Education (Higher Education)

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 1341: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, providing for community-engaged schools; establishing the Community-Engaged School for Success Pilot Program; and imposing duties on the Department of Education.

This bill establishes a pilot program called the Community-Engaged School for Success to support struggling schools in Pennsylvania by connecting them with local community resources. It designates schools as "community-engaged" if they are among the lowest 15% in academic performance or located in districts with at least 30% acute poverty, requiring them to hire coordinators and program managers to oversee new support services. These services include academic help, mental and dental health care, family engagement, and college preparation, provided by school staff or outside partners without replacing existing union-negotiated duties. The Department of Education is tasked with approving applications and designating at least 20 schools by September 2026 to begin this initiative.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes a pilot program to support struggling schools by connecting them with community resources and providing health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Health

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 1280: An Act directing the Department of Education to establish a career and technical education program of study in shipbuilding and maritime trades; providing for grants and coordination with apprenticeship programs; and imposing powers and duties on the Department of Education.

This bill directs Pennsylvania's Department of Education to create a statewide curriculum for shipbuilding and maritime trades to support the state's growing maritime industry. The program will include hands-on training in skills like welding and pipe fitting, align with existing apprenticeships, and offer college credits to help students transition into these careers. To fund the initiative, the bill establishes a competitive grant program for schools to purchase equipment, train teachers, and launch new courses. Additionally, the Department of Education must work with labor groups and employers to ensure the training meets industry needs and submit annual reports on student participation and grant usage.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes a new CTE program, provides grants for equipment and teacher training, and offers college credits to expand educational access.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill creates training programs and grants for maritime trades, expanding workforce skills and employment opportunities.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Curriculum Higher Education Apprenticeships

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signed · Pennsylvania · House Jul 12, 2026

HB 2413: An Act making appropriations to the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania.

This bill allocates $31.56 million to the University of Pennsylvania for veterinary activities and an additional $1.793 million for its Center for Infectious Diseases during the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The funding is distributed quarterly by the Department of Agriculture and comes with conditions requiring at least four non-elected board members appointed by legislative leaders to have full voting rights on the university's board. The university must also provide financial reports and explain how state funds were used to benefit Pennsylvania residents by September 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $33.35M in state funding to University of Pennsylvania for veterinary and infectious disease programs, directly advancing budget appropriations for public health services.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill provides $31.56M funding for University of Pennsylvania veterinary activities and $1.793M for infectious diseases center, representing financial support for higher education institutions.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

signed · Pennsylvania · House Jul 12, 2026

HB 2412: An Act providing for funding for State-related universities for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027, 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.

This bill allocates state funding to four Pennsylvania universities - the Pennsylvania State University, University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, and Lincoln University - for the fiscal year 2026-2027. It establishes that payments will be made monthly based on estimated costs submitted by each university, and requires these institutions to maintain detailed records of how funds are spent. The Auditor General is tasked with reviewing expenditure reports, auditing spending against permitted purposes, and recovering any misused funds. Additionally, the bill places specific restrictions on how the University of Pittsburgh may use its appropriation, prohibiting funds for an environmental law clinic and limiting usage to instruction and student-related services.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funding to four universities for FY 2026-2027, directly advancing budget appropriations for public education institutions.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allocates state funding to four Pennsylvania universities for fiscal year 2026-2027, directly supporting higher education institutions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Government Spending Higher Education

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 11, 2026

HB 2209: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in miscellaneous provisions relating to institutions of higher education, providing for communism and socialism education.

HB 2209 requires all state-funded institutions of higher education in Pennsylvania to implement a mandatory one-credit course on "the dangers and realities of communism and socialism" starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The course must cover specific topics including definitions of capitalism, communism, and socialism; historical examples like China, Cuba, and the Soviet Union; comparisons between free markets and communist systems; and the impact on civil liberties. It applies to all public universities, community colleges, and state-funded private institutions as defined in the bill. The law mandates this curriculum for all students at these institutions, with no exemption for existing courses. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationMandates specific curriculum on communism/socialism, restricting academic freedom in higher education courses per bill's mandatory requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Higher Education

