the adoption of the budget 30 days after legislation is enacted, after the July 1 delayed deadline. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/23/2023
Bill History:
03/23/2023 
H - Introduced
03/23/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB676 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, providing for Affordability of College Education Scholarship Program.
Sponsor: Rep. Mark Rozzi (D)
Summary: (PN 619) Amends the Public School Code, providing for the Affordability of College Education Scholarship Program. Adds definitions academic year, cost of attendance, department, eligible student, emergency grant, FAFSA or application, financial aid, full-time enrollment, funding award, institutional aid, private scholarship, program, program administration agreement, scholarship agreement, scholarship award, scholarship recipient and state system. Establishes the Affordability of College Education Scholarship (ACES) Program within the Department of Education (PDE). Provides for funding awards to be made by PDE to the state system. Outlines allocation requirements of the money from PDE. Provides for the duties of PDE, including entering into a program administration agreement with the state system. Provides for the termination of the agreement in case of a breach of a material term or condition, misuse of funds or violations of a condition by the state board. Allows for PDE to administer the ACES program in case of termination. Provides for audits and regulations. Outlines temporary regulation guidelines. Provides for the duties of the state system, including administration, assigning rights and responsibilities. Provides for the duties of institutions to coordinate with the state system in administering the program and outlines the responsibilities and duties of the institutions regarding the program. Allows institutions to adopt local branding or the program. Provides for the qualifications of scholarship recipients and renewal requirements. Requires refunding by the institutions in case of a withdrawal by a student during the institution's full refund drop period. Establishes need-based eligibility tiers. Provides for a maximum and minimum award determined by the department, emergency grants, award term limitations, penalties and for the exclusion of the award money from taxable income. Effective July 1, 2023, or immediately, whichever is later.
Introduced Date: 03/23/2023
Bill History:
03/23/2023 
H - Introduced
03/23/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB688 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, establishing the PA Teacher Pipeline Scholarship Program; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency and certain institutions of higher education.
Sponsor: Rep. Mark Rozzi (D)
Summary: (PN 1036) Amends the Public School Code, establishing the PA Teacher Pipeline Scholarship Program. Imposes duties on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and certain institutions of higher education. Inserts definitions. Establishes the requirements for applying for student aid grants prior to the scholarship grant. Adds that a career and technical education (CTE) teacher may not be excluded from receiving a scholarship grant if the individual continues to work for a CTE school prior to receiving an instructional certification. Establishes regulations and guidelines to be adopted by PHEAA. Outlines reporting requirements. Adds that PHEAA may retain a reasonable amount necessary to pay for direct costs to implement the program, not exceeding five percent from the funds appropriated to PHEAA. Adds PHEAA must include an estimate of costs to administer the program in its annual submissions. Makes related repeals. Effective in 90 days. (Prior Printer Number(s): 631) (PN 631) Amends the Public School Code, establishing the PA Teach Scholarship Program; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE); and making an appropriation. Adds further definitions. Establishes the PA Teach Scholarship Program within the agency. Provides for scholarship grants and requires the student to apply for federal Pell grants and state grants to cover the cost of attendance. Provides the order of financial aid. Provides for the eligibility requirements for a student. Provides for the amount of grants of up to $8,000 per academic year and allows for renewals. Provides application requirements and termination criteria. Provides for limitations and the awarding of grants on a first-come, first-served basis. Provides for the enforcement of the repayments by the agencies for students who do not comply with the requirements. Provides that the scholarship grants do not constitute taxable income. Provides for regulations created by the agency as necessary. Adds an annual reporting requirement. Appropriates $50 million from the general fund to the agency for the current fiscal year for the program. Effective in 90 days.
Introduced Date: 03/23/2023
Bill History:
03/23/2023 
H - Introduced
03/23/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
04/25/2023 
H - Reported as amended - House Education
04/25/2023 
H - First consideration
04/25/2023 
H - Laid on the table
04/26/2023 
H - Removed from table
05/01/2023 
H - Second consideration
05/01/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
05/02/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
05/02/2023 
H - Third consideration and final passage
05/15/2023 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
HB722 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools, for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.
Sponsor: Rep. Tarah Probst (D)
Summary: (PN 871) Amends the Public School Code further providing for funding for charter schools. Provides for the 2022-23 school year and each school year thereafter, for special education students, the charter school shall receive for each student an amount which shall be paid by the district or residence of each student to be determined by the formula provided in the legislation. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 04/12/2023
Bill History:
04/12/2023 
H - Introduced
04/12/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB723 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in charter schools, providing for invoices for special education services.
Sponsor: Rep. Tarah Probst (D)
Summary: (PN 872) Amends the Public School Code, in charter schools, providing each charter school, regional charter school and cyber charter school that provides special education services for a student and seeks payments for special education services shall provide the school district of residence of the student an invoice specifying the special education services actually provided to the student and the cost of providing special education services along with any documentation required by the school district of residence. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 04/12/2023
Bill History:
04/12/2023 
H - Introduced
04/12/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB732 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, providing for mascot transition grants; and establishing the Mascot Grant Fund.
Sponsor: Rep. Christopher M. Rabb (D)
Summary: (PN 675) Amends the Public School Code, providing for mascot transition grants; and establishing the Mascot Grant Fund. Adds definitions. Establishes the Mascot Grant Fund in the State Treasury and appropriates $1 million of the department's appropriation from the general fund to the Mascot Grant Fund. Provides grant amounts of up to $20,000 for eligible institutions which have an American Indian mascot as of the effective date of this section and voluntarily discontinue the mascot. Outlines the use of the grant money to offset the costs associated with the discontinued use of an American Indian mascot. Allows the department to generate regulations as necessary for the administration of the fund. Provides for an application process and outlines the eligibility criteria. Allows the department to consult the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, Office of Advocacy and Reform or other commonwealth agency for legal, administrative or cultural guidance to school entities applying for mascot grants. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/28/2023
Bill History:
03/28/2023 
H - Introduced
03/28/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB755 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school health services, providing for portable airway clearance devices.
Sponsor: Rep. Timothy R. Bonner (R)
Summary: (PN 3215) Amends the Public School Code, in school health services, providing for portable airway clearance devices. Provides that beginning with the school year 2024-2025 and each school year after, each school entity must provide at least one portable airway clearance device in the cafeteria and in the office of the school nurse, placed in an unlocked and easily accessible location. Stipulates that the location must have an appropriate identifying sign. Establishes that each school must develop a policy for the use of the device, including required training in airway management for professional employees employed by the school. Stipulates that the policy shall be made available on the school entity's publicly accessible website. Provides that a school may seek federal funding or other sources of funding to comply with the requirements. Establishes that within 60 days of the effective date, the Department of Education (PDE) in consultation with the Department of Health (DOH) shall provide technical assistance and resources and publish information on PDE's website regarding the use of a portable airway clearance device. Defines “portable airway clearance device” or “device” and “school entity.” Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number(s): 704) (PN 704) Amends the Public School Code, in school health services, providing for portable airway clearance devices. Provides that beginning with the school year 2023-2024 and each school year after, each school entity must provide at least one portable airway clearance device in the cafeteria and in the office of the school nurse, placed in an unlocked and easily accessible location. The location must have an appropriate identifying sign. Establishes that each school must develop a policy for the use of the device, including required training in airway management for professional employees employed by the school. The policy shall be made available on the school entity's publicly accessible website. Provides that a school may seek federal funding or other sources of funding to comply with the requirements. Establishes that within 60 days of the effective date, the Department of Education (PDE) in consultation with the Department of Health (DOH) shall provide technical assistance, resources and publish information on PDE's website regarding the use of a portable airway clearance device. Defines portable airway clearance device or device and school entity. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 03/28/2023
Bill History:
03/28/2023 
H - Introduced
03/28/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
06/03/2024 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 06/03/2024 - Voting Meeting (House Education), Room 515, Irvis Office Building
06/03/2024 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee as Amended - House Education
06/03/2024 
H - Reported as amended - House Education
06/03/2024 
H - First consideration
06/03/2024 
H - Laid on the table
HB771 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for African-American and Latino history instruction.
Sponsor: Rep. Danilo Burgos (D)
Summary: (PN 720) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, providing for African American and Latino history instruction. Provides that the Department of Education must provide a model curriculum for African American and Latino history instruction no later than 12 months after the bill goes into effect. The bill provides that the model must be publicly accessible on the department's internet website including any resources used for the development of the model for school entities. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/30/2023
Bill History:
03/30/2023 
H - Introduced
03/30/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB779 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for Asian-American and Pacific Islander history instruction.
Sponsor: Rep. Patty Kim (D)
Summary: (PN 728) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, provides the Department of Education shall develop a model curriculum for students in K-12 on Asian-American and Pacific Islander history. Provides a definition for school entity. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 03/30/2023
Bill History:
03/30/2023 
H - Introduced
03/30/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
05/20/2024 
H - Press Conference Held
HB795 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, providing for the Building Opportunity Through Out-of-School Time Grant Program; establishing the Building Opportunity Through Out-of-School Time Fund; and making an appropriation.
Sponsor: Rep. Mike H. Schlossberg (D)
Summary: (PN 755) Amends the Public School Code, providing for Building Opportunity Through Out-of-School Time Grant Program within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Provides definitions for at-risk school-age youth, commission, committee, community-based nonprofit organization, department, eligible provider, fund, library, out-of-school time programming, program, qualified 501(c)(3) organization, school entity, school-age youth, and statewide youth-serving nonprofit. Provides for the establishment of a committee for the administration and oversight of the grant program; the commission shall be comprised of state officials and mental health professionals and school officials appointed by the governor. The first meeting shall be held no later than 30 days after the effective date. Establishes the grant program to expand out-of-school time programming opportunities for school-age youth; the committee shall develop applications for the grant program, paying mind to promote diversity; outlines limitations on usage of the grant funds, and providers may use grant funds for administrative costs. A fund is established within the State Treasury for the purposes of receiving and accruing money for the grant program and use by the commission; grants shall be awarded no later than March 1, 2023, for out-of-school time programming. The committee shall ensure applicants are informed if they are awarded funds, prioritize who receives funds, serve the highest percentage of at-risk youth, reduce barriers to access, and direct the money appropriately; the committee shall provide guidance, training, and technical assistance along with the grant funds; the commission shall also conduct audits of the grant program, mainly to examine the effectiveness of the program. A registry of eligible providers administering funds from the grant program shall be provided by the commission. $50,000,000 is appropriated from the General Fund for the 2022-2023 fiscal year for the purposes of the grant program. Effective July 1, 2022, or immediately, whichever is later.
Introduced Date: 04/03/2023
Bill History:
04/03/2023 
H - Introduced
04/03/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB798 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in certification of teachers, further providing for continuing professional development; providing for access to advanced placement courses for all students; establishing the Advanced Placement Teacher Training Program; and imposing duties on the Department of Education and on school entities.
Sponsor: Rep. Robert W. Mercuri (R)
Summary: (PN 758) Amends the Public School Code, further providing for continuing professional development; providing for access to advanced placement courses for all students and establishing the Advanced Placement Teacher Training Program. Adds Article XVII-E entitled "access to Advanced Placement Courses for All Students" and establishes the Advanced Placement Teacher Training Program to train teachers in eligible school entities to teach Advanced Placement courses in core academic areas. Provides for the requirements included within the application for an eligible school entity to receive funding from the program. Directs the Department of Education (PDE) to issue a report to the General Assembly on the program. Further provides PDE shall allocate money to certified teacher training entities based on teacher attendance upon completion of the training program to the extent money is available for the program. Allows funding to be made from federal funds and annual appropriations to PDE for the purpose of the program or private sources, further providing for priorities and the training funding range. Effective immediately. (PN 758) Amends the Public School Code, further providing for continuing professional development; providing for access to advanced placement courses for all students and establishing the Advanced Placement Teacher Training Program. Adds Article XVII-E entitled "access to Advanced Placement Courses for All Students" and establishes the Advanced Placement Teacher Training Program to train teachers in eligible school entities to teach Advanced Placement courses in core academic areas. Provides for the requirements included within the application for an eligible school entity to receive funding from the program. Directs the Department of Education (PDE) to issue a report to the General Assembly on the program. Further provides PDE shall allocate money to certified teacher training entities based on teacher attendance upon completion of the training program to the extent money is available for the program. Allows funding to be made from federal funds, annual appropriations to PDE for the purpose of the program or private sources, further providing for priorities and the training funding range. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 04/03/2023
Bill History:
04/03/2023 
H - Introduced
04/03/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB799 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school health services, providing for menstrual hygiene products.
Sponsor: Rep. Danielle Friel Otten (D)
Summary: (PN 759) Amends the Public School Code, in school health services, providing for menstrual hygiene products. Requires schools serving students in sixth grade to 12th grade to make menstrual hygiene products available at no cost in each bathroom in the school building. Provides that Section 2 and Section 1426(c) shall take effect immediately with the remainder of the act taking effect in 120 days. (PN 759) Amends the Public School Code, in school health services, providing for menstrual hygiene products. Requires schools serving students in sixth grade to twelfth grade to make menstrual hygiene products available at no cost in each bathroom in the school building. Provides that Section 2 and Section 1426(c) shall take effect immediately with the remainder of the act taking effect in 120 days.
Introduced Date: 04/03/2023
Bill History:
04/03/2023 
H - Introduced
04/03/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB823 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, further providing for dates and times of school terms and sessions and commencement.
