Education

HB 201 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update how intermediate units (regional education agencies) manage facilities and receive state funding. It expands boards' authority to acquire land/buildings through purchase, lease, or gift (Section 914-A(11)), and requires pre-approval from the Secretary of Education for lease/loan agreements involving office, classroom, or warehouse space (Section 919.1-A(a)). The bill revises the capital subsidy calculation: the state will allocate funds based on each intermediate unit's student enrollment multiplied by the median per-student instructional cost across all districts, then applying a 0.03% rate. This directly affects intermediate units and school districts using their facilities, changing both facility management rules and state funding distribution.

HB 190 requires Pennsylvania schools to annually provide eating disorder awareness and education materials to parents, guardians, and key school staff (like counselors and principals) for students in grades 6-12. The bill mandates that schools share this information via email, mail, or website, using materials developed by the Department of Health in collaboration with an advisory committee of experts from groups like the National Alliance for Eating Disorders and school health organizations. These materials must explain warning signs, resources, prevention, and be available in multiple languages. The law directly affects all public, charter, cyber, and nonpublic schools in Pennsylvania, aiming to improve early recognition and support for students facing eating disorders.