Amends the Public School Code further providing for exceptional children, education and training.

(PN 231) Amends the Public School Code further providing for exceptional

children, education and training by adding a section providing for burden

of proof and time limitations relating to exceptional children. The bill

states that in all proceedings related to the provision of a free

appropriate public education for exceptional children, the local

educational agency responsible for providing education to the student with

disabilities would have the burden of proof, the burden of production and

the burden of persuasion in any such proceeding, except with respect to any

determination of the appropriateness of any private school placement

unilaterally selected by a parent or guardian, the burden of proof,

production and persuasion would rest upon the student, the student's parent

or the student's guardian. School districts and intermediate units that

seek to evaluate a child under IDEA must complete the evaluation within 60

calendar days of receipt of permission from the parent or guardian to

perform the evaluation.

Companions:

HB 2438 (Refiled from 07R Session)

SB 1414 (Refiled from 07R Session)

P0231 

02-02-09 H Filed

02-03-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Education

Amends Public School Code, in disruptive student programs, defining "cyber alternative education program"; and providing for cyber alternative education programs.

(PN 297) Amends the Public School Code, in disruptive student programs,

defining "cyber alternative education program" and provided for

definitions. The legislation authorizes applicants to establish a cyber

alternative education program, which shall be considered an alternative

education program.

P0297 

02-04-09 H Filed

02-06-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Education

Amends the Public School Code further providing for combination of school districts; providing for referendum & for assistance for countywide school districts; & further providing for elections or appointments in newly formed districts.

(PN 382) Amends the Public School Code providing for a referendum on the

combination of school districts in any county with a school district of the

second, third or fourth class. If two or more school districts combine to

create a countywide school district and at least one of the school

districts is a school district of the second, third or fourth class, the

districts shall be eligible for the following: (1) Services of advisors and

legal counsel from the Department of Education relating to the combination;

(2) Upon application to the Department of Education, a grant of $2,000,000

to the new school district for expenses related to the combination; (3)

Participation in the Pennsylvania Employee Benefit Trust Fund if

participation is approved by all organizations representing employes of the

new school district and is not in violation of any collective bargaining

agreement; and (4) At the discretion of the new school district, retention

of aspects of the identity of the combining school.

P0382 

02-09-09 H Filed

02-10-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Education

Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, further providing for physical education.

(PN 405) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study,

further providing for physical education by adding that students in grades

K-5 must participate in 150 minutes of physical education during each

school week and students in grades 6-8 must participate in 225 minutes of

physical education each school week.

Companions:

HB 1848 (Refiled from 07R Session)

P0405 

02-10-09 H Filed

02-11-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Education

03-10-09 H Discussed in Press Conference

Amends the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency Law providing for a task force on drug-endangered children.

(PN 654) Amends the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency Law providing

for the establishment of a task force on drug-endangered children. The

overall goal of the task force is to improve the health of children exposed

to chemicals associated with methamphetamine production or other drug

involvement by identifying the physical, psychological and sociological

effects on children and providing appropriate intervention. The task force

shall develop protocols establishing a statewide response system and a

strategic plan related to helping children who may have been endangered by

circumstances involving the illegal production of methamphetamine or other

drugs or by trafficking or abuse. The task force would sunset after one

year and the commission shall continue to provide training and education

activities and act as a clearinghouse for information on an ongoing basis.

P0654 

02-20-09 H Filed

02-24-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary

Amends Public School Code, in reimbursement, further providing for definitions; & providing for special education funding for student achievement & instruction for eligible students & for accountability to Commonwealth taxpayers.

(PN 3963) Amends Public School Code, in reimbursement by Commonwealth and

between school districts, further providing for definitions and providing

for special education funding for student achievement and instruction of

eligible students in regular classrooms and for special education

accountability to Commonwealth taxpayers. The bill also provides for a

formula for calculating special education funding and for a task force for

determining special education funding necessities. Requirements for the

task force, including public hearings and appointments, are provided.