Sponsor: Rep. Jose Giral (D)
Summary: (PN 780) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, further providing for dates and times of school terms and sessions and commencement to specify the beginning of a school term for students shall not commence any earlier than Labor Day, unless the school district is not on a year-round calendar or if it receives approval to open for a major construction or renovation or a natural disaster. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 04/03/2023
Bill History:
04/03/2023 
H - Introduced
04/03/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB824 - An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in other required equipment, further providing for general requirements for school buses.
Sponsor: Rep. Jose Giral (D)
Summary: (PN 781) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in other required equipment, further providing for general requirements for school buses to require, by July 1, 2024, every school bus to have a video monitoring system. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 04/03/2023
Bill History:
04/03/2023 
H - Introduced
04/03/2023 
H - Referred to - House Transportation
HB827 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, providing for Delayed Payment Plan Program; establishing the Delayed Payment Plan Program Fund; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.
Sponsor: Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski (D)
Summary: (PN 789) Amends the Public School Code to provide for the Delayed Payment Plan Program (program) to allow the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to enter into an income share agreement with a student accepted for enrollment at any of the 15 Pennsylvania state community colleges or the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology beginning with the 2023-2024 academic year. Outlines eligibility requirements for the program. Imposes powers and duties upon PHEAA. Establishes the Delayed Payment Plan Program Fund (fund) within the State Treasury from which income share agreement money shall be disbursed to program administrators through the PHEAA. Requires PHEAA to submit a report on the program's operation no later than March 1, 2025. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 04/03/2023
Bill History:
04/03/2023 
H - Introduced
04/03/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB896 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in the State Board of Education, further providing for membership.
Sponsor: Rep. Jesse Topper (R)
Summary: (PN 879) Amends the Public School Code, in the State Board of Education, increasing board membership to 25 members. Provides 12 board members shall also serve as members of the Council of Basic Education and 12 board members shall also serve as a member of the Council of Higher Education. Increases quorums to provide for increased membership. Provides at least two members serving on the Council of Basic Education shall be parents of children enrolled in a public school entity in the commonwealth, and at least one shall be a parent of a child enrolled in a charter school or cyber charter school. At least two members serving on the Council of Higher Education shall be parents of students enrolled in a postsecondary institution in the commonwealth. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 04/12/2023
Bill History:
04/12/2023 
H - Introduced
04/12/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1046 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in educational tax credits, further providing for school participation in program.
Sponsor: Rep. Jessica Benham (D)
Summary: (PN 1060) Amends the Public School Code, in educational tax credits, further providing for school participation in program. Indicates the participating nonpublic school shall have a written policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 04/28/2023
Bill History:
04/28/2023 
H - Introduced
04/28/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1067 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in professional employees, further providing for qualifications; and, in certification of teachers, further providing for State certificates.
Sponsor: Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz (D)
Summary: (PN 1086) Amends the Public School Code, in professional employees, providing that the U.S. citizenship requirement may be waived for teachers holding valid immigration work authorization documentation; and, in certification of teachers, providing that the U.S. citizenship requirement may be waived for teachers holding valid immigration work authorization documentation. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 04/28/2023
Bill History:
04/28/2023 
H - Introduced
04/28/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
06/06/2023 
H - Reported as committed - House Education
06/06/2023 
H - First consideration
06/06/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Rules
06/12/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Rules
06/12/2023 
H - Second consideration
06/12/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
06/13/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
06/26/2023 
H - Third consideration and final passage
06/30/2023 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
10/30/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 06/06/2023 - Education (H) (House Education)
HB1076 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, providing for school building closure requirements.
Sponsor: Rep. Regina G. Young (D)
Summary: (PN 1103) Amends the Public School Code, in pupils and attendance, to provide for school building closure requirements. Establishes that a notice of a school entity's closure of a school for any reason must be provided by the authorizing entity to the Department of Education (PDE). Directs PDE to notify the school entity and the authorizing entity if it is aware of any liabilities the school entity owes the commonwealth or any other entities, including overpayment of tuition, unpaid revolving fund loans or grants or other liabilities. Allows PDE to ask the Auditor General or city controller of a city of the first class to conduct an audit of the school entity if PDE has reason to believe the school entity received state funding for which it was not eligible. Provides the notice of a school entity shall include financial assets, liabilities and an assessment of the disposition of any restricted funds received by or due to the school entity. Provides for a dissolved foundation if a school entity is supported by the nonprofit foundation and the foundation does not have any other functions than operation of the school entity. Requires the school entity to notify parents of the planned closure, along with instructions on how to transfer students to another school district, and ensures the community and stakeholders are informed by a public announcement so that they can adequately respond to potential closure. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 05/02/2023
Bill History:
05/02/2023 
H - Introduced
05/02/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1084 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school health services, providing for school access to bronchodilators.
Sponsor: Rep. Carol Hill-Evans (D)
Summary: (PN 3216) Amends the Public School Code, in school health services, to provide for school access to bronchodilators, requiring a school entity to authorize a school nurse and a trained school employee to provide or administer a bronchodilator that meets the prescription on file for an authorized student. Allows a school entity to implement a reporting system to notify a student’s parent or guardian and health care practitioner when a bronchodilator has been administered. Confers responsibilities upon school entities relating to providing or administering a bronchodilator. Provides definitions for “asthma,” “bronchodilator,” “respiratory distress,” “school entity” and “trained school employe.” Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1111) (PN 1111) Amends the Public School Code, in school health services, providing for school access to bronchodilators to allow a school entity to authorize a school nurse or a trained school employee to provide or administer a bronchodilator that meets the prescription on file for an authorized student. Confers responsibilities upon school entities relating to providing or administering a bronchodilator. Provides definitions for asthma, bronchodilator, respiratory distress, school entity and trained school employe. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 05/02/2023
Bill History:
05/02/2023 
H - Introduced
05/02/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
06/03/2024 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 06/03/2024 - Voting Meeting (House Education), Room 515, Irvis Office Building
06/03/2024 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee as Amended - House Education
06/03/2024 
H - Reported as amended - House Education
06/03/2024 
H - First consideration
06/03/2024 
H - Laid on the table
HB1094 (Chapter 24) - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, providing for military child advance enrollment.
Sponsor: Rep. Brian Munroe (D)
Summary: (PN 1306) Amends the Public School Code, in pupils and attendance, to provide a school district shall develop a policy or revise existing policy on enrollment of students to allow a child whose parent or legal guardian is an active duty member of the armed forces, including reserves, and has received official military orders to transfer into or within the commonwealth to enroll in the school district prior to establishing residency. A parent or legal guardian must provide the school district proof of residence in the school district no later than 45 days after the arrival date specified in the military orders. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number(s): 1142) (PN 1142) Amends the Public School Code, in pupils and attendance, to provide a school district shall develop a policy or revise existing policy on enrollment of students to allow a child whose parent or legal guardian is an active duty member of the armed forces, including reserves, and has received official military orders to transfer into or within the commonwealth to enroll in the school district prior to establishing residency. A parent or legal guardian must provide the school district proof of residence in the school district no later than 10 days after the arrival date specified in the military orders. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 05/03/2023
Bill History:
05/03/2023 
H - Introduced
05/03/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
05/22/2023 
H - Reported as committed - House Education
05/22/2023 
H - First consideration
05/22/2023 
H - Laid on the table
05/22/2023 
H - Removed from table
05/23/2023 
H - Second consideration, with amendments
05/23/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
05/24/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
05/24/2023 
H - Third consideration and final passage
06/02/2023 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
06/27/2023 
S - Reported as committed - Senate Education
06/27/2023 
S - First consideration
06/28/2023 
S - Second consideration
06/28/2023 
S - Re-referred to - Senate Appropriations
10/21/2023 
S - Meeting Scheduled - 10/23/2023 - APPROPRIATIONS (S) (Senate Appropriations), Rules Committee Conference Room
10/23/2023 
S - Re-reported as committed - Senate Appropriations
10/25/2023 
S - Third consideration and final passage 
10/30/2023 
H - Signed in House
11/01/2023 
S - Signed in Senate
11/01/2023 
G - Presented to the Governor
11/06/2023 
G - Approved by the Governor - Act 24
HB1097 (Chapter 25) - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for moment of silence on September 11 anniversary.
Sponsor: Rep. James Haddock (D)
Summary: (PN 1288) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, providing for moment of silence on the anniversary of 9/11 in each school entity. Directs the Department of Education (PDE) to identify a model curriculum for instruction on the events and significance of Sept. 11, 2001, no later than 12 months after the effective date. Specifies the information required in the model curriculum. Provides PDE shall make curriculum materials and other resources available on its website. Establishes nothing in the act shall be construed to require a school entity or nonpublic school to implement, adopt or use the curriculum, materials and other resources made available by PDE. Provides a definition for school entity. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number(s): 1156) (PN 1156) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, providing for moment of silence on Sept. 11 anniversary in each school entity. Directs the Department of Education (PDE) to establish a model curriculum for instruction on the events and significance of Sept. 11, 2001, no later than 12 months after the effective date. Specifies the information required in the model curriculum. Provides PDE shall make curriculum materials and other resources available on its website. Establishes nothing in the act shall be construed to require a school entity or nonpublic school to implement, adopt or use the curriculum, materials and other resources made available by PDE. Provides a definition for school entity. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 05/05/2023
Bill History:
05/05/2023 
H - Introduced
05/05/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
05/22/2023 
H - Reported as amended - House Education
05/22/2023 
H - First consideration
05/22/2023 
H - Laid on the table
05/23/2023 
H - Removed from table
05/24/2023 
H - Second consideration
05/24/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
06/05/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
06/05/2023 
H - Third consideration and final passage
06/06/2023 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
05/06/2024 
S - Meeting Scheduled - 05/07/2024, 12:30 PM - Voting Meeting (Senate Education), Room 8E-B, East Wing
05/07/2024 
S - Reported as committed - Senate Education
05/07/2024 
S - First consideration
05/08/2024 
S - Second consideration
05/08/2024 
S - Re-referred to - Senate Appropriations
05/31/2024 
S - Meeting Scheduled - 06/03/2024 - Voting Meeting (Senate Appropriations), Rules Committee Conference Room
06/03/2024 
S - Re-reported as committed - Senate Appropriations
06/05/2024 
S - Laid out for discussion
06/05/2024 
S - Third consideration and final passage
06/10/2024 
H - Signed in House
06/11/2024 
S - Signed in Senate
06/11/2024 
G - Presented to the Governor
06/17/2024 
G - Approved by the Governor - Act 25
HB1110 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, further providing for exceptional children and education and training.
Sponsor: Rep. Valerie S. Gaydos (R)
Summary: (PN 1166) Amends the Public School Code, in pupils and attendance, further providing for exceptional children and education and training to require, by Dec. 31, 2023, and each year thereafter, each school district to compile information listing the number of children of exceptionalities. Abrogates certain regulations. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 05/05/2023
Bill History:
05/05/2023 
H - Introduced
05/05/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1198 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, providing for attendance at intermediate units.
Sponsor: Rep. John A. Lawrence (R)
Summary: (PN 1269) Amends the Public School Code, in pupils and attendance, providing for attendance at intermediate units to require intermediate units to establish an attendance policy designed to accurately determine attendance for a child enrolled in a school district and who receives a portion of the child's education from the intermediate unit. Policies shall address how the intermediate unit coordinates with the school district to address truant and habitually truant children and participates in the school improvement conference. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 05/19/2023
Bill History:
05/19/2023 
H - Introduced
05/19/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1203 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in grounds and buildings, providing for automated external defibrillator placement, inspection, maintenance and plan; in school health services, further providing for automatic external defibrillators; and, in charter schools, further providing for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.
Sponsor: Rep. Christina D. Sappey (D)
Summary: (PN 1273) Amends the Public School Code, in grounds and buildings, providing for automated external defibrillator placement (AED), inspection, maintenance and plan to require each K-12 school building or facility where children attend school or participate in school-sponsored activities to have at least one AED placed in a central location that is accessible for use. in school health services, further providing for automatic external defibrillators to specify references to AEDs. Inserts and amends definitions. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 05/19/2023
Bill History:
05/19/2023 
H - Introduced
05/19/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1204 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school health services, further providing for sudden cardiac arrest and electrocardiogram testing.
Sponsor: Rep. Christina D. Sappey (D)
Summary: (PN 1274) Amends the Public School Code, in school health services, further providing for sudden cardiac arrest and electrocardiogram testing to require coaches of athletic activity to be yearly certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 05/19/2023
Bill History:
05/19/2023 
H - Introduced
05/19/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1214 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, further providing for exceptional children, education and training.
Sponsor: Rep. Tarah Probst (D)
Summary: (PN 1290) Amends the Public School Code, in pupils and attendance, provides that school entities shall provide a copy of the initial evaluation to determine whether a child is a child with a disability under federal law to the parents of the child no later than sixty school days after the school entity receives parental consent for the evaluation. Provides an exemption for charter and cyber charter schools. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 05/22/2023
Bill History:
05/22/2023 
H - Introduced
05/22/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1258 (Chapter 52) - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for calculation of average daily membership for a dual credit course.
