Education

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Oct 3, 2025

SB 1026: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in Safe2Say Program, further providing for definitions and for Safe2Say Program; in postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence policy and online reporting system, further providing for definitions, for policy for postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence and for online reporting system; and making an editorial change.

SB 1026 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update the Safe2Say Program, which allows students and staff to report safety concerns anonymously in K-12 schools. It also requires colleges and universities to establish written policies addressing sexual harassment and sexual violence, along with an online reporting system for incidents. The bill includes updated definitions for key terms to ensure consistent application across both school levels. These changes directly affect public school students, staff, and postsecondary institutions nationwide.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates safety reporting systems and updated policies for student protection in K-12 and colleges, strengthening educational environment safeguards without funding cuts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education School Safety

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 3, 2025

SB 170: An Act providing for funding for certain State-aided universities for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, for costs basis, for frequency of payments and for recordkeeping requirements; imposing a duty on the Auditor General; providing for financial statements, for the Agricultural College Land Scrip Fund and for restrictions; and making appropriations.

SB 170 provides funding for five Pennsylvania state-aided universities (Penn State, University of Pittsburgh, Temple, Lincoln, and the University of Pennsylvania) for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It requires monthly payments based on estimated costs, mandates detailed expenditure reports to the state, and gives the Auditor General authority to review spending and disallow improper uses. Specific restrictions include banning University of Pittsburgh funds for environmental law clinic costs and requiring University of Pennsylvania to maintain certain board appointment conditions. The bill also sets financial reporting standards and allocates specific sums, such as $242 million for Penn State's general support.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funding to public universities for 2025-2026 fiscal year with spending oversight, directly advancing public education budget priorities.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides direct funding to five PA universities for 2025-2026 fiscal year with reporting requirements, aligning with education funding support indicators per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending Higher Education

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 5, 2025

HB 1566: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in career and technical education, further providing for Cosmetology Training through Career and Technical Center Pilot Program and for Barber Training through Career and Technical Center Pilot Program.

HB 1566 creates two new pilot programs within Pennsylvania's Career and Technical Centers: one for cosmetology training and another for barber training. The bill directly affects students seeking these specific vocational qualifications by allowing them to enroll in these programs at designated Career and Technical Centers. Key provisions establish the framework for these pilot programs under the existing Public School Code, including requirements for program implementation and oversight. The bill aims to expand access to licensed cosmetology and barber training through existing career education infrastructure.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates vocational training pilot programs (cosmetology/barber) within Career and Technical Centers, expanding student access to career-focused education pathways under existing Public School Code.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Nov 6, 2025

HB 2008: An Act providing for School-Based Youth Court Pilot Program and for awarding grants; establishing the Youth Court Program Account; and making a transfer.

HB 2008 would create a pilot program allowing schools to establish youth courts to handle minor disciplinary issues involving students, directly affecting participating schools and youth who might otherwise face traditional disciplinary actions. The bill provides grants to schools for implementing these courts, establishes a dedicated Youth Court Program Account to manage funding, and transfers existing state funds into this account to support the initiative. This program aims to offer restorative alternatives to suspensions or referrals to juvenile justice systems for low-level offenses. The bill is currently in the Judiciary committee for review.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds via grants and establishes dedicated Youth Court Program Account, increasing government spending on public service (youth courts in schools).95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates restorative youth court program for minor school issues, diverting youth from formal criminal justice system, aligning with reform goals like reducing recidivism and enhancing rehabilitation.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides grants for school-based youth courts, directly funding restorative discipline programs in K-12 schools to replace traditional disciplinary actions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 21, 2025

HB 1472: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in higher education accountability and transparency, providing for economic and workforce impact review by State-related universities; and imposing duties of the Department of Labor and Industry.