(Prior Printer Number: 1651, 2375, 3778)

HB 704 -

(PN 3778) Amends Public School Code, in reimbursement by Commonwealth and

between school districts, further providing for definitions and providing

for special education funding for student achievement and instruction of

eligible students in regular classrooms and for special education

accountability to Commonwealth taxpayers. The Department of Education is

required to determine a special education adequacy target and funding

target for each school district. The department shall report to the

Governor and General Assembly recommending increased standards and the

General Assembly shall consider legislation revising the criteria, in any

year in which 75 percent of all school districts meet the criteria and

qualify for the 1.15 factor for funding. The Commonwealth shall appropriate

additional funding in each year for extraordinary special education program

expenses at 1.50 percent of the total of special education appropriations

made. The bill provides for special education accountability to

commonwealth taxpayers. (Prior Printer Number: 1651, 2375)

HB 704 -

(PN 2375) Amends Public School Code, in reimbursement by Commonwealth and

between school districts, further providing for definitions and providing

for special education funding for student achievement and instruction of

eligible students in regular classrooms and for special education

accountability to Commonwealth taxpayers. The Department of Education is

required to determine a special education adequacy target and funding

target for each school district. The department shall report to the

Governor and General Assembly recommending increased standards and the

General Assembly shall consider legislation revising the criteria, in any

year in which 75% of all school districts meet the criteria and qualify for

the 1.15 factor for funding. The Commonwealth shall appropriate additional

funding in each year for extraordinary special education program expenses

at 1.50% of the total of special education appropriations made. The bill

provides for special education accountability to commonwealth taxpayers.

(Prior Printer Number: 1651)

HB 704 -

(PN 1651) Amends Public School Code, in reimbursement by Commonwealth and

between school districts, further providing for definitions; and outlining

a funding formula for special education for student achievement and

instruction of eligible students in regular classrooms; and providing for

special education accountability to Commonwealth taxpayers. The Department

of Education shall submit a report to the Governor and General Assembly

recommending increased standards and the General Assembly shall consider

legislation revising the criteria, in any year in which 75% of all school

districts meet the criteria and qualify for the 1.15 factor for funding.

The Department of Education shall determine the form and manner in which

school districts shall submit a special education plan and revisions,

updates and amendments to the special education plan.

Companions:

SB 940 (Identical)

P1651 

P2375 

P3778 

P3963 

06-23-10 H Rep. Eachus motions to Proceed to final consideration of HB fdocs/billinfo/bill_votes.cfm?syear=2009&sind;=0&body;=H&type;=B&bn;=00704" target="Email">(Vote: Y:172/N: 26)

704 fdocs/billinfo/bill_votes.cfm?syear=2009&sind;=0&body;=H&type;=B&bn;=00704" target="Email">(Vote: Y:172/N: 26)

06-23-10 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:173/N: 25)

06-24-10 S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Education

Amends Public School Code establishing parent involvement programs and policies in school districts and the school health services task force.

(PN 3322) Amends Public School Code establishing parent involvement

programs. A parent involvement committee established by a board of school

directors shall consist of parents of students enrolled in the school

district and be responsible for providing the board of school directors

with recommendations on the school district's parent involvement program

and parent involvement policy. If a school district currently has

established a committee of parents that makes recommendations on school

policies, the board of school directors may utilize that committee to meet

these requirements. A board of school directors shall provide for the

publication and dissemination of information related to the school

district's parent involvement program and parent involvement policy by

giving a hard copy of the policy to the parents; also providing guidelines

for school directors for the implementation of the programs. The bill also

provides for The School Health Services Task Force. Composition, powers,

and duties of the task force are also provided. (Prior Printer's Numbers:

777, 1281)

HB 705 -

(PN 1281) Amends Public School Code establishing parent involvement

programs. A parent involvement committee established by a board of school

directors shall consist of parents of students enrolled in the school

district and be responsible for providing the board of school directors

with recommendations on the school district's parent involvement program

and parent involvement policy. If a school district currently has

established a committee of parents that makes recommendations on school

policies, the board of school directors may utilize that committee to meet

these requirements. A board of school directors shall provide for the

publication and dissemination of information related to the school

district's parent involvement program and parent involvement policy but

allows school districts to place the parental involvement policy on the

internet rather than providing hard copies; also providing guidelines for

school directors for the implementation of the programs. (Prior Printer

Number: 777)

HB 705 -

(PN 777) Amends Public School Code establishing parent involvement

programs. A parent involvement committee established by a board of school

directors shall consist of parents of students enrolled in the school

district and be responsible for providing the board of school directors

with recommendations on the school district's parent involvement program

and parent involvement policy. If a school district currently has

established a committee of parents that makes recommendations on school

policies, the board of school directors may utilize that committee to meet

these requirements. A board of school directors shall provide for the

publication and dissemination of information related to the school

district's parent involvement program and parent involvement policy; also

providing guidelines for school directors for the implementation of the

programs.