Sponsor: Rep. Stephen Kinsey (D)
Summary: (PN 2434) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, providing each high school student who is enrolled in a dual credit course through an agreement entered under the act. Requires the Department of Education to issue a data report on the provisions’ enactment to the General Assembly by September 1, 2024. The change shall take effect July 1, 2023. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number(s): 1368, 1768) (PN 1768) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, providing each high school student who is enrolled in a dual credit course through an agreement entered into under the act. Requires the Department of Education to issue a data report on the provisions’ enactment to the General Assembly. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number(s): 1368) (PN 1368) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, providing each high school student who is enrolled in a dual credit course through an institution of higher education and who does not leave their school entity during the school day to attend the dual credit course may be included in the school entity's average daily membership. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 05/24/2023
Bill History:
05/24/2023 
H - Introduced
05/24/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
06/28/2023 
H - Reported as amended - House Education
06/28/2023 
H - First consideration
06/28/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Rules
08/21/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled
09/22/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Rules
09/22/2023 
H - Laid on the table
09/22/2023 
H - Removed from table
09/22/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Rules
10/03/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Rules
10/03/2023 
H - Second consideration
10/03/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
10/04/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
10/04/2023 
H - Third consideration and final passage
10/13/2023 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
10/24/2023 
S - Meeting Scheduled - 10/24/2023, 11:30 AM - EDUCATION (S) (Senate Education), Room 8E-A East Wing (LIVE STREAMED)
10/24/2023 
S - Reported as committed - Senate Education
10/24/2023 
S - First consideration
10/25/2023 
S - Second consideration
10/25/2023 
S - Re-referred to - Senate Appropriations
12/11/2023 
S - Meeting Scheduled - 12/12/2023, 1:30 PM - Off the Floor Voting Meeting (Senate Appropriations), Rules Committee Conference Room
12/12/2023 
S - Voted Favorably From Committee - Senate Appropriations
12/12/2023 
S - Re-reported as committed - Senate Appropriations
12/12/2023 
S - Laid out for discussion
12/12/2023 
S - Amended
12/13/2023 
S - Laid out for discussion
12/13/2023 
S - Third consideration and final passage 
12/13/2023 
H - Received as amended in the House and referred to - House Rules
12/13/2023 
H - Re-reported on concurrence, as committed - House Rules
12/13/2023 
H - Laid out for discussion
12/13/2023 
H - House concurred in Senate amendments 
12/13/2023 
H - Signed in House
12/13/2023 
S - Signed in Senate
12/14/2023 
G - Presented to the Governor
12/14/2023 
G - Approved by the Governor - Act 52
HB1260 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in safe schools, providing for school safety blueprint requirement.
Sponsor: Rep. Scott Conklin (D)
Summary: (PN 1370) Amends the Public School Code, in safe schools, establishing a school entity shall provide the Pennsylvania State Police or municipal police department that has jurisdiction over the school entity with current blueprints for each building of the school entity and provide updated blueprints as changes are made to the building layout. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 05/24/2023
Bill History:
05/24/2023 
H - Introduced
05/24/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1262 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for supplemental mathematics program for grades kindergarten through five.
Sponsor: Rep. Robert Freeman (D)
Summary: (PN 1371) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, providing for supplemental mathematics programs for grades kindergarten through five. Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, the Department of Education must select a mathematics program for kindergarten through fifth grade learners that demonstrate experience in teaching mathematics, functions as a flexible supplemental resource, and provides a mathematics program designed to strengthen critical skills in mathematics and includes in-class demonstrations, modeling, and coaching support to assist all students. The department will upload the mathematics program on its publicly accessible website and establish criteria for a school to measure mathematic outcomes. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 05/24/2023
Bill History:
05/24/2023 
H - Introduced
05/24/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1269 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, prohibiting the integration of culturally relevant and sustaining education into education preparation, induction and continuing professional development programs; and abrogating regulations.
Sponsor: Rep. Barbara Gleim (R)
Summary: (PN 1386) Amends Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, prohibiting the integration of culturally relevant and sustaining education into education preparation, induction and continuing professional development programs. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 05/31/2023
Bill History:
05/31/2023 
H - Introduced
05/31/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1286 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, providing for shared table school nutrition initiative.
Sponsor: Rep. Robert E. Merski (D)
Summary: (PN 1404) Amends the Public School Code, in pupils and attendance, providing for shared table school nutrition initiative. Provides guidelines for districts implementing the Shared Table School Nutrition Initiative. Provides districts should work alongside the State Board of Education to implement consistent rules and regulations. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 06/01/2023
Bill History:
06/01/2023 
H - Introduced
06/01/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1293 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in safe schools, further providing for policy relating to bullying.
Sponsor: Rep. Jennifer O'Mara (D)
Summary: (PN 3502) Amends the Public School Code, in safe schools, further providing for policy relating to bullying. Requires the policy to include mechanisms to notify parents and legal guardians of children involved in a bullying or cyberbullying incident within five days of the incident. Asserts that a school entity’s notification to a parent about an incident or a report of bullying, cyberbullying or retaliation must comply with 20 U.S.C. § 1232G (relating to family educational and privacy rights) and 34 CFR PT. 99 (relating to family educational rights and privacy). Defines “bullying,” “cyberbullying” and “school setting” for the purposes of this article. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number(s): 1410) (PN 1410) Amends the Public School Code, in safe schools, further providing for policy relating to bullying. Requires policies to include mechanisms to notify parents and legal guardians of schoolchildren involved in a bullying incident. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 06/01/2023
Bill History:
06/01/2023 
H - Introduced
06/01/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
07/01/2024 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 07/01/2024 - Voting Meeting (House Education), Room 60, East Wing
07/01/2024 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee - House Education
07/01/2024 
H - Reported as committed - House Education
07/01/2024 
H - First consideration
07/01/2024 
H - Re-committed to - House Rules
07/08/2024 
H - Placed on HVS
07/10/2024 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 07/10/2024 - Voting Meeting (House Rules), Room 140, Main Capitol
07/10/2024 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee  - House Rules
07/10/2024 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Rules
07/10/2024 
H - Laid out for discussion
07/10/2024 
H - Second consideration, with amendments 
07/10/2024 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
07/10/2024 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 07/11/2024 - Voting Meeting (House Appropriations), Room 140, Main Capitol
07/11/2024 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee  - House Appropriations
07/11/2024 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
07/11/2024 
H - Laid out for discussion
07/11/2024 
H - Third consideration and final passage 
07/12/2024 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
HB1309 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, providing for Pennsylvania student journalism protection; and abrogating regulations.
Sponsor: Rep. Melissa L. Shusterman (D)
Summary: (PN 1435) Amends the Public School Code, providing for Pennsylvania student journalism protection; and abrogating all regulations and parts of regulations insofar as they are inconsistent with the addition of this article of the act. Establishes an article relating to the provision of free speech rights for student journalists in school media. Provides definitions. Provides for policies in free speech rights for student journalists, as well as unauthorized expression and prior restraint prohibited. Establishes limitations on school officials and school entities. Provides for school-sponsored media programs. Provides protections for student-media advisors. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 06/05/2023
Bill History:
06/05/2023 
H - Introduced
06/05/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
04/29/2024 
H - Discussed during informational meeting - House Education
HB1310 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in professional employees, providing for educator data collection and reporting; and making an editorial change.
Sponsor: Rep. Napoleon J. Nelson (D)
Summary: (PN 1436) Amends the Public School Code, in professional employees, providing for educator data collection and reporting; and making an editorial change. Requires school entities to annually submit data regarding the number of vacant positions and the number of teachers on emergency permits. Requires the department to consult with the Committee on Education Talent Recruitment and educational researchers in the development of public dashboards related to the educator workforce. Provides a timeline for providing the committee and designated researchers with a comprehensive list of data elements related to the educator workforce. Provides a timeline for the department to determine appropriate evidence-based indicators to be included in the dashboards. Provides a timeline for the publication of a public dashboard with educator workforce data on an educator workforce page or index of the department’s Internet website. Requires the department to continue to consult with the committee and educational researchers no less than every six months for dashboard updates, to be provided no less than once per year. Lists the data to be displayed on the dashboards. Allows the department to contract with an outside organization with expertise in data analytics and visualization for the administration of the dashboards. Allows the department to provide financial assistance to school entities to promote compliance. Requires the department to issue a report on the commonwealth’s educator workforce within six months of the effective date and annually thereafter. Lists the data to be included on the report. Provides definitions. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 06/05/2023
Bill History:
06/05/2023 
H - Introduced
06/05/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1312 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in high schools, providing for free application for Federal student aid and graduation requirements.
Sponsor: Rep. Melissa Cerrato (D)
Summary: (PN 1438) Amends the Public School Code, in high schools, providing for free application for Federal student aid and graduation requirements. Provides what a student must do beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, in addition to any other graduation requirement provided by law or regulation, as a prerequisite to a student receiving a high school diploma from a public high school, the parent or guardian of the student or if the student is at least 18 years of age or legally emancipated. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 06/05/2023
Bill History:
06/05/2023 
H - Introduced
06/05/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1331 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in preliminary provisions, providing for public job posting database, for instructional vacancy data and for data transparency; and establishing the Educator Pipeline Support Grant Program.
Sponsor: Rep. Danielle Friel Otten (D)
Summary: (PN 1467) Amends the Public School Code, in preliminary provisions, to direct the Department of Education (PDE) to establish and provide for a public job posting database. Provides definitions for the act. Provides for PDE-required instructional vacancy data. Outlines data transparency, directing PDE to post on its website data related to the educator workforce. Further provides for data transparency. Establishes the Educator Pipeline Support Grant Program (program) within the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (agency) and specifies the duties of the agency. Provides for application form, a $10,000 minimum grant amount a student teacher shall receive, and additional grant amounts for certain industries. Specifies the agency shall administer the program and may accept funding from public and private sources, including the federal government, for payment of grants. Provides for additional duties of the agency. Details the dissemination of information. Directs the agency to establish a method for paying grant awards under the program to a school entity or nonpublic school. Provides for administrative fee. Specifies eligibility criteria. Provides for construction and limitations in eligibility. Provides the agency shall prepare and submit a report on the program to the governor, Secretary of Education and General Assembly no later than Dec. 31, 2024, and each Dec. 31 thereafter. Further provides for the coordination of the report. Provides for data collection, including student teaching placement data. Provides for miscellaneous provisions, including institutions of higher education and credit. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 06/06/2023
Bill History:
06/06/2023 
H - Introduced
06/06/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
06/13/2023 
H - Reported as amended - House Education
06/13/2023 
H - First consideration
06/13/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Rules
06/21/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Rules
06/21/2023 
H - Second consideration, with amendments
06/21/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
06/22/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
06/22/2023 
H - Third consideration and final passage
06/30/2023 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
04/10/2024 
H - Press Conference Held
HB1337 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school health services, further providing for dental examinations and dental hygiene services.
Sponsor: Rep. Kyle Donahue (D)
Summary: (PN 1483) Amends the Public School Code, in school health services, further providing for dental examinations and dental hygiene services to provide for dental hygiene screening for all school age children in the state. Provides that a school district or joint school board may use a public health dental hygiene practitioner to satisfy the requirements of the act. Provides a definition for public health dental hygiene practitioner. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 06/07/2023
Bill History:
06/07/2023 
H - Introduced
06/07/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1350 - An Act establishing the Behavioral Welfare Educational Loan Lenience Program; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.
Sponsor: Rep. Kristine C. Howard (D)
Summary: (PN 1492) The Behavioral Welfare Educational Loan Lenience Program (BWELL) Act imposes duties on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Specifies definitions. Establishes the program within the agency and provides for qualifications, program components and limitations. Provides for tuition payment awards, tax applicability and student financial aid. Details requirements, contents and submittal for annual report. Provides for funding by the General Assembly. Establishes responsibility of the agency. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 06/07/2023
Bill History:
06/07/2023 
H - Introduced
06/07/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1367 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school health services, providing for mental health awareness for student athletes, parents, guardians and coaches.