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 24, 2026

SB 1171: An Act providing for funding for State-related universities for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027, 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 1171 provides funding for Pennsylvania's four state-related universities (Penn State, Pitt, Temple, and Lincoln) for fiscal year 2026-2027. It requires monthly payments based on estimated costs submitted by each university, mandates detailed expenditure reports to the Secretary of Education and Auditor General, and mandates audits to ensure funds are used only for permitted purposes. The bill specifically restricts University of Pittsburgh funds from supporting environmental law clinics and limits them to instruction, student services, and community outreach. It also establishes recordkeeping requirements and financial reporting standards aligned with state and federal guidelines.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides dedicated funding for state universities (core public services) via appropriations, mandates proper financial reporting, and restricts misuse - aligns with funding essential programs and fiscal responsibility.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill provides FY2026-2027 funding for Pennsylvania's state-related universities (higher education), mandating proper use through reporting and audits. Restriction on one clinic doesn't negate overall funding support for higher education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending Higher Education

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 24, 2026

SB 1172: An Act making appropriations to the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania.

SB 1172 provides $31.56 million for the University of Pennsylvania's veterinary activities and $1.793 million for its Center for Infectious Diseases for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The bill requires the university to maintain specific board composition (with four non-elected members appointed by legislative leaders) and report quarterly on fund usage. It mandates detailed financial reporting to the Department of Agriculture and Appropriations Committees, including how funds reduced costs for Pennsylvania resident students or provided services to Pennsylvania residents. These provisions ensure accountability for state-funded programs at the University of Pennsylvania.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $33.35M in state appropriations to university programs, directly funding public services through budgetary means.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allocates $33.353M for University of Pennsylvania's veterinary and infectious disease centers, directly funding higher education activities as defined in the topic.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds University of Pennsylvania's Center for Infectious Diseases ($1.793M), directly advancing public health programs under healthcare topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 4, 2026

HB 2169: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, making editorial changes to delete references to "approved private school" for the purpose of adding references to "approved special education school."

HB 2169 amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to update terminology in funding provisions for special education schools. It replaces references to "approved private school" with "approved special education school" in Section 1923(5), which governs how funds from the Public School Code (Section 2509.8) are allocated. The bill directly affects approved special education schools with day tuition under $32,000, requiring funding to be no less than 175% of the 2015-2016 allocation. This is a technical correction to align statutory language with current educational terminology, with no change to the underlying funding mechanism or eligibility criteria.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates 175% funding for special education schools, strengthening program support within Fiscal Code appropriations.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates minimum 175% funding for approved special education schools, updating terminology to ensure continued support and addressing allocation requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education School Funding Special Education

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Dec 5, 2025

SB 299: 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 Promise Program; and establishing the Pennsylvania Promise Program Fund.

SB 299 creates the Pennsylvania Promise Program, providing tuition/fees and room/board scholarships to eligible Pennsylvania residents attending higher education. It directly affects two groups: (1) "eligible students" under age 24 (or active military) who graduated high school within five years, and (2) "eligible adult learners" aged 24+ with a high school diploma. The program, administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, covers tuition/fees up to the State System’s maximum in-state rate and room/board based on agency standards. Funding comes from the newly established Pennsylvania Promise Program Fund, requiring applicants to complete FAFSA and apply for other grants first.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates state-funded scholarship program increasing public education spending through the Pennsylvania Promise Program Fund.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates Pennsylvania Promise Program with tuition/fees scholarships for higher education, expanding access and funding for eligible students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Dec 12, 2025

HB 2099: 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.

HB 2099 establishes a new Delayed Payment Plan Program to help eligible Pennsylvania residents attend specific colleges by covering tuition costs in exchange for paying a portion of their future income. The program, administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), requires students to agree to remain in Pennsylvania for 10 years after graduation (or until tuition is repaid) and study in high-need fields. It uses a dedicated fund financed by state appropriations, private donations, and income payments from participants, with administrative costs capped at $400,000 in the first year. Initially targeting 15 community colleges and Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology for the 2025-2026 academic year, it may expand to other state institutions starting in 2026-2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes state-funded program via appropriations, allocating budget resources to support higher education access through dedicated fund financing.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes state-funded tuition coverage program to expand higher education access for eligible students in high-need fields, using state appropriations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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