Education (Higher Education)

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Aug 26, 2026

SB 1445: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, providing for the Pennsylvania Learning Investment Tax Credit Program.

Pennsylvania SB 1445 establishes the Learning Investment Tax Credit Program, which provides a refundable tax credit of $8,000 per child for qualified education expenses. The program is available to parents or legal guardians with annual incomes up to 300% of the area median gross income who have school-age children not enrolled in public schools. Eligible expenses include private school tuition, textbooks, tutoring, educational software, and standardized test fees. The total amount of credits awarded is capped at $300 million per fiscal year, with a mechanism to increase this cap by 25% if the previous year's usage reaches 90% of the limit.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates a tax credit for private education expenses, expanding educational access and funding options for families not in public schools.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education School Choice Testing & Assessment

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 22, 2026

SB 1390: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school finances, providing for school mapping services.

This bill requires school districts in Pennsylvania that use state funding for mapping services to ensure their campus maps are compatible with emergency response software. The legislation mandates that these maps include detailed floor plans, accurate room labels, and verified data from onsite inspections while being stored securely within the United States. Before purchasing such services, districts must obtain written approval from their primary law enforcement agency to confirm the data meets specific safety standards.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates improved campus maps for emergency response, enhancing school safety and infrastructure.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates secure storage of campus maps within the US and compatibility with emergency response software, enhancing cybersecurity and data protection for schools.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education School Safety

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 26, 2026

HB 2675: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in personal income tax, further providing for classes of income.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's personal income tax code to clarify that certain educational savings distributions are not taxable. Specifically, it ensures that withdrawals from qualified tuition programs rolled over into a Roth IRA remain exempt from state taxation, aligning state rules with federal tax exemptions. The change directly affects Pennsylvania residents who utilize these specific financial vehicles for education savings. By updating the Tax Reform Code, the legislation provides clear guidance on which income classes are excluded from state tax liability.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill clarifies tax exemptions for educational savings, promoting fiscal responsibility and reducing tax burden on families using qualified financial vehicles.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill exempts educational savings distributions from state tax, increasing access to education funding for families.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Higher Education

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 2656: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in community colleges, further providing for definitions, for powers and duties of State Board of Education, for plans and procedures for establishing, for election or appointment and term and organization of board of trustees, for powers and duties of board of trustees, for students, for tuition, for withdrawal of sponsorship and dissolution of community college, for participation in or admission to established community college, for degrees and for financial program and reimbursement of payments; in institutions of higher education, further providing for long-term strategic planning and providing for additional powers and duties; and, in the State Board of Education, further providing for membership, for powers and duties of the board, for powers and duties of Council of Basic Education and Council of Higher Education and for reports and recommendations.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to modernize the rules governing community colleges and the State Board of Higher Education. It clarifies definitions for college planning, outlines how new colleges are established, and details the powers of the State Board and local boards of trustees regarding student admissions, tuition, and degrees. The legislation also sets specific criteria for approving new colleges, such as ensuring sufficient local population and financial resources, while requiring long-term strategic planning for existing institutions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill modernizes community college governance, clarifies definitions, and sets criteria for establishing new colleges, thereby strengthening higher education infrastructure and access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 1271: An Act amending the act of June 30, 1987 (P.L.163, No.16), known as the Rural Pennsylvania Revitalization Act, in Center for Rural Pennsylvania, further providing for grants.

SB 1271 amends the Rural Pennsylvania Revitalization Act to establish a new grant program for faculty members at institutions of higher education located in Pennsylvania. The bill sets the maximum grant amount at $100,000 and defines eligible recipients to include state universities, community colleges, private licensed schools, and other accredited colleges within the Commonwealth. These grants are intended to support qualified faculty, though the specific purposes for the funding are not detailed in the text. The legislation takes effect 60 days after its passage.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes new grants for higher education faculty, directly funding educational institutions and supporting educators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Tags Rural Communities

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passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jul 1, 2026

SB 1240: An Act amending the act of May 26, 1947 (P.L.318, No.140), known as the CPA Law, further providing for requirements for issuance of certificate.