Sponsor: Rep. Mary Jo Daley (D)
Summary: (PN 3211) Amends the Public School Code, in school health services, providing for student mental health awareness. Requires the State Board of Education to review the existing state standards for health, safety and physical education at 22 PA. Code Ch. 4 and revise the standards as necessary to address student mental health awareness. Directs the Department of Education (PDE) and the Department of Health (DOH) to jointly develop or identify a model curriculum and a list of education materials which a school entity or nonpublic school may use in order to provide mental health awareness education. Further provides for the model curriculum. Requires a school entity to notify its students, their parents or guardians, athletic staff and extracurricular advisors twice each year of mental health services available within the school entity or within the community in which the school entity is located and how students and their parents or guardians may access the services. Provides for if a student is injured or suddenly stops attending a school-sponsored athletic or extracurricular activity. Directs the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association to review the existing coaching education requirements for coaches engaged at a member school and revise the required educational courses for training of coaches to include student mental health awareness beginning in the 2025-26 school year within 90 days of the effective date of this section. Stipulates the training shall, at a minimum, incorporate the training standards adopted by the school safety and security committee. Provides that a student’s parent or guardian, or an emancipated student, shall complete all parts of the report of examination form prior to presenting the form to a health care provider. Requires the Secretary of Health to review the report of examination within 90 days of the effective date of this section, updating the form as necessary and posting the updated form to the department’s website. Defines “school entity” and “student assistance program” as used in this section. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number(s): 1521, 3071) (PN 3071) Amends the Public School Code, in school health services, providing for student mental health awareness. Strikes all said language added to the act. Requires the State Board of Education to review the existing state standards for health, safety and physical education at 22 PA. Code Ch. 4 and revise the standards as necessary to address student mental health awareness within 180 days of the effective date of section 1426. Directs the Department of Education (PDE) and the Department of Health (DOH) to jointly develop or identify a model curriculum and a list of education materials which a school entity or nonpublic school may use in order to provide mental health awareness education. Further provides for the model curriculum. Requires a school entity to notify its students, their parents or guardians, athletic staff and extracurricular advisors twice each year of mental health services available within the school entity or within the community in which the school entity is located and how students and their parents or guardians may access the services. Provides for if a student’s participation in a school-sponsored athletic or extracurricular activity is interrupted. Directs the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association to review the existing coaching education requirements for coaches engaged at a member school and revise the required educational courses for training of coaches to include student mental health awareness beginning in the 2025-26 school year within 90 days of the effective date of this section. Provides that a student’s parent or guardian, or an emancipated student, shall complete all parts of the report of examination form prior to presenting the form to a health care provider. Requires the Secretary of Health to review the report of examination within 90 days of the effective date of this section, updating the form as necessary and posting the updated form to the department’s website. Defines “school entity” and “student assistance program” as used in this section. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number(s): 1521) (PN 1521) Amends the Public School Code, in school health services, providing for mental health awareness for student athletes, parents, guardians and coaches. Requires the Department of Health and Department of Education to develop materials to inform and educate students about athletic activity about the nature and warning signs of mental health distress, mental health illness and related issues. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 06/12/2023
Bill History:
06/12/2023 
H - Introduced
06/12/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
12/06/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 06/04/2024 - Voting Meeting (House Appropriations), Room 140, Main Capitol
01/11/2024 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 01/18/2024, 10:00 AM - Informational Meeting (House Education), Room 523, Irvis Office Building
01/11/2024 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 01/18/2024, 2:00 PM - Voting Meeting (House Education), Room 523, Irvis Office Building
01/17/2024 
H - Discussed during informational meeting - House Education
01/18/2024 
H - Passed over in committee - House Education
05/02/2024 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 05/07/2024 - Off the Floor (House Education), Room 60, East Wing
05/07/2024 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee as Amended - House Education
05/07/2024 
H - Reported as amended - House Education
05/07/2024 
H - First consideration
05/07/2024 
H - Laid on the table
05/20/2024 
H - Press Conference Held
05/22/2024 
H - Removed from table
06/03/2024 
H - Placed on HVS
06/03/2024 
H - Laid out for discussion
06/03/2024 
H - Second consideration, with amendments
06/03/2024 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
06/04/2024 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
06/04/2024 
H - Laid out for discussion
06/04/2024 
H - Third consideration and final passage
06/07/2024 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
HB1370 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, establishing the Pennsylvania Opportunity Pathways Program to distribute grants to in-need schools and underrepresented schools; providing for duties of Department of Community and Economic Development; and establishing the Pennsylvania Opportunity Pathways Program Fund.
Sponsor: Rep. Robert W. Mercuri (R)
Summary: (PN 1524) Amends the Public School Code, establishing the Pennsylvania Opportunity Pathways Program to distribute grants to in-need schools and underrepresented schools; providing for duties of Department of Community and Economic Development; and establishing the Pennsylvania Opportunity Pathways Program Fund. Establishes the Pennsylvania Opportunity Pathways Program, with definitions and provisions for the use of grants by in-need or underrepresented schools. Requires the department to establish eligibility criteria, written guidelines and an application process. Requires the department to review similar initiatives to produce a set of publicly available best practices and standards. Requires the department to ensure grant recipients comply with the best practices and standards. Provides for grant application requirements. Provides for technical assistance and review by the department, the latter to be conducted no later than 90 days following the receipt of an application with notice of determination provided to an applicant no later than 30 days following the department’s decision. Provides requirements for a grant recipient to document information regarding the use of a grant under the program to evaluate the success of the program. Requires a grant recipient to submit a report for each year he receives funding under the program. Requires the department to annually compile information regarding the number of applications received and the number and amount of grants awarded and provide the information on its publicly accessible Internet website and to the leaders of both the House and the Senate. Provides an application process, eligibility requirements and review standards for grant renewal, with restrictions. Establishes the Pennsylvania Opportunity Pathways Program Fund within the State Treasury with $500,000 transferred on an annual basis for program implementation. Provides limitations and requires the department to develop an outreach plan to inform in-need and underrepresented schools about the program. Allocates $5,000 of the $500,000 transfer towards the outreach plan’s implementation. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 06/12/2023
Bill History:
06/12/2023 
H - Introduced
06/12/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1372 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for proposed curriculum changes and online curriculum availability.
Sponsor: Rep. Kristin Marcell (R)
Summary: (PN 1276) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, providing for proposed curriculum changes and online curriculum availability. Provides guidelines for introducing proposed curriculum changes. Provides for a start time of the 2025-26 school year and each year thereafter. Requires a chief school administrator or a designee to implement the requirements under subsection b. Provides definitions for chief school administrator, primary resource and school entity. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 06/12/2023
Bill History:
06/12/2023 
H - Introduced
06/12/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1374 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for books and other educational resource materials.
Sponsor: Rep. Christopher M. Rabb (D)
Summary: (PN 1528) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, providing for books and other educational resource materials. Provides definitions for board, committee, department, institution of higher education, printed or audiovisual material, professor, protected characteristic, protected class, public school entity and qualified moderator. Provides authorization for the school board, by a majority vote and in compliance with sub-article requirements, to ban or restrict access to a book or other education resource material from a school library or require the inclusion or acquisition of said material. Requires a school board to establish an educational resource material review committee to engage in action under section 1562. Provides the committee should advise the school board in instituting policies in accordance with this sub-article and inform school communities about the materials being discussed. Requires the committee to include principals, directors of curricula, librarians and the superintendent or designee of the superintendent. Provides the committee can include other stakeholders like officers of school-recognized student groups. Requires the members of the committee to participate in general training developed in conjunction with certain organizations, offices and unions. Provides the committee must hold an initial meeting, but no more than two, to elect a chairperson and two co-chairpersons before any public hearings. Provides the meetings before a public hearing do not need to be open to the public. Introduces a form to be used for a board member to fill out if they seek to ban, restrict access to or require the inclusion or acquisition of a book or educational resource material. Provides the form should be posted on the department’s website. Provides for the contents of the form. Provides duties for the committee to perform regarding the form. Requires the completed form be accessible for inspection and duplication in accordance with the Right-to-Know Law. Requires the board member who filled out the form to sign a notarized attestation form and attach a receipt of where the material is located within the district. Provides the notarized attestation form will confirm the member has read the material in its entirety within the current calendar year. Requires the members of the committee to participate in specific training by a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education professor or a designee who has taught or written about the material in question. Provides the committee will provide a report containing the discussion of material brought to their attention. Establishes requirements for the details of the report and how it should be posted. Provides guidelines for when a public hearing should be held, who the moderator is and the presentation of the report. Provides specific duties of the proponent who brought the material forward including reading aloud excerpts and related information. Provides for a public response at the hearing. Establishes voting guidelines on the material at the public hearing. Requires a two-thirds majority vote for the ban, restriction, inclusion or acquisition. Provides constructive language pertaining to motions regarding the outcome of the vote. Provides the board may not remove or restrict access to any material due to the presence of characters, literary elements, themes, symbols or other literary content relating to protected classes or protected characteristics. Provides for the board’s review of standards and procedures relating to the removal or restriction of access to materials also including those involving sexual content or nudity, consistently free from viewpoint discrimination. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 06/12/2023
Bill History:
06/12/2023 
H - Introduced
06/12/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1395 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in certification of teachers, further providing for program of continuing professional and paraprofessional education.
Sponsor: Rep. Robert E. Merski (D)
Summary: (PN 1557) Amends the Public School Code, in certification of teachers, further providing for program of continuing professional and paraprofessional education to indicate professional educators not employed as a professional or temporary employee shall have a new five-year compliance period to complete the hours required to obtain inactive certification. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 06/13/2023
Bill History:
06/13/2023 
H - Introduced
06/13/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1396 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in certification of teachers, further providing for program of continuing professional and paraprofessional education.
Sponsor: Rep. Robert E. Merski (D)
Summary: (PN 1558) Amends the Public School Code, in certification of teachers, further providing for program of continuing professional and paraprofessional education to indicate that beginning July 8, 2023, or the effective date, whichever is later, each professional educator's current continuing professional education compliance period shall be extended by one year. Amendments shall expire one year from the effective date. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 06/13/2023
Bill History:
06/13/2023 
H - Introduced
06/13/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1408 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in grounds and buildings, further providing for limitation on new applications for Department of Education approval of public school building projects; and, in construction and renovation of buildings by school entities, further providing for definitions, for school construction and renovation approval process, for high-performance building standards, for maintenance program, for building condition assessments, for project reimbursement and for applicability.
Sponsor: Rep. Peter Schweyer (D)
Summary: (PN 1605) Amends the Public School Code, removing limitations on new applications for Department of Education (PDE) approval of public school building projects. Provides definitions for the act. Incorporates PlanCon into the school construction and renovation approval process. Establishes the Public School Facility Improvement Grants Program within the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support school entity improvement projects. Requires accessibility projects in improvement projects and further provides for the application process and grant awards. Effective July 1, 2023, or immediately, whichever is later.
Introduced Date: 06/16/2023
Bill History:
06/16/2023 
H - Introduced
06/16/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
06/21/2023 
H - Reported as committed - House Education
06/21/2023 
H - First consideration
06/21/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Rules
06/21/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Rules
06/22/2023 
H - Second consideration, with amendments
06/22/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
06/26/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
06/26/2023 
H - Third consideration and final passage
06/30/2023 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
HB1414 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, providing for use of geolocation system for attendance in cyber school program.
Sponsor: Rep. Alec J. Ryncavage (R)
Summary: (PN 1582) Amends the Public School Code, in pupils and attendance, providing for use of geolocation system for attendance in cyber school program to confirm attendance of its students, provides for a cyber school to establish a procedure for a parent or legal guardian of a student to request and obtain a temporary exception for the student from the geolocation system for a reasonable period of time, so long as the parent or legal guardian maintains residency within the school district. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 06/14/2023
Bill History:
06/14/2023 
H - Introduced
06/14/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1422 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in preliminary provisions, providing for advertising and sponsorships; in charter schools, further providing for definitions and for funding for charter schools, providing for funding for cyber charter schools, for cyber charter school requirements, for powers and composition of board of trustees and for educational management service providers, further providing for powers and duties of department and for assessment and evaluation, providing for annual reports and public reporting and for fund balance limits, further providing for cyber charter school requirements and prohibitions and for school district and intermediate unit responsibilities, providing for access to other schools' facilities, further providing for establishment of cyber charter school, providing for renewals, for charter amendments and for causes for nonrenewal, revocation or termination, further providing for State Charter School Appeal Board review, for cyber charter school application and for enrollment and notification, providing for enrollment parameters and for enrollee wellness checks and further providing for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.
Sponsor: Rep. Joe Ciresi (D)
Summary: (PN 1828) Amends the Public School Code, further providing for definitions and for funding for charter schools, providing for funding for cyber charter schools, for cyber charter school requirements, for powers and composition of board of trustees. Provides for advertising and sponsorships and specifies the term "public event" shall not include school-sponsored activities as defined in section 1318.1(J). Adds that a cyber charter school shall provide a minimum of 180 days of instruction or 900 hours per year of instruction at the elementary level or 990 hours per year of instruction at the secondary level in cyber charter school requirements section 1740-A. Provides for educational management service providers. Specifies powers and duties of the department, adding language further providing for an enrollment form. Provides for assessment and evaluation. Provides for annual reports and public reporting, further specifying that each cyber charter school shall submit an annual report no later than Aug.1 of each year to the department and local boards of school directors that have a student enrolled in the cyber charter school in the form prescribed by the department and details what shall apply to the report. Provides for fund balance limits, establishing cyber charter school total budget expenditures limits and estimated ending unassigned fund balance as percentage of total budgeted expenditures limits. Details cyber charter school requirements and prohibitions. Establishes school district and intermediate unit responsibilities, adding language to provide that an intermediate unit in which a student enrolled in a cyber charter school resides may not refuse to provide any service to a cyber charter school that requests services for a student. Provides for access to other schools' facilities. Details the establishment of cyber charter schools, stating attendance at a cyber charter school shall satisfy requirements for compulsory attendance and providing for a form developed by the department for a cyber school to report attendance on a weekly basis for the preceding week to the school district of residence. Specifies renewals and charter amendments. Further provides for causes for nonrenewal and revocation or termination to detail failure to meet standards and requirements. Provides for State Charter School Appeal Board review, detailing cyber charter school application and enrollment and notification. Provides for enrollment parameters and for enrollee wellness checks, adding language to provide for disability evaluation. Removes provisions relating to limitation. Establishes applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number(s): 1704, 1820) (PN 1820) Amends the Public School Code, further providing for definitions and for funding for charter schools, providing for funding for cyber charter schools, for cyber charter school requirements, for powers and composition of board of trustees. Provides for advertising and sponsorships and specifies the term "public event" shall not include school-sponsored activities as defined in section 1318.1(J). Adds that a cyber charter school shall provide a minimum of 180 days of instruction or 900 hours per year of instruction at the elementary level or 990 hours per year of instruction at the secondary level in cyber charter school requirements section 1740-A. Provides for educational management service providers. Specifies powers and duties of the department, adding language further providing for an enrollment form. Provides for assessment and evaluation. Provides for annual reports and public reporting, further specifying that each cyber charter school shall submit an annual report no later than Aug.1 of each year to the department and local boards of school directors that have a student enrolled in the cyber charter school in the form prescribed by the department and details what shall apply to the report. Provides for fund balance limits, establishing cyber charter school total budget expenditures limits and estimated ending unassigned fund balance as percentage of total budgeted expenditures limits. Details cyber charter school requirements and prohibitions. Establishes school district and intermediate unit responsibilities, adding language to provide that an intermediate unit in which a student enrolled in a cyber charter school resides may not refuse to provide any service to a cyber charter school that requests services for a student. Provides for access to other schools' facilities. Details the establishment of cyber charter schools, stating attendance at a cyber charter school shall satisfy requirements for compulsory attendance and providing for a form developed by the department for a cyber school to report attendance on a weekly basis for the preceding week to the school district of residence. Specifies renewals and charter amendments. Further provides for causes for nonrenewal and revocation or termination to detail failure to meet standards and requirements. Provides for State Charter School Appeal Board review, detailing cyber charter school application and enrollment and notification. Provides for enrollment parameters and for enrollee wellness checks, adding language to provide for disability evaluation and limitation. Establishes applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer's Number(s): 1704) (PN 1704) Amends the Public School Code, further providing for definitions and for funding for charter schools, providing for funding for cyber charter schools, for cyber charter school requirements, for powers and composition of board of trustees. Provides for advertising and sponsorships in the preliminary provisions. Provides for educational management service providers. Specifies powers and duties of the department. Provides for assessment and evaluation, annual reports and public reporting, as well as for fund balance limits. Details cyber charter school requirements and prohibitions. Establishes school district and intermediate unit responsibilities. Provides for access to other schools' facilities and the establishment of cyber charter schools. Specifies renewals, charter amendments, causes for nonrenewal and revocation or termination. Provides for State Charter School Appeal Board review, detailing cyber charter school application and enrollment and notification. Provides for enrollment parameters and for enrollee wellness checks. Establishes applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 06/22/2023
Bill History:
06/22/2023 
H - Introduced
06/22/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
06/27/2023 
H - Reported as committed - House Education
06/27/2023 
H - First consideration
06/27/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Rules
07/05/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Rules
07/05/2023 
H - Second consideration, with amendments
07/05/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
07/07/2023 
H - Re-reported as amended - House Appropriations
07/07/2023 
H - Third consideration and final passage
07/17/2023 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
08/21/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 06/27/2023 - House Education (House Education), Room 523, Irvis Office
11/28/2023 
S - Discussed during public hearing - Senate Education
05/14/2024 
H - Press Conference Held
06/18/2024 
H - Discussed during public hearing - House Republican Policy
HB1432 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, establishing the Lifeline Scholarship Program and the Lifeline Scholarship Fund.
