Education (Libraries)

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SR 271: A Resolution recognizing the week of April 19 through 25, 2026, as "National Library Week" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate Resolution designates the week of April 19 through 25, 2026, as "National Library Week" throughout Pennsylvania. The measure formally acknowledges the vital role libraries play in education and community support, highlighting their services to residents of all backgrounds. While it promotes awareness of library resources during this specific timeframe, it does not alter any laws or allocate funding. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage public engagement with local libraries rather than implementing new policy requirements.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill recognizes libraries' vital role in education and community support, promoting awareness of educational resources.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SR 257: A Resolution designating April 4, 2026, as "School Librarian Day" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate Resolution designates April 4, 2026, as "School Librarian Day" in Pennsylvania to honor school librarians and their contributions to education. The measure recognizes the role librarians play in providing students with access to educational resources and teaching media literacy skills. It highlights the importance of school libraries in fostering reading appreciation and academic success while acknowledging the declining number of librarians in Pennsylvania schools. The resolution serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the profession rather than enacting new policy requirements.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill honors school librarians and recognizes their vital role in providing educational resources and media literacy, strengthening educational infrastructure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Dec 4, 2025

SB 1103: An Act providing for State aid requirement for libraries relating to book removal and for prohibited removal of instructional materials and voluntary inquiry materials in public school entities.

SB 1103 requires Pennsylvania public libraries and school libraries to adopt a policy against removing books or materials due to partisan or doctrinal disapproval to qualify for state aid, either by adopting the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights or creating a written policy. The bill prohibits public schools from removing required classroom materials or non-required materials (such as books for independent reading) for reasons including an author's race, gender identity, sexual orientation, political views, or content related to student educational needs. It specifically bans removals based on school board or complainant discomfort, personal morality, or religious views. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProhibits removing educational materials based on author's race/gender identity, protecting curriculum access and academic freedom in schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Libraries

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Dec 22, 2025

HB 1663: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, establishing the Statewide Children's Literacy Program and the Children's Literacy Program of Pennsylvania Restricted Account; and imposing duties on the Department of Education.

HB 1663 establishes Pennsylvania's Statewide Imagination Library Program under the Public School Code of 1949, creating a dedicated funding account managed by the Department of Education. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania children, particularly those from birth through age five, by providing free books through the program. Key provisions require the Department of Education to administer the program and manage the Imagination Library of Pennsylvania Restricted Account for funding. The bill is currently under review in the Children & Youth committee after being removed from the legislative table in November 2025.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes free book program for ages birth-5, enhancing early childhood educational access through dedicated funding and Department of Education administration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 17, 2025

SB 459: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, establishing the Statewide Imagination Library Program and the Imagination Library of Pennsylvania Restricted Account; and imposing duties on the Department of Education.

SB 459 establishes Pennsylvania's Statewide Imagination Library Program, providing free monthly age-appropriate books to children under five years old in the state. The program is funded through a dedicated state account (using state funds, gifts, and federal dollars) and requires local partners to match funding dollar-for-dollar, with waivers possible for financial hardship. The Department of Education administers the program, coordinating with a nonprofit partner to manage book distribution, local program development, and public awareness. This directly affects eligible children and local community organizations participating in the initiative.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes free book program for children under five, enhancing early literacy access and funding through state/federal resources, directly advancing educational access for young learners.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 9, 2025

HB 1178: An Act amending Title 24 (Education) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in public library code, providing for Rural Library Grant Program; and imposing duties on the Department of Education.

HB 1178 establishes a Rural Library Grant Program to provide funding for essential maintenance and infrastructure upgrades at eligible libraries in Pennsylvania. The program targets libraries serving populations of fewer than 10,000 people, offering annual grants between $20,000 and $100,000 for specific repairs like roof replacements, boiler systems, plumbing, energy efficiency projects, health and safety improvements, and internet connectivity (excluding educational technology hardware or software). The Department of Education must create application guidelines within 60 days, review applications to ensure statewide geographic distribution, and publicly report all funded projects on its website.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds rural library infrastructure upgrades, enhancing educational access and community resources in underserved areas per Title 24 Education statutes.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFunds internet connectivity infrastructure for rural libraries, directly expanding access as per topic indicators while excluding non-access tech hardware.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 22, 2025

HB 236: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in public indecency, further providing for the offense of obscene and other sexual materials and performances.

HB 236 amends Pennsylvania's obscenity law to explicitly exempt public libraries, school/university libraries, and state or municipal archives from the offense of displaying obscene materials. The bill updates Section 5903(j) of Title 18 to clarify that recognized historical societies, museums, public libraries, and educational institution libraries are not subject to these restrictions. This change directly affects libraries and archives operating under educational or governmental supervision by removing ambiguity about their legal protections. The amendment does not create new offenses but ensures these institutions can legally display materials as part of their public service.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExempts school/university libraries from obscenity restrictions, protecting access to educational materials and preventing legal barriers for libraries under educational supervision.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Libraries

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 3, 2025

HB 769: 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 physical space for school library or information center; and, in books, furniture and supplies, providing for school library collections.

HB 769 requires Pennsylvania public schools (excluding fully online cyber charters) to provide dedicated physical space for libraries or information centers and maintain a library collection of at least 1,000 items per grade served, including print and nonprint materials like audio-visual equipment, starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The State Board of Education will establish building standards for library spaces and review these requirements every ten years. School boards must design spaces following the State Board's guidance, and the Secretary of Education can deny approval for construction projects that fail to meet the standards. This bill amends the Public School Code to ensure schools have adequate library resources for student learning.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates dedicated library space and 1,000+ item collections per grade, enhancing school library infrastructure and resources per educational standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 3, 2026

SB 128: 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 online curriculum availability.

SB 128 requires Pennsylvania public schools, charter schools, cyber charters, and other school entities to post online, on their public websites, details about their curriculum starting with the 2025-2026 school year. This includes links to textbooks used, course syllabi, written summaries of courses, and state academic standards for each course. Schools must update this information within 30 business days of any changes to their curriculum materials. The law explicitly states it does not override copyright or intellectual property rights held by curriculum creators.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires public posting of curriculum details to enhance transparency and accountability in education, aligning with strengthening oversight without restricting access or funding.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Libraries

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 22, 2025

HB 215: 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.

HB 215 requires every public school in Pennsylvania to employ at least one certified professional librarian. The bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to mandate that each school must have a librarian certified under Pennsylvania law (24 Pa.C.S. § 9319). This directly affects all public schools statewide by establishing a new staffing requirement for library professionals. The provision takes effect 60 days after the bill is enacted, with no exemptions specified. The change applies uniformly to all public schools, regardless of size or location.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates certified librarians in all Pennsylvania public schools, enhancing student resource access and curriculum support per Public School Code amendment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries Student Health

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