HB 1472 requires Pennsylvania's State-related universities (Penn State, Pitt, Temple, Lincoln, and their branch campuses) to conduct independent economic and workforce impact studies before closing any campus. The studies must assess harm to local communities and ensure students have reasonable, affordable education alternatives. Results must be shared with state legislative committees, the Department of Labor and Industry, affected local governments, and legislators representing the campus area. Compliance with this review process is required for universities to receive state funding.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates economic impact studies before campus closures, ensuring student access to affordable alternatives and protecting educational continuity at state universities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 13, 2025

SB 165: An Act making appropriations from the Public School Employees' Retirement Fund and from the PSERS Defined Contribution Fund to provide for expenses of the Public School Employees' Retirement Board for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

SB 165 allocates funds to the Public School Employees' Retirement Board (PSERS) for its operational expenses. The bill appropriates $61,403,000 from the Public School Employees' Retirement Fund and an additional $1,282,000 from the PSERS Defined Contribution Fund. These funds are designated for costs such as employee salaries, travel, and contractual services, enabling the board to manage retirement plans for public school employees. The appropriations cover the fiscal year from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and also address any outstanding bills from the previous fiscal year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $62.7M from retirement funds to cover PSERS operational costs, ensuring continued funding for public employee retirement management under fiscal budgeting.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allocates $61.4M to PSERS for operational expenses managing retirement benefits for public school employees, directly supporting educator workforce stability and benefits.95% confidence

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 13, 2025

HB 1447: 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 possession and use of asthma inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors and providing for school administration of adrenal insufficiency medication.

HB 1447 requires Pennsylvania schools to create written policies allowing students to carry and self-administer asthma inhalers, epinephrine auto-injectors, and adrenal insufficiency medications. Schools must verify students' ability to use these medications safely, store them securely, and notify staff after use - while ensuring students with medical needs can access treatment without disrupting classes. The bill also mandates training for school staff to administer adrenal insufficiency medication during emergencies and directs the state health and education departments to provide resources on proper medication use. This directly affects students with asthma, severe allergies, or adrenal insufficiency, as well as school districts and staff responsible for health protocols.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires schools to enable safe medication access for students, directly supporting health and safety to maintain educational participation without disruption.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates schools to enable student self-administration of critical medications (asthma, epinephrine, adrenal insufficiency), improving access to emergency healthcare services and protecting student health needs in schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jul 16, 2025

HB 1743: 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.

HB 1743 requires Pennsylvania public and charter schools to implement comprehensive school counseling plans developed by certified counselors. The bill mandates that school counselors spend at least 80% of their time on direct student services (like classroom instruction, individual counseling, and career planning) and indirect services (such as consultations with parents or staff). Each school entity must create an annual, K-12-aligned plan addressing academic, career, and social-emotional needs, including special populations like students with individualized education plans. These plans must be reviewed yearly and integrated with existing school strategic planning. The law applies directly to all Pennsylvania school districts, charter schools, and intermediate units.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates comprehensive counseling plans with 80% counselor time on student services, strengthening school counseling programs per K-12 needs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Student Health

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 10, 2025

HB 829: 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, in early learning programs, providing for full-day kindergarten.

HB 829 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require school districts to offer full-day kindergarten for children aged three to five, lowering the age limit from four years. It updates the definition of "compulsory school age" to explicitly allow children as young as three to attend kindergarten without tuition, while maintaining the upper age limit at 18. The bill also adjusts transportation provisions to include free bus service for full-day kindergarten students, similar to existing rules for other grade levels. These changes directly affect public school districts, early learning programs, and families with children aged three to five.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires full-day kindergarten for ages 3-5 (lowering age limit), makes it tuition-free, and adds transportation access - directly expanding early education access and support.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly mandates free bus service for full-day kindergarten students, adding transportation funding for early education programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Higher Education K-12 Education Public Transit

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 681: 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, for reports and for interagency coordinating council for child health, nutrition and physical education; and, in terms and courses of study, further providing for physical education.

HB 681 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update school health services and physical education requirements. It requires school districts to submit annual health reports, establishes an interagency council to coordinate child health, nutrition, and physical education services, and revises physical education curriculum standards. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania public schools and students by mandating new reporting, coordination, and updated physical education guidelines. It passed the legislature on June 11, 2025, and is now referred to the Education committee for further action.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAmends physical education curriculum standards, mandates health reports, and establishes interagency coordination for child health/nutrition - enhancing student wellness and educational programming per bill summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Student Health

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