SB 1240 updates Pennsylvania's Certified Public Accountant Law to clarify the educational requirements individuals must meet before taking the CPA examination. Specifically, the bill mandates that candidates hold either a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited institution and complete a set number of semester credits in accounting, auditing, tax, and related business subjects. These course requirements can be fulfilled through undergraduate or graduate work, provided the content is approved by the State Board of Accountancy. The legislation directly affects aspiring accountants seeking licensure in Pennsylvania and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes clear educational requirements for CPA certification, strengthening professional standards and ensuring candidates possess adequate academic qualifications.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 20, 2026

HB 2525: An Act amending the act of July 18, 1974 (P.L.483, No.174), known as The Institutional Assistance Grants Act, repealing provisions relating to legislative findings; further providing for definitions, for institutional assistance grants and for assistance grant fund; and repealing provisions relating to appropriation.

HB 2525 amends Pennsylvania's Institutional Assistance Grants Act to update definitions and procedures for grants given to students attending independent colleges. The bill removes old legislative findings and specific appropriation amounts, while establishing a new maximum grant limit of $400 per student. It also requires the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency to audit eligible institutions and publish annual reports on how the grant funds are used.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes a new maximum grant limit and mandates audits and reporting for student grants, enhancing fiscal oversight and protecting funding for higher education.75% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill updates grant procedures and establishes a $400 limit for independent college students, enhancing financial aid access.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Audits & Accountability Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 6, 2026

HB 2358: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in charter schools, further providing for funding for cyber charter schools.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to clarify funding rules for cyber charter schools. It mandates that these schools cannot charge tuition to students who live in or outside the state, with one specific exception. Under this exception, a local school district does not have to pay the tuition for its own students if those students attend an outside cyber charter school instead of the district's own online program. To qualify for this exemption, the district's online program must meet specific standards set by the state department, such as offering in-person orientation, verifying residency, tracking attendance, providing technical support, and assigning case managers for special education needs. The changes will become effective 60 days after the bill is passed.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill clarifies funding rules for cyber charter schools and mandates tuition-free access, expanding educational options and support for students.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates free tuition for cyber charter schools, expanding access to online education and digital learning resources.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education School Choice Special Education

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 22, 2026

HR 489: A Resolution designating May 17, 2026, as the "25th Anniversary of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program Day" in Pennsylvania.

This bill designates May 17, 2026, as the "25th Anniversary of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program Day" in Pennsylvania. The resolution recognizes the program, which allows businesses to receive tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations that fund tuition for students in public and private schools. By formally acknowledging the program's 25-year history, the bill highlights its role in providing educational options for families across the state without changing any existing laws or policies.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill designates a day honoring a tax credit program that provides tax relief for businesses and supports educational options, aligning with fiscal incentives.75% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill recognizes a program expanding educational access via tax credits for scholarships, indicating support for diverse schooling options.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Higher Education School Choice Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 11, 2026

HB 2507: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in tax credit and tax benefit administration, further providing for definitions; providing for Internship Tax Credit Program; and promulgating regulations.

This Pennsylvania bill creates a new Internship Tax Credit Program designed to help small businesses hire students from local colleges and universities. Under the program, eligible businesses that employ qualified interns in structured, paid work experiences can receive a tax credit to offset their state taxes. To qualify, interns must be residents of Pennsylvania with at least 30 college credits and a 2.5 GPA, while internships must last a minimum of six weeks and pay at least minimum wage. The bill also establishes a waiting list system for businesses that apply for the credit but do not receive it due to limited funding.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a tax credit program to encourage small business hiring of interns, providing fiscal relief and promoting workforce development.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates tax credits for businesses hiring college interns, enhancing student work experience and educational access.75% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill creates a tax credit program to incentivize businesses to hire and pay students, promoting paid work experiences and employment opportunities.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Tax Incentives Higher Education Minimum Wage

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