Sponsor: Rep. Clint Owlett (R)
Summary: (PN 1611) Amends the Public School Code to establish the Lifeline Scholarship Program (program) within the State Treasury to provide scholarships to help eligible students pay tuition, school-related fees and special education services fees for attending a participating nonpublic school and informs parents about program eligibility. Requires the State Treasury to develop a program application form by July 15, 2023. Upon application approval, the State Treasury shall enter into an agreement with the applicant. Imposes duties upon the State Treasury. Requires nonpublic schools that desire to participate in the program to notify the State Treasury. Allows the State Treasury to bar nonpublic schools that are ineligible from the program and confers duties on resident school districts. Provides details on the specifics of the agreement. For agreements that have been entered, the State Treasury shall establish a lifeline scholarship account for the scholarship recipient. Requires the State Treasury to submit a report on the program to the General Assembly by January 31, 2025, and each subsequent January 31. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 06/20/2023
Bill History:
06/20/2023 
H - Introduced
06/20/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1434 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, providing for the Dual Credit Innovation and Equity Grant Program.
Sponsor: Rep. Mary Isaacson (D)
Summary: (PN 1613) Amends the Public School Code to provide for the Dual Credit Innovation and Equity Grant Program (program). Inserts definitions for the act. Establishes the program within the Department of Education (PDE) to award grants to public institutions of higher education that offer dual credit opportunities to high school students enrolled in a school entity. For the purposes of improving data collection and transparency, PDE shall annually collect student-level data from grant recipients and post aggregate, de-identified information on its website. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 06/20/2023
Bill History:
06/20/2023 
H - Introduced
06/20/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
06/27/2023 
H - Reported as committed - House Education
06/27/2023 
H - First consideration
06/27/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Rules
08/21/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 06/27/2023 - House Education (House Education), Room 523, Irvis Office
09/22/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Rules
09/22/2023 
H - Laid on the table
09/22/2023 
H - Removed from table
09/22/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Rules
12/06/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 03/25/2024, 12:30 PM - Off the Floor Voting Meeting (House Appropriations), Room 140, Main Capitol
03/20/2024 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 03/20/2024, 12:00 PM - Voting Meeting (House Rules), Room 140, Main Capitol
03/20/2024 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee - House Rules
03/20/2024 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Rules
03/20/2024 
H - Laid out for discussion
03/20/2024 
H - Second consideration
03/20/2024 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
03/25/2024 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee - House Appropriations
03/25/2024 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
03/25/2024 
H - Laid out for discussion
03/25/2024 
H - Third consideration and final passage
HB1448 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for conflict resolution instruction.
Sponsor: Rep. Anthony A. Bellmon (D)
Summary: (PN 1826) Amends the Public School Code to provide for conflict resolution instruction. Provides that beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, each school entity shall provide instruction on conflict resolution to all students. Outlines the information that shall be included in the instruction. Within six months of the act's effective date, the Department of Education (PDE) shall compile a list of appropriate curriculum and materials that school entities may utilize to comply with the act. Inserts definitions for conflict resolution, department and school entity. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer's Number(s): 1632) (PN 1632) Amends the Public School Code to provide for conflict resolution instruction. Provides that beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, each school entity shall provide instruction on conflict resolution to all students. Outlines the information that shall be included in the instruction. Within six months of the act's effective date, the Department of Education (PDE) shall compile a list of appropriate curriculum and materials that school entities may utilize to comply with the act. Inserts definitions for department and school entity. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 06/20/2023
Bill History:
06/20/2023 
H - Introduced
06/20/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
06/28/2023 
H - Reported as committed - House Education
06/28/2023 
H - First consideration
06/28/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Rules
07/06/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Rules
07/06/2023 
H - Second consideration, with amendments
07/06/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
07/07/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
07/07/2023 
H - Third consideration and final passage
07/17/2023 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
08/21/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 06/27/2023 - House Education (House Education), Room 523, Irvis Office
HB1478 (Chapter 55) - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school health services, further providing for dental examinations and dental hygiene services.
Sponsor: Rep. Morgan Cephas (D)
Summary: (PN 2175) Amends the Public School Code, in school health services, further providing for dental examinations and dental hygiene services. Changes language to provide for dental screening, replacing the word examination, adds language to provide for a public health dental hygiene practitioner and inserts language stating "notwithstanding any other provision of law." Provides that a school district or joint school board that has not instituted a program of dental hygiene services may use a public health dental hygiene practitioner to satisfy the requirements. Specifies the term "public health dental hygiene practitioner" shall have the same meaning given to that term in the Dental Law. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number(s): 1664) (PN 1664) Amends the Public School Code, in school health services, further providing for dental examinations and dental hygiene services. Changes language to provide for dental screening, replacing the word examination, and adds language to provide for a public health dental hygiene practitioner. Provides that a school district or joint school board that has not instituted a program of dental hygiene services may use a public health dental hygiene practitioner to satisfy the requirements. Specifies the term "public health dental hygiene practitioner" shall have the same meaning given to that term in the Dental Law. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 06/21/2023
Bill History:
06/21/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
10/12/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 10/17/2023, 9:00 AM - EDUCATION (H) (House Education), Room G50 Irvis Office
10/17/2023 
H - Reported as committed - House Education
10/17/2023 
H - First consideration
10/17/2023 
H - Laid on the table
10/17/2023 
H - Removed from table
10/18/2023 
H - Second consideration, with amendments
10/18/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
10/30/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
10/30/2023 
H - Third consideration and final passage
10/31/2023 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
12/08/2023 
S - Meeting Scheduled - 12/11/2023, 12:50 PM - Voting Meeting (Senate Education), Rules Committee Conference Room - Senate Education
12/11/2023 
S - Voted Favorably From Committee - Senate Education
12/11/2023 
S - Re-reported as committed - Senate Education
12/11/2023 
S - First consideration
12/12/2023 
S - Second consideration
12/12/2023 
S - Re-referred to - Senate Appropriations
12/12/2023 
S - Meeting Scheduled - 12/13/2023 - Off the Floor Voting Meeting (Senate Appropriations), Rules Committee Conference Room
12/13/2023 
S - Voted Favorably From Committee - Senate Appropriations
12/13/2023 
S - Re-reported as committed - Senate Appropriations
12/13/2023 
S - Laid out for discussion
12/13/2023 
S - Third consideration and final passage 
12/13/2023 
H - Signed in House
12/13/2023 
S - Signed in Senate
12/14/2023 
G - Presented to the Governor
12/14/2023 
G - Approved by the Governor - Act 55
HB1494 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in charter schools, providing for funding for cyber charter schools; and imposing penalties.
Sponsor: Rep. Paul Friel (D)
Summary: (PN 1700) Amends the Public School Code, in charter schools, providing for cyber charter schools to be prohibited from charging students for tuition. Provides that beginning in the 2023-2024 school year and continuing each year after, instead receiving $8,000 from the student's school district of residence for each non-special education student and an additional rate for each special education student, to be known as the statewide cyber charter school tuition rate. Provides for cyber charter schools to receive the assistance of the intermediate unit in which it is located to provide services for exceptional students at a rate no higher than it charges constituent school districts. Provides for students attending cyber charter schools to be included in the average daily membership of the student's school district. Provides for the imposition of penalties on districts who fail to provide required funding to cyber charter schools. Provides for the imposition of penalties on cyber charter schools who intentionally falsify a report. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 06/22/2023
Bill History:
06/22/2023 
H - Introduced
06/22/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1495 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools.
Sponsor: Rep. Paul Friel (D)
Summary: (PN 1701) Amends the Public School Code, in charter schools, providing for charter schools to receive an additional rate of funding for each special education student, determined by dividing the school district of residents' total special education expenditure by the total number of special education students who reside in the district, which shall be paid by the school district of residence of each student. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 06/22/2023
Bill History:
06/22/2023 
H - Introduced
06/22/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1506 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for prohibited review of curriculum, instructional materials and voluntary inquiry material in public school entities.
Sponsor: Rep. Paul Friel (D)
Summary: (PN 1722) Amends Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, providing for prohibited review of curriculum, instructional materials and voluntary inquiry material in public school entities. Adds further definitions. Establishes prohibited censorship and outlines the prohibited reasons for the removal of voluntary inquiry materials of sound factual authority. Provides for soft censorship prohibition and adds that each public school entity and the department must make a censorship form available on their websites for people to report the removal or materials without abiding by the formal process and that the Secretary of education needs to investigate reports of soft censorship. Provides for curriculum review by parents and students and establishes reporting requirements by the schools to the parents and students about the curriculum. Provides for qualifying complaints on instructional materials and for written request forms. Provides for the instructional experts employed by the school entity's power to purchase, select and weed out voluntary inquiry materials. Provides for qualifying complaints on voluntary inquiry materials. Requires the establishment of an educational resource material review committee in each intermediate unit and outlines the membership guidelines. Provides the guidelines for the process when a qualifying complaint cannot be resolved informally without removing the voluntary inquiry material. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 06/26/2023
Bill History:
06/26/2023 
H - Introduced
06/26/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1507 (Chapter 56) - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in preliminary provisions, providing for minimum number of days or hours.
Sponsor: Rep. Jesse Topper (R)
Summary: (PN 1723) Amends Public School Code, in preliminary provisions, providing for minimum number of days or hours. Adds a minimum of 180 days of instruction or 900 hours of instruction at the elementary level or at the secondary level. Adds further definitions. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 06/26/2023
Bill History:
06/26/2023 
H - Introduced
06/26/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
06/28/2023 
H - Reported as committed - House Education
06/28/2023 
H - First consideration
06/28/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Rules
09/22/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Rules
09/22/2023 
H - Laid on the table
09/22/2023 
H - Removed from table
09/26/2023 
H - Second consideration
09/26/2023 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
09/27/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
09/27/2023 
H - Third consideration and final passage
10/04/2023 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
10/24/2023 
S - Meeting Scheduled - 10/24/2023, 11:30 AM - EDUCATION (S) (Senate Education), Room 8E-A East Wing (LIVE STREAMED)
10/24/2023 
S - Reported as committed - Senate Education
10/24/2023 
S - First consideration
10/25/2023 
S - Second consideration
10/25/2023 
S - Re-referred to - Senate Appropriations
11/28/2023 
S - Discussed during public hearing - Senate Education
12/08/2023 
S - Meeting Scheduled - 12/11/2023, 12:30 PM - Voting Meeting (Senate Appropriations), Rules Committee Conference Room
12/11/2023 
S - Voted Favorably From Committee - Senate Appropriations
12/11/2023 
S - Re-reported as committed - Senate Appropriations
12/12/2023 
S - Laid out for discussion
12/12/2023 
S - Third consideration and final passage 
12/12/2023 
H - Signed in House
12/13/2023 
S - Signed in Senate
12/14/2023 
G - Presented to the Governor
12/14/2023 
G - Approved by the Governor - Act 56
04/04/2024 
S - Discussed during public hearing - Senate Education
HB1513 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in educational tax credits, further providing for definitions, for qualification and application by organizations, for limitations and for opportunity scholarships and providing for economically disadvantaged school scholarships.
Sponsor: Rep. Martina A. White (R)
Summary: (PN 1729) Amends Public School Code, in educational tax credits, further providing for definitions, for qualification and application by organizations, for limitations and for opportunity scholarships and providing for economically disadvantaged. Establishes scholarship requirements of at least $500 for kindergartens and at least $1,000 for secondary schools under the definition of "economically disadvantaged school." Changes the deadlines for scholarship distribution from February 1 to December 15 and the deadlines for the reports from November 1 to January 15. Removes the reporting requirements for scholarship awards by family household and the school the student attended. Adds that scholarship organizations for economically disadvantaged schools should contribute at least 99 percent of its annual receipts for economically disadvantaged schools for scholarships. Changes the limitations on the total aggregate amount of all tac credits from $340 million to $465 million and adds that $358 million instead of $263 million be used to provide tax credits for contributions from business firms. Increased the total aggregate amount to be used to provide tax credits for contributions from business firms to increase scholarships for pre-kindergarten to $52 million. Increased the total aggregate amount limit of all tax credits approved for contributions to $80 million. Repeals Section 2009-B subsection (f) related to designation, reports and notices. Establishes reporting requirements for economically disadvantaged school scholarships. Effective July 1, 2023, or immediately, whichever is later.
Introduced Date: 06/26/2023
Bill History:
06/26/2023 
H - Introduced
06/26/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1519 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, further providing for excuses from attending school.
Sponsor: Rep. Napoleon J. Nelson (D)
Summary: (PN 1734) Amends the Public School Code, in pupils and attendance, further providing for excuses from attending school. Establishes that a school district shall excuse a student from school attendance for mental health days, allotting three school days each school year. Defines "mental health day" as a day to allow a student to attain care, rest or treatment to address attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, learning and developmental disabilities, autism, substance-use disorder, self-harm or any other conditions or behaviors as recognized by a physician or mental health professional. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 06/26/2023
Bill History:
06/26/2023 
H - Introduced
06/26/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
01/11/2024 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 01/18/2024, 10:00 AM - Informational Meeting (House Education), Room 523, Irvis Office Building
01/11/2024 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 01/18/2024, 2:00 PM - Voting Meeting (House Education), Room 523, Irvis Office Building
01/17/2024 
H - Discussed during informational meeting - House Education
01/18/2024 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee - House Education
02/06/2024 
H - Reported as committed - House Education
02/06/2024 
H - First consideration
02/06/2024 
H - Laid on the table
HB1526 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in intermediate units, further providing for powers and duties of the intermediate unit board of directors and for capital subsidy.
Sponsor: Rep. Joe Ciresi (D)
Summary: (PN 3371) Amends the Public School Code, in intermediate units, further providing for powers and duties of the intermediate unit board of directors, for capital subsidy and for school safety and security enhancements; and, in school safety and security, further providing for Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools and School Entities Program. Establishes that an intermediate unit board of directors shall have the power and its duty shall be to acquire land and buildings by purchase, lease or gift and to own office space and warehouse facilities. Provides that all lease agreements, security agreements, loan agreements, mortgages or any other contracts, instruments or agreements for office space, classrooms, warehouse space and other facilities shall be pre-approved by the secretary of education. Adds the definition of “commission” in subsection (b) of the section relative to school safety and security enhancements to mean the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). Asserts that a program of school security enhancements shall be provided for nonpublic schools and removes certain language. Provides that PCCD may not use more than five percent of the funds it receives for grant administration in carrying out the duties of this section and the School Safety and Security Grant Program. Amends section 1306.1-b(j), (k)(3) and (l)(3) of the act, removing certain language that provided for intermediate units and nonpublic school grants. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number(s): 1749) (PN 1749) Amends the Public School Code, in intermediate units, further providing for powers and duties of the intermediate unit board of directors and for capital subsidy. Establishes that an intermediate unit board of directors shall have the power and its duty shall be to acquire land and buildings by purchase, lease or gift and to own office space and warehouse facilities. Provides that all lease agreements, security agreements, loan agreements, mortgages or any other contracts, instruments or agreements for office space, classrooms, warehouse space and other facilities shall be pre-approved by the secretary of education. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 06/27/2023
Bill History:
06/27/2023 
H - Introduced
06/27/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
06/20/2024 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 06/24/2024, 10:30 AM - Voting Meeting (House Education), Room 140, Main Capitol
06/24/2024 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee as Amended - House Education
06/24/2024 
H - Reported as amended - House Education
06/24/2024 
H - First consideration
06/24/2024 
H - Re-committed to - House Rules
07/05/2024 
H - Placed on HVS
07/08/2024 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 07/08/2024 - Voting Meeting (House Rules), Room 140, Main Capitol
07/08/2024 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee  - House Rules
07/08/2024 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Rules
07/08/2024 
H - Second consideration
07/08/2024 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
07/08/2024 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 07/09/2024 - Voting Meeting (House Appropriations), Room 140, Main Capitol
07/09/2024 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee  - House Appropriations
07/09/2024 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
07/09/2024 
H - Laid out for discussion
07/09/2024 
H - Third consideration and final passage 
07/12/2024 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
HB1530 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in intermediate units, repealing provisions relating to psychological services; in professional employees, further providing for definitions and providing for school social workers; and, in school health services, further providing for health services and providing for school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers and school nurses.
Sponsor: Rep. Manuel Guzman Jr. (D)
Summary: (PN 1761) Amends the Public School Code, repealing provisions relating to psychological services; in professional employees, further providing for definitions and providing for school social workers; and, in school health services. Repeals Section 923.1-A related to Psychological Services and Legislative finding. Provides for school social workers and requires them to hold an educational specialist certificate for school social workers issued by the Department of Education. Provides for exceptions. Requires the Department of Education to develop an educational specialist certificate for school social workers no later than 60 days after the effective date. Adds further definitions. Adds that the comprehensive health record of a transfer student is to be surrendered by the old school to the new school entity. Adds that a school entity may not destroy a student's comprehensive health record for at least two years after the student is no longer enrolled in the school entity. Establishes that every student of school age is to be provided with school counseling, psychological, social work and school nursing services by an individual employed by the school entity and outlines the ratio for each type of service. Adds reporting requirements and allows school counselors, psychologists and social workers to work with other school employees. Makes editorial changes. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 06/27/2023
Bill History:
06/27/2023 
H - Introduced
06/27/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1542 - An Act establishing the Electric School Bus Grant Program and the Electric School Bus Grant Program Fund; providing for duties of the Department of Education; and making an appropriation.
Sponsor: Rep. Brandon J. Markosek (D)
Summary: (PN 2415) The Electric School Bus Grant Program Act establishes the Electric School Bus Grant Program (program) within the Department of Education (PDE) to award grants to a school entity or contracted nonprofit organization or private entity to finance procurement, maintenance and administrative costs related to electric school buses. Amends the definition for “school entity.” PDE shall administer the program. Outlines criteria for being awarded a grant, with an emphasis on schools with students that receive reduced-price or free lunches and combustion engine school buses. Establishes the Electric School Bus Grant Program Fund (fund) within the State Treasury for the carry-out of the act. Confers certain powers and duties upon PDE. Makes an appropriation. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number(s): 1794) (PN 1794) The Electric School Bus Grant Program Act establishes the Electric School Bus Grant Program (program) within the Department of Education (PDE) to award grants to a school entity or contracted nonprofit organization or private entity to finance procurement, maintenance and administrative costs related to electric school buses. PDE shall administer the program. Outlines criteria for being awarded a grant, with an emphasis on schools with students that receive reduced-price or free lunches and combustion engine school buses. Establishes the Electric School Bus Grant Program Fund (fund) within the State Treasury for the carry-out of the act. Confers certain powers and duties upon PDE. Makes an appropriation. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 06/29/2023
Bill History:
06/29/2023 
H - Introduced
06/29/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
12/06/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 12/11/2023, 12:30 PM - Off the Floor Voting Meeting (House Education), Room B31, Main Capitol
12/12/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 12/12/2023, 11:45 AM - Off the Floor Voting Meeting (House Education), 515 Irvis Office
12/12/2023 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee as Amended - House Education
12/12/2023 
H - Re-reported as amended - House Education
12/12/2023 
H - First consideration
12/12/2023 
H - Laid on the table
HB1545 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, providing for Digital Mental Health Services Pilot Program.
Sponsor: Rep. Joe Hogan (R)
Summary: (PN 1797) Amends the Public School Code to provide for the Digital Mental Health Services Pilot Program (program). Provides definitions for department, digital platform, mental health services, program and school entity. Establishes the program within the Department of Education (PDE) to develop and administer a pilot program to assist school entities with access to mental health services for students through an evidence-based digital platform. PDE shall develop a procedure for approving evidence-based digital mental health services platforms for use by school entities that meet minimum qualifications. The program shall operate for three full years and may select up to 50 school entities for participation. Requires school entities to submit a report on the program's operation to the General Assembly. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 06/29/2023
Bill History:
06/29/2023 
H - Introduced
06/29/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1554 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, further providing for attendance policy at charter, regional charter and cyber charter schools.
Sponsor: Rep. Carol Kazeem (D)
Summary: (PN 1810) Amends the Public School Code, in pupils and attendance, further providing for attendance policy at charter, regional charter and cyber charter schools. Establishes reporting requirements for the board of trustees of a charter, regional charter or cyber charter school for the number of students who returned to the school district of residence or were otherwise removed from the school. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 06/29/2023
Bill History:
06/29/2023 
H - Introduced
06/29/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1587 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in high schools, providing for transition coordinators in senior high schools.
Sponsor: Rep. Joe Webster (D)
Summary: (PN 1587) Amends the Public School Code, in high schools, providing for transition coordinators in senior high schools. Details that each school district shall hire at least one full-time dedicated and highly qualified or credentialed transition coordinator for each senior high school of the school district, indicating that the Department of Education (PDE) may require a school district to hire additional coordinators depending on the population of the senior high school. Provides for the duties a full-time transition coordinator shall perform. Establishes that PDE shall ensure compliance with the changes. Defines the term "transition coordinator". Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 07/25/2023
Bill History:
07/25/2023 
H - Introduced
07/25/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1603 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in charter schools, further providing for enrollment.
Sponsor: Rep. Carol Kazeem (D)
Summary: (PN 1884) Amends the Public School Code, in charter schools, further providing for enrollment. Specifies the enrollment of students in a charter school or regional charter school shall be subject to a cap on students who reside in the district in which the charter school is chartered. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 08/07/2023
Bill History:
08/07/2023 
H - Introduced
08/07/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1604 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for recess and lunch periods.
Sponsor: Rep. Danielle Friel Otten (D)
Summary: (PN 1885) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, providing for recess and lunch periods. School entities shall provide each student with at least 30 minutes of recess during each school day in full-day kindergarten through grade five. Further specifies recess for half-day kindergarten and kindergarten through grade twelve. Inserts definitions for kindergarten, recess and school entity. Effective July 1, 2023, or immediately, whichever is later.
Introduced Date: 08/07/2023
Bill History:
08/07/2023 
H - Introduced
08/07/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1616 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, further providing for possession of weapons prohibited; and, in safe schools, further providing for sworn statement and for transfer of records.
Sponsor: Rep. John A. Lawrence (R)
Summary: (PN 1900) Amends Public School Code, in pupils and attendance, further providing for possession of weapons prohibited. And, in safe schools, further providing for sworn statement to add language inserting "withdrew in lieu of suspension or expulsion" and "withdrawal." Further provides for transfer of records to specify language shall include pending or concluded disciplinary investigations on the transferring student. Establishes that a school district receiving a student who transfers from a public or private school after withdrawing from the sending public or private school in lieu of expulsion for an act or offense involving a weapon may assign the student to an alternative assignment or provide alternative education service for a period determined by the receiving school district. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 08/15/2023
Bill History:
08/15/2023 
H - Introduced
08/15/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1637 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in certification of teachers, providing for temporary certification for associate substitute teachers.
Sponsor: Rep. Jamie L. Flick (R)
Summary: (PN 1921) Amends the Public School Code, in certification of teachers, to provide for temporary certification for associate substitute teachers. A temporary associate substitute teacher certificate may be issued by a public school entity to an individual who meets certain requirements. Certificates shall only be used for day-to-day assignments and shall expire upon the termination of a summer school session following the date of issuance. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 08/29/2023
Bill History:
08/29/2023 
H - Introduced
08/29/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1653 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in certification of teachers, further providing for continuing professional development; providing for access to advanced placement courses for all students; establishing the Advanced Placement Teacher Training Program; and imposing duties on the Department of Education and on school entities.
Sponsor: Rep. Stephen Kinsey (D)
Summary: (PN 1951) Amends the Public School Code, in certification of teachers, to establish the Advanced Placement Teacher Training Program (program) within the Department of Education (PDE) to provide access to advanced placement courses in the four core academic areas and computer science for students by eligible teachers at all high schools that do not currently offer the courses; and to train teachers to teach advanced placement courses in the subjects. Further provides for continuing professional development include access to the advanced placement courses for all students program. Lists the information that must be included on the school entity's application seeking funding for the program. Provides access to advanced placement courses for all students. The program shall be funded from available federal funds and annual appropriations made by the General Assembly to PDE. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 08/30/2023
Bill History:
08/30/2023 
H - Introduced
08/30/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1654 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in duties and powers of boards of school directors, further providing for kindergartens; in pupils and attendance, further providing for age limits and temporary residence, for definitions and for when provided; and providing for full-day kindergarten.