P0777 

P1281 

P3322 

03-15-10 H Third consideration

03-15-10 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:117/N: 73)

03-18-10 S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Education

Amends the Public School Code providing for State reimbursement for mobile classroom facilities; and making editorial changes.

(PN 939) Amends the Public School Code providing for State reimbursement

for mobile classroom facilities by adding that nothing shall prohibit a

school district from receiving reimbursement for approved building

improvements, including the cost of acquiring a suitable site for a school

building, the cost of constructing a new school building or the cost of

providing needed additions or alterations to existing buildings, if a

school district elects not to remove any relocatable or modular classroom

utilized after the completion of a building project.

P0939 

03-09-09 H Filed

03-10-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Education

Amends the Public School Code, in educational improvement tax credit, further defining "educational improvement organization" and defining "technology development investment program"; and further providing for limitations.

(PN 976) Amends the Public School Code in educational improvement tax

credit, further defining "educational improvement organization" to include

technology development investment programs. The legislation also adds that

for the fiscal year 2008-2009 and each fiscal year thereafter, the total

aggregate amount of all tax credits approved for contributions from

business firms to an educational improvement organization for the purpose

of providing funding for a technology development investment program shall

not exceed $15 million in a fiscal year.

P0976 

03-10-09 H Filed

03-11-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Finance

Amends the Public School Code providing for technology grants to benefit students in nonpublic and private schools.

(PN 1054) Amends the Public School Code providing for technology grants to

be allocated to intermediate units who would purchase and loan equipment to

children based on the per capita formula established by the Secretary of

Education to benefit students in nonpublic and private schools. In July of

2007, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Education would allocate to

each intermediate unit an amount equal to the number of nonpublic school

students as of October 1 of the preceding school year who are enrolled in

nonpublic schools within the intermediate unit times $30.

Companions:

HB 1646 (Refiled from 07R Session)

P1054 

03-13-09 H Filed

03-13-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Education

Amends the Public School Code further providing for State reimbursement for health services.

(PN 1169) Amends the Public School Code further providing for State

reimbursement for health services by adding that the Commonwealth shall

reimburse school districts for school nurse services at a rate of $12

(increased from $7) multiplied by the number of children enrolled in the

school.

Companions:

HB 2408 (Refiled from 07R Session)

SB 1312 (Refiled from 07R Session)

SB 315 (Identical)

P1169 

03-18-09 H Filed

03-19-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Education

Amends the Public School Code further providing for appropriations for ensuing years.

(PN 1258) Amends the Public School Code further providing for

appropriations for ensuing years by adding that if reimbursements are not

enacted by the last day of the fiscal year and if this causes a school

district to incur a loan to continue operations, the amount of the interest

on the loan shall be added to the appropriation for reimbursement of the

affected school district for the ensuing fiscal year.

P1258 

03-23-09 H Filed

03-24-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Education

Amends the Public School Code further providing, in high schools, for academic degrees.

(PN 1265) Amends the Public School Code by adding that a board of school

directors may establish a program to grant an honorary high school diploma

posthumously to the family of a deceased student and authorize the school

district to establish an application and the requirements to apply for such

a diploma.

Companions:

HB 598 (Refiled from 07R Session)

P1265 

03-24-09 H Filed

03-24-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Education

Amends the Public School Code further providing for home education program.

(PN 1444) Amends the Public School Code further providing for home

education programs establishing the procedures to be followed when the

supervisor fails to submit the certification due on June 30; if the

superintendent has probable cause that appropriate education may not be

occurring in the home education program; or if the superintendent has

probable cause that the home education program is out of compliance.

Companions:

HB 1273 (Refiled from 07R Session)

HB 2149 (Identical)

P1444 

04-06-09 H Filed

04-07-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Education

Amends the Public School Code, in safe schools, further providing for definitions; and providing for safe school crisis plans.

(PN 1474) Amends the Public School Code requiring schools to develop and

adopt safe school crisis plans. The plan shall also be submitted to the

Department of Education. The bill outlines the adoption procedures and

provides for the content of the plan.

Companions:

HB 2153 (Refiled from 07R Session)

P1474 

04-08-09 H Filed

04-08-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Education

Amends the Public School Code prohibiting cyber charter schools from charging school districts for programs or services not provided by the school district.

(PN 1646) Amends the Public School Code prohibiting cyber charter schools

from charging school districts for programs or services not provided by the

school district.

P1646 

04-27-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Education

03-17-10 H Hearing set for 9:00 a.m., Room 205, Ryan O...House Education

03-17-10 H Public hearing held in committee House Education

Act to provide from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative & Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt & the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010.

(PN 2772) The General Appropriation Act of 2009 provides from the General

Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial

Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for

the fiscal year July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010, for certain institutions

and organizations, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining

unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009; to provide

appropriations from the State Lottery Fund, the Energy Conservation and

Assistance Fund, the Aviation Restricted Revenue Account, the Hazardous

Material Response Fund, The State Stores Fund, the Milk Marketing Fund, the

Home Investment Trust Fund, the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund,

the Tuition Payment Fund, the Banking Department Fund, the Firearm Records

Check Fund, the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority Fund and the

Tobacco Settlement Fund to the Executive Department; to provide

appropriations from the Judicial Computer System Augmentation Account to

the Judicial Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010;

to provide appropriations from the Motor License Fund for the fiscal year

July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010, for the proper operation of the several

departments of the Commonwealth and the Pennsylvania State Police

authorized to spend Motor License Fund moneys; to provide for the

appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive Department of the

Commonwealth and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of

the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009; to provide for the additional

appropriation of Federal and State funds from the General Fund, from the

State Lottery Fund and from the Tobacco Settlement Fund for the Executive

Department of the Commonwealth for the fiscal year July 1, 2008 to June 30,

2009, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the

close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008; and making interfund

transfers for the fiscal year July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2009. (Prior

Printer Number: 1738, 2433, 2487)

HB 1416 -

(PN 2487) The General Appropriation Act of 2009 provides provide from the

General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial

Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for

the fiscal year July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010, for certain institutions

and organizations, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining

unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009; to provide

appropriations from the State Lottery Fund, the Energy Conservation and

Assistance Fund, the Hazardous Material Response Fund, The State Stores

Fund, the Milk Marketing Fund, the Home Investment Trust Fund, the

Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund, the Tuition Payment Fund, the

Banking Department Fund, the Firearm Records Check Fund, the Ben Franklin

Technology Development Authority Fund and the Tobacco Settlement Fund to

the Executive Department; to provide appropriations from the Judicial

Computer System Augmentation Account to the Judicial Department for the

fiscal year July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010; to provide appropriations from

the Motor License Fund for the fiscal year July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010,

for the proper operation of the several departments of the Commonwealth and

the Pennsylvania State Police authorized to spend Motor License Fund moneys;

to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive

Department of the Commonwealth and for the payment of bills remaining

unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009; to provide for

the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds from the General

Fund, from the State Lottery Fund and from the Tobacco Settlement Fund for

the Executive Department of the Commonwealth for the fiscal year July 1,

2008 to June 30, 2009, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining

unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008; and making

interfund transfers for the fiscal year July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2009.

(Prior Printer Number: 1738, 2433)

HB 1416 -

(PN 2433) The General Appropriation Act of 2009 provides from the General

Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial

Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for

the fiscal year July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010, for certain institutions

and organizations, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining

unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009; to provide

appropriations from the State Lottery Fund, the Energy Conservation and

Assistance Fund, the Hazardous Material Response Fund, The State Stores

Fund, the Milk Marketing Fund, the Home Investment Trust Fund, the

Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund, the Tuition Payment Fund, the

Banking Department Fund, the Firearm Records Check Fund, the Ben Franklin

Technology Development Authority Fund and the Tobacco Settlement Fund to

the Executive Department; to provide appropriations from the Judicial

Computer System Augmentation Account to the Judicial Department for the

fiscal year July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010; to provide appropriations from

the Motor License Fund for the fiscal year July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010,

for the proper operation of the several departments of the Commonwealth and

the Pennsylvania State Police authorized to spend Motor License Fund moneys;

to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive

Department of the Commonwealth and for the payment of bills remaining

unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009. (Prior Printer

Number: 1738)

HB 1416 -

(PN 1738) The General Appropriation Act of 2009 provides from the General

Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial

Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for

the fiscal year July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010, for certain institutions

and organizations, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining

unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009; to provide

appropriations from the State Lottery Fund, the Energy Conservation and

Assistance Fund, the Hazardous Material Response Fund, The State Stores

Fund, the Milk Marketing Fund, the Home Investment Trust Fund, the

Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund, the Tuition Payment Fund, the

Banking Department Fund, the Firearm Records Check Fund, the Ben Franklin

Technology Development Authority Fund and the Tobacco Settlement Fund to

the Executive Department; to provide appropriations from the Judicial

Computer System Augmentation Account to the Judicial Department for the

fiscal year July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010; to provide appropriations from

the Motor License Fund for the fiscal year July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010,

for the proper operation of the several departments of the Commonwealth and

the Pennsylvania State Police authorized to spend Motor License Fund moneys;

to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive

Department of the Commonwealth and for the payment of bills remaining

unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009.

P1738 

P2433 

P2487 

P2772 

10-09-09 G In the hands of the Governor

10-19-09 G Last day for Governor's action

10-09-09 G Approved by the Governor (Act: 10A)

Amends the General Appropriation Act of 2008, adding a new abbreviation; increasing and decreasing certain State appropriations and certain Federal appropriations; and adding new Federal appropriations.

(PN 1739) Amends the General Appropriation Act of 2008 the American

Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA); increasing and decreasing certain

State appropriations and certain Federal appropriations; and adding new

Federal appropriations.

P1739 

05-01-09 H Filed

05-04-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Appropriations

Act providing for the capital budget for fiscal year 2009-10; itemizing transportation assistance projects; authorizing incurring of debt without approval of the electors for financing projects, etc. & making appropriations.

(PN 2532) The Capital Budget Act of 2009-2010 provides for the capital

budget for the fiscal year 2009-2010. Also itemizes transportation

assistance projects to be constructed or acquired or assisted by the

Department of General Services or the Department of Transportation,

together with their estimated financial costs. Authorizes the incurring of

debt without the approval of the electors for the purpose of financing the

transportation assistance projects. In addition, states the estimated

useful life of the projects and makes appropriations. (Prior Printer Number:

1740)

HB 1418 -

(PN 1740) The Capital Budget Act of 2009-2010 provides for the capital

budget for the fiscal year 2009-2010.

P1740 

P2532 

12-17-09 G In the hands of the Governor

12-27-09 G Last day for Governor's action

12-17-09 G Approved by the Governor (Act: 53 )

Act making an appropriation from a restricted revenue account within the General Fund to the Office of Small Business Advocate in the Department of Community and Economic Development.

(PN 1747) Act making an appropriation of $1,040,000 from a restricted

revenue account within the General Fund to the Office of Small Business

Advocate in the Department of Community and Economic Development for fiscal

year 2009-10.

P1747 

08-12-09 G In the hands of the Governor

08-22-09 G Last day for Governor's action

08-12-09 G Approved by the Governor (Act: 8A)

Amends Titles 24 (Education) & 71 (State Government) further providing for creditable nonschool srvs, contributions for purchase of credit for creditable nonschool srvs, creditable nonstate srvs & purchase of credit for creditable nonstate srvs.

(PN 1841) Amends Titles 24 (Education) and 71 (State Government) further

providing for creditable nonschool service and contributions by stating

that military service would be credited as Class AA service, provided that

the member makes the required contributions

Companions:

HB 1103 (Refiled from 07R Session)

P1841 

05-08-09 H Filed

05-12-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Finance

Amends the Public School Code further providing for basic education funding for student achievement and for accountability to Commonwealth taxpayers.

(PN 1857) Amends the Public School Code further providing for basic

education funding for student achievement, stipulating that for