HB 2697 Pennsylvania House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

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.

This bill modifies Pennsylvania's Public School Code to clarify who must prove their case during special education disputes. Specifically, it states that school districts generally bear the burden of proof in due process hearings involving exceptional children, unless the parents unilaterally chose a private school placement, in which case the parents must provide the proof. The law applies to situations concerning a child's identification, evaluation, classification, placement, or disciplinary actions. The changes are designed to streamline legal procedures by explicitly defining these responsibilities rather than leaving them open to interpretation.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jul 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jul 15, 2026 Last action Jul 15, 2026