Sponsor: Rep. Stephen Kinsey (D)
Summary: (PN 1952) Amends the Public School Code, in duties and powers of boards of school directors, to authorize the Department of Education (PDE) to develop a state plan for the establishment and implementation of full-day kindergarten for eligible students in each school district. Changes shall apply beginning with the 2024-2025 school year. Inserts definitions for use in the act. Imposes powers and duties on PDE. Establishes the Full-Day Kindergarten Implementation Advisory Committee (committee) for the purpose of assisting and advising PDE in the development and implementation of a state plan for full-day kindergarten by the 2024-2025 school year. School districts shall provide kindergarten facilities free of charge to eligible students by operating the facilities alone or jointly with other districts in the same intermediate unit or by contracting with a provider approved by the State Board of Education (board). Allows funds to be utilized for ongoing professional development activities for kindergarten teachers. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 08/30/2023
Bill History:
08/30/2023 
H - Introduced
08/30/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1659 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for parental control relating to instructional materials and books containing sexually explicit content.
Sponsor: Rep. Russ Diamond (R)
Summary: (PN 1958) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, providing for parental control relating to instructional materials and books containing sexually explicit content. Establishes that a governing body of a school entity shall develop a public policy that provides parental control of instructional materials and books containing sexually explicit content. Details what the information, guidance, procedures, and standards shall relate to. Provides that the governing body of a school entity shall seek input at a public forum to ensure that policies are consistent with this section and adopted no later than Aug. 30, 2023, prior to adopting the policies required under this section. Specifies that nothing in this section shall be construed to: prohibit a school entity from implementing additional transparency measures for sexually explicit content, prohibit a school entity from determining that sexually explicit content is not appropriate for minors or students of certain ages within the school entity, and permit the distribution of sexually explicit materials to minors that are prohibited by other law. Defines school entity, sexual conduct, and sexually explicit content. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 09/05/2023
Bill History:
09/05/2023 
H - Introduced
09/05/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1665 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, providing for comprehensive school counseling services.
Sponsor: Rep. Mandy Steele (D)
Summary: (PN 2762) Amends the Public School Code, providing for comprehensive school counseling services. Specifies definitions, further providing for the definition of “school entity.” Details a comprehensive school counseling plan, providing for the authorization and purpose, general requirements, components of the plan and contents of the plan. Provides for school counselor use of time, including a general requirement, direct and indirect services and administrative activities. Asserts that each school entity shall be responsible for posting its plan on its publicly accessible website or the publicly accessible website of the school entity's school district under the category of state-required information. Directs the Department of Education (PDE) to monitor each school entity to ensure implementation and compliance with this article beginning with the 2024-2025 school year. Further provides for departmental duties. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number(s): 1969) (PN 1969) Amends the Public School Code, providing for comprehensive school counseling services. Specifies definitions. Details a comprehensive school counseling plan, providing for the authorization and purpose, general requirements, components of the plan and contents of the plan. Provides for school counselor use of time, including a general requirement, direct and indirect services and administrative activities. Asserts that each school entity shall be responsible for posting its plan on its publicly accessible website or the publicly accessible website of the school entity's school district under the category of state-required information. Directs the Department of Education (PDE) to monitor each school entity to ensure implementation and compliance with this article beginning with the 2024-2025 school year. Further provides for departmental duties. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 09/12/2023
Bill History:
09/12/2023 
H - Introduced
09/12/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
12/06/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 03/25/2024, 12:30 PM - Off the Floor Voting Meeting (House Appropriations), Room 140, Main Capitol
01/11/2024 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 01/18/2024, 10:00 AM - Informational Meeting (House Education), Room 523, Irvis Office Building
01/11/2024 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 01/18/2024, 2:00 PM - Voting Meeting (House Education), Room 523, Irvis Office Building
01/17/2024 
H - Discussed during informational meeting - House Education
01/18/2024 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee - House Education
02/06/2024 
H - Reported as committed - House Education
02/06/2024 
H - First consideration
02/06/2024 
H - Laid on the table
03/19/2024 
H - Removed from table
03/20/2024 
H - Laid out for discussion
03/20/2024 
H - Second consideration, with amendments
03/20/2024 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
03/25/2024 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee - House Appropriations
03/25/2024 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
03/25/2024 
H - Laid out for discussion
03/25/2024 
H - Third consideration and final passage
HB1680 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for deaf and hard of hearing education.
Sponsor: Rep. Christina D. Sappey (D)
Summary: (PN 1982) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, to provide for deaf and hard of hearing education. Provides the Department of Education (PDE) shall identify or develop a model curriculum and guidelines for instruction on deaf and hard of hearing education for public school students. Outlines requirements for the guidelines and how the schools shall carry out their programs. Provides definitions for department and school entity. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 09/13/2023
Bill History:
09/13/2023 
H - Introduced
09/13/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1685 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school health services, further providing for automated external defibrillators and providing for sudden cardiac event emergency action plan for athletic activities.
Sponsor: Rep. Tim Brennan (D)
Summary: (PN 3480) Amends the Public School Code, in certification of teachers, repealing provisions relating to CPR instruction; and, in school health services, repealing provisions relating to automatic external defibrillators and providing for AED and CPR instruction and procedure, for Automated External Defibrillator Program and for availability and specifications of automated external defibrillators. Repeals sections of the school code that currently cover CRP and AEDs. Directs each school entity to make available to their employes and volunteers instruction in the principles and techniques of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator on school premises at least once every two years, stipulating that the instruction shall be offered as an option to all school entity employes and volunteers and outlining who the instruction can be conducted by. Allows a school entity, nonpublic school or private school, as applicable, to provide the instruction through the internet or other electronic means. Outlines what applies to AED and CPR instruction, adding marching band directors to paragraph (2). Provides for what applies to continuing education requirements. Establishes that competition of instruction, including the testing of skills and knowledge, shall be documented by the signature and title of a representative of the training entity and shall include the date that the instruction was completed, stating that the documentation shall be retained by the school entity in the file of the employe or volunteer that completed the training. Outlines what applies to a cardiac emergency response plan, revising paragraph (1) to specify for schools and school athletic activities. Provides definitions for terms used in the section relating to AED and CPR instruction and procedure. Directs the department to establish the Automated External Defibrillator Program to assist school entities, nonpublic schools and private schools in making AEDs available in school buildings. Provides for bidding for the cost of AEDs and other equipment and supplies necessary for the proper operation of the device. Outlines what a school entity, nonpublic school or private school must do to be eligible to obtain or purchase AEDs under the program. Applies the provisions of 42 Pa.C.S. § 8331.2 (relating to good Samaritan civil immunity for use of automated external defibrillator) to school entity, nonpublic school or private school employes who render care with an AED. Provides for money appropriated for the program. Stipulates that the purchase of AEDs shall be considered an allowable use of Pennsylvania Accountability Grants under section 2599.2(b), shall be considered an innovative educational program under Article XX-B and shall be considered an eligible school safety and security expense in section 1306-B(j). Allows the department to accept donations, detailing what applies. Provides that the department may adopt guidelines as necessary to administer this section and the General Assembly may appropriate money to carry out provisions of this section. Provides definitions relating to the AED program. Requires each school entity, nonpublic school and private school to have at least one AED in each school building at all times during the school day and make available an AED and at least one trained and certified employe at each athletic activity. Stipulates that the presence of emergency services personnel shall fulfill this requirement. Directs the Department of Education, in consultation with the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, to develop guidelines. Specifies what this section does not do and provisions what certain provisions apply to. Requires school entities, nonpublic schools and private schools to meet the most recent minimum specifications as required by the Department of Health. Provides definitions for words and phrases as used in this section. Strikes out language providing for sudden cardiac emergency action plan for athletic activities. Makes a technical adjustment. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer’s Number: 1993, 3214) (PN 3214) Amends the Public School Code, in certification of teachers, repealing provisions relating to CPR instruction; and, in school health services, repealing provisions relating to automatic external defibrillators and providing for AED and CPR instruction and procedure, for Automated External Defibrillator Program, for availability and specifications of automated external defibrillators and for sudden cardiac event emergency action plan for athletic activities. Repeals sections of the school code that currently cover CRP and AEDs and consolidates them into a new section with improved requirements. Requires training for school personnel if the AED is property of the school and allows school entities to acquire an AED by donation, fundraising or other means. Requires each school entity to develop a Sudden Cardiac Event Emergency Action Plan for Athletic Activities and establishes what the plan shall include. Provides definitions relating to the AED requirements. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer’s Number: 1993) (PN 1993) Amends the Public School Code, in school health services, further providing for automated external defibrillators and providing for sudden cardiac event emergency action plan for athletic activities. Requires automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which may be property of the school or emergency medical personnel, to be made available at all interscholastic athletic events. Requires training for school personnel if the AED is property of the school and allows school entities to acquire an AED by donation, fundraising or other means. Requires each school entity to develop a Sudden Cardiac Event Emergency Action Plan for Athletic Activities and establishes what the plan shall include. Provides definitions relating to the AED requirements. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 09/19/2023
Bill History:
09/19/2023 
H - Introduced
09/19/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
06/03/2024 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 06/03/2024 - Voting Meeting (House Education), Room 515, Irvis Office Building
06/03/2024 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee as Amended - House Education
06/03/2024 
H - Reported as amended - House Education
06/03/2024 
H - First consideration
06/03/2024 
H - Laid on the table
06/28/2024 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 07/03/2024 - Voting Meeting (House Appropriations), Room 140, Main Capitol
07/01/2024 
H - Removed from table
07/02/2024 
H - Placed on HVS
07/02/2024 
H - Laid out for discussion
07/02/2024 
H - Second consideration, with amendments
07/02/2024 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
07/03/2024 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee  - House Appropriations
07/03/2024 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
07/03/2024 
H - Laid out for discussion
07/03/2024 
H - Third consideration and final passage 
07/12/2024 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
09/19/2024 
S - Discussed during public hearing - Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness
HB1686 - An Act requiring disclosure of mandatory fees by institutions of higher education.
Sponsor: Rep. Jennifer O'Mara (D)
Summary: (PN 2416) The Know What You Pay For - The Student Fee Transparency Act requires disclosure of mandatory fees by institutions of higher education. Provides definitions for use in the act. Requires institutions of higher education to display descriptions of all mandatory fees on their publicly accessible websites and online student portals before the term for which the fee will be charged. Provides a list of necessary information to accompany the list of mandatory fees. Requires each institution of higher education to report to the Department of Education (PDE) on the institution of higher education collection of mandatory fees during the prior academic year, beginning Nov. 15, 2023, and by Nov. 15 of each year thereafter. Includes additional types of schools for eligibility. Requires each institution of higher education to report to PDE the measures taken to display the information required by the act beginning June 30, 2025, and by June 30 of each year thereafter. Effective July 1, 2024, or immediately, whichever is later. (Prior Printer Number(s): 1994) (PN 1994) The Know What You Pay For - The Student Fee Transparency Act requires disclosure of mandatory fees by institutions of higher education. Provides definitions for use in the act. Requires institutions of higher education to display descriptions of all mandatory fees on their publicly accessible websites and online student portals before the term for which the fee will be charged. Provides a list of necessary information to accompany the list of mandatory fees. Requires each institution of higher education to report to the Department of Education (PDE) on the institution of higher education collection of mandatory fees during the prior academic year, beginning Nov. 15, 2023, and by Nov. 15 of each year thereafter. Requires each institution of higher education to report to PDE the measures taken to display the information required by the act beginning June 30, 2023, and by June 30 of each year thereafter. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 09/19/2023
Bill History:
09/19/2023 
H - Introduced
09/19/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
12/06/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 12/11/2023, 12:30 PM - Off the Floor Voting Meeting (House Education), Room B31, Main Capitol
12/12/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 12/12/2023, 11:45 AM - Off the Floor Voting Meeting (House Education), 515 Irvis Office
12/12/2023 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee as Amended - House Education
12/12/2023 
H - Re-reported as amended - House Education
12/12/2023 
H - First consideration
12/12/2023 
H - Laid on the table
06/04/2024 
H - Removed from table
06/05/2024 
H - Placed on HVS
07/09/2024 
H - Laid on the Table (Pursuant to House Rule 71)
HB1720 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in high schools, further providing for assessment of civic knowledge.
Sponsor: Rep. Ryan E. Mackenzie (R)
Summary: (PN 2043) Amends the Public School Code, in high schools, further providing for assessment of civic knowledge. Provides that a student must receive a score of at least 60 percent as a condition of high school graduation. A student may take the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Test as many times as necessary to achieve a score of at least 60 percent. Specifies provisions shall apply to the 2023-2024 school year. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 09/26/2023
Bill History:
09/26/2023 
H - Introduced
09/26/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1724 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in certification of teachers, further providing for child abuse recognition and reporting training; and, in terms and courses of study, providing for child abuse awareness and prevention.
Sponsor: Rep. Mary Jo Daley (D)
Summary: (PN 2055) Amends the Public School Code, in certification of teachers, further providing for child abuse recognition and reporting training; and, in terms and courses of study, providing for child abuse awareness and prevention. Provides that beginning in 2023-2024 school year, each school entity shall develop an age-appropriate child abuse awareness and prevention education program and incorporate the program into the entity's curriculum for students in kindergarten through grade twelve. Outlines subjects for inclusion in the program. Provides definitions for the act. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 09/27/2023
Bill History:
09/27/2023 
H - Introduced
09/27/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1727 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in duties and powers of boards of school directors, providing for parental notification and permission for participation in clubs and organizations.
Sponsor: Rep. Stephenie Scialabba (R)
Summary: (PN 2058) Amends Public School Code, in duties and powers of boards of school directors, providing for parental notification and permission for participation in clubs and organizations. Requires school boards to provide measures within the student code of conduct to detail school clubs and organizations. Requires the written permission of a parent for a student to participate in a club or organization. Provides for a permission slip to contain the purpose of a club, the name of the faculty advisory, a description of past or planned meetings and activities, a statement allowing a parent to attend a meeting or activity and a statement allowing a parent the private right of action against a school board for wrongful exclusion. Prohibits students from participating in clubs or organizations without specific written consent from a parent. Allows for parents to withdraw permission in writing at any time. Provides for clubs and organizations created after the start of the school year to be subject to the same rules and regulations. Provides for definitions. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 09/29/2023
Bill History:
09/29/2023 
H - Introduced
09/29/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1743 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school directors, further providing for school director training programs.
Sponsor: Rep. Maureen E. Madden (D)
Summary: (PN 3149) Amends the Public School Code, in school directors, further providing for school director training programs. Removes language providing for training and advanced training programs made available by the Department of Education (PDE) and approved alternative training programs from PDE. Adds language in section 328 (a) to insert after “officials” and “program,” respectively, provisions outlined in paragraph (3) and that have been reviewed and approved by PDE for legal compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations. Provides that PDE shall authorize a statewide education organization that represents at least 75 per centum of school boards, has experience providing training that meets the requirements of this section and has acted as a statewide provider for at least three years. Details the duties of PDE and the statewide education organizations when assigning or recommending training programs to schools. Provides training programs provided under this subparagraph must be reviewed and approved by the PDE for legal compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations and shall be offered at no cost to a school district or school director. Makes editorial changes. Provides that nothing in the subsection should be misinterpreted to prohibit a statewide education organization from offering different training programs or learning activities in addition to training programs required at an additional cost to a school district or director. Adds that nothing in this section shall deem the statewide education organization as a state-affiliated entity. Inserts that nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the duty and authority of PDE to administer all laws of this commonwealth regarding the establishment, maintenance and conduct of public schools in accordance with federal and state law, including section 1302 of the Administrative Code. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number(s): 2112) (PN 2112) Amends the Public-School Code, in school directors, further providing for school director training programs. Removes language providing for training made available by the Department of Education (PDE) and approved alternative training programs from PDE. Provides that PDE shall have a contract with a statewide education organization that represents school directors. Details the duties of PDE and the statewide education organizations when assigning or recommending training programs to schools. Provides that nothing in the subsection should be misinterpreted to prohibit a statewide education organization from offering different training programs or learning activities in addition to training programs required at an additional cost to a school district or director. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 10/04/2023
Bill History:
10/04/2023 
H - Introduced
10/04/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
12/06/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 12/11/2023, 12:30 PM - Off the Floor Voting Meeting (House Education), Room B31, Main Capitol
12/06/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 05/22/2024 - Voting Meeting (House Appropriations), Room 140, Main Capitol
12/12/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 12/12/2023, 11:45 AM - Off the Floor Voting Meeting (House Education), 515 Irvis Office
12/12/2023 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee - House Education
12/12/2023 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Education
12/12/2023 
H - First consideration
12/12/2023 
H - Laid on the table
12/13/2023 
H - Removed from table
04/29/2024 
H - Laid on the Table (Pursuant to House Rule 71)
05/01/2024 
H - Placed on HVS
05/07/2024 
H - Removed from table
05/21/2024 
H - Laid out for discussion
05/21/2024 
H - Second consideration, with amendments
05/21/2024 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
05/22/2024 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
05/22/2024 
H - Laid out for discussion
05/22/2024 
H - Third consideration and final passage
05/29/2024 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
HB1778 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in safe schools, further providing for definitions and for policy relating to bullying and providing for parental responsibility in bullying.
Sponsor: Rep. Frank Burns (D)
Summary: (PN 2182) Amends the Public School Code, in safe schools, to insert definitions for "bullying" and "school setting." Provides for policy relating to bullying and provides for parental responsibility in bullying. Provides for parental responsibility in bullying, and outlines procedures for reporting and receiving a report of bullying. Includes cyber harassment within the procedures to address bullying. Inserts definition for "cyber harassment." Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 10/19/2023
Bill History:
10/19/2023 
H - Introduced
10/19/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1779 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in safe schools, further providing for definitions, for reporting, for policy relating to bullying and for maintenance of records; and, in Safe2Say Program, further providing for intent, for definitions and for Safe2Say Program and providing for reporting and remediating bullying.
Sponsor: Rep. Frank Burns (D)
Summary: (PN 2183) Amends the Public School Code, in safe schools, to insert definitions for "bullying" and "school setting." Indicates that all new incidents of cyber harassment shall be reported within 30 days of the initial claim and the designated anti-bullying specialist shall report all new incidents within 30 days, and the reports shall be recorded by the school entity. Repeals old definition of "bullying." Further providing for maintenance of records to update legislative intent. Inserts a definition for "cyber harassment." Details the process for reporting and remediating bullying. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 10/19/2023
Bill History:
10/19/2023 
H - Introduced
10/19/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1826 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, further providing for subjects of instruction and flag code and providing for voting rights instruction; and, in high schools, further providing for assessment of civic knowledge and providing for voter registration efforts.
Sponsor: Rep. Christopher M. Rabb (D)
Summary: (PN 2262) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, further providing for subjects of instruction and flag code to insert language for voting rights and secretary of education and remove language for superintendent of public instruction. Provides for voting rights instruction to assert what will apply to model curriculum. Amends the section relating to high schools by adding a subsection to further provide for assessment of civic knowledge. Details what each school entity shall do beginning with the school year that begins at least 18 months after the effective date of subsection (a.1) and for each school year thereafter. Specifies that the department shall develop and issue to school entities a state seal of civic knowledge, which school entities are required to award to students. Provides for voter registration efforts. Specifies what a school entity designating a faculty member under subsection (a) shall do and asserts that a faculty member designated under subsection (a) shall nominate a student to aid in voter registration efforts during the school year, stating the student shall be at least 16 years of age and enrolled in a school entity on a full-time basis. Defines school entity and voter registration efforts. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 11/06/2023
Bill History:
11/06/2023 
H - Introduced
11/08/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1848 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, further providing for dates and times of school terms and sessions and commencement.
Sponsor: Rep. Jill N. Cooper (R)
Summary: (PN 2300) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, further providing for dates and times of school terms and sessions and commencement. Replaces certain language. Provides that the instructional day for a secondary school may not begin earlier than 8:15 a.m. beginning with the 2026-27 school year and each school year thereafter. Asserts that by July 1, 2026, the governing body of a public school entity shall inform its community, including parents, students school administrators, school employees and other stakeholders, about the health, safety and academic impacts of sleep deprivation on secondary school students and the benefits of a later school start time, and shall discuss with the community local strategies to successfully implement the later school start time. Defines department, public school entity, secondary school and secretary as used in this section. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 11/13/2023
Bill History:
11/13/2023 
H - Introduced
11/14/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
04/04/2024 
S - Discussed during public hearing - Senate Education
HB1870 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, further providing for suspension and expulsion of pupils.
Sponsor: Rep. Joe Webster (D)
Summary: (PN 2353) Amends the Public School Code, in pupils and attendance, further providing for suspension and expulsion of pupils who are eight years or older. Prohibits a principal or teacher in charge of a public school from excluding a pupil for more than 10 days without a proper hearing. Prohibits a principal or teacher in charge of a public school from expelling a pupil younger than eight years of age unless the pupil poses an imminent threat of harm or danger to others. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 11/30/2023
Bill History:
11/30/2023 
H - Introduced
12/05/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1874 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in certification of teachers, further providing for certificates qualifying persons to teach and providing for special temporary certificate for veterans.
Sponsor: Rep. Dane Watro (R)
Summary: (PN 2355) Amends the Public School Code, in certification of teachers, further providing for special temporary certificates for veterans to be developed by the Department of Education (PDE) secretary and the State Board of Education, including training, requirements for candidate oversight and mentoring. Provides for certificate compliance and extension. Provides definitions. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 11/30/2023
Bill History:
11/30/2023 
H - Introduced
12/05/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1875 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for advanced placement and international baccalaureate exam fees and providing for advanced course fee assistance.
Sponsor: Rep. Steven R. Malagari (D)
Summary: (PN 2418) Amends the Public School Code, in certification of teachers, further providing for continuing professional development; providing for access to advanced courses for all students; establishing the Access to Advanced Courses for all Students Grant Program. imposes duties on the Department of Education. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number(s): 2404) (PN 2404) Amends the Public School Code, in reimbursements by commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for advanced placement and international baccalaureate exam fees to include language asserting through the 2023-2024 school year and adding a section to provide for advanced course fee assistance commencing with the 2024-2025 school year. Specifies that the exam fee assistance provided by the department shall cover 80 percent of the exam fee for each student and the school entity shall cover the remaining 20 percent of the exam fee for each student with financial need and may cover some or all of the remaining 20 percent of the exam fee for each student without financial need. Allows the school entity to use federal funds to cover the school entity’s portion of the exam fee. Provides that the per-exam cost charged to students for an exam shall not exceed the rate paid by the students with financial need for advanced course exams during the 2018-2019 school year. Asserts that the exam fee assistance shall only be provided to students who complete an advanced course and choose to take an exam for that course. Specifies definitions. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 12/11/2023
Bill History:
12/06/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 03/19/2024, 12:30 PM - Off the Floor Voting Meeting (House Appropriations), Room 140, Main Capitol
12/11/2023 
H - Introduced
12/11/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
12/12/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 12/12/2023, 11:45 AM - Off the Floor Voting Meeting (House Education), 515 Irvis Office
12/12/2023 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee as Amended - House Education
12/12/2023 
H - Re-reported as amended - House Education
12/12/2023 
H - First consideration
12/12/2023 
H - Laid on the table
12/13/2023 
H - Removed from table
03/18/2024 
H - Second consideration
03/18/2024 
H - Re-committed to - House Appropriations
03/19/2024 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee - House Appropriations
03/19/2024 
H - Re-reported as committed - House Appropriations
03/19/2024 
H - Laid out for discussion
03/19/2024 
H - Third consideration and final passage
04/05/2024 
S - Referred to - Senate Education
HB1884 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in high schools, further providing for courses of study; and abrogating regulations.
Sponsor: Rep. Ryan E. Mackenzie (R)
Summary: (PN 2373) Amends the Public School Code, in high schools, further providing for courses of study; and abrogating regulations. Asserts that beginning in the 2024-25 school year, and continuing each school year thereafter the instruction under this subsection shall include instruction on Mao Zedong and the Cultural Revolution, Joseph Stalin and the Soviet system, Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution, Vladimir Lenin and the Russian Revolution, Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge and Nicolas Maduro and the Chavismo movement and how victims suffered under each of the aforementioned regimes through poverty, starvation, migration, systemic lethal violence and suppression of speech. Provides that the State Board of Education shall promulgate regulations consistent with subsection (a) no later than April 1, 2024. Effective in 60 days.
Introduced Date: 12/05/2023
Bill History:
12/05/2023 
H - Introduced
12/08/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
HB1886 - An Act providing for the Pennsylvania Promise Pilot Program; prescribing powers and duties of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency; providing for scholarships for tuition and fees, scholarships for room and board and aid for adult reeducation; and establishing the Pennsylvania Promise Pilot Program Fund.
Sponsor: Rep. Jordan A. Harris (D)
Summary: (PN 2419) The Pennsylvania Promise Pilot Program provides for definitions; establishes the program within the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency and prescribes powers and duties of the agency. Provides for scholarships for tuition and fees, scholarships for room and board and aid for adult reeducation. Directs the agency to utilize no more than $5 million from the fund to cover associated costs with administrating the program and transfers $225 million from the general fund for the program. Provides the scholarship may be used for tuition and fees at community colleges, state-owned or state related institutions, requires that an applicant’s total annual household income does not exceed $200,000 and is enrolled full time. Prohibits the agency from issuing a scholarship in excess of the outstanding balance for tuition and fees received from an institution of higher education and the scholarship for tuition and fees may not exceed one academic year. Directs the agency to create an application. Prioritizes aid for programs that lead to an industry-recognized credential. Directs the agency to send a report regarding the program to the governor and legislative chairpersons. Amends language throughout for specificity. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number(s): 2365) (PN 2365) The Pennsylvania Promise Pilot Program provides for definitions; establishes the program within the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency and prescribes powers and duties of the agency. Provides for scholarships for tuition and fees, scholarships for room and board and aid for adult reeducation. Directs the agency to utilize no more than $5 million from the fund to cover associated costs with administrating the program and transfers $225 million from the general fund for the program. Provides the scholarship may be used for tuition and fees at community colleges, state-owned or state related institutions, requires that an applicant’s total annual household income does not exceed $200,000 and is enrolled full time. Prohibits the agency from issuing a scholarship in excess of the outstanding balance for tuition and fees received from an institution of higher education and the scholarship for tuition and fees may not exceed one academic year. Directs the agency to create an application. Prioritizes aid for programs that lead to an industry-recognized credential. Directs the agency to send a report regarding the program to the governor and legislative chairpersons. Effective immediately.
Introduced Date: 12/06/2023
Bill History:
12/06/2023 
H - Introduced
12/06/2023 
H - Referred to - House Education
12/06/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 12/11/2023, 12:30 PM - Off the Floor Voting Meeting (House Education), Room B31, Main Capitol
12/12/2023 
H - Meeting Scheduled - 12/12/2023, 11:45 AM - Off the Floor Voting Meeting (House Education), 515 Irvis Office
12/12/2023 
H - Voted Favorably From Committee as Amended - House Education
12/12/2023 
H - Reported as amended - House Education
12/12/2023 
H - First consideration
12/12/2023 
H - Laid on the table
HB1898 - An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in safe schools, further providing for Office for Safe Schools; establishing the Safe Schools Fund; and making an interfund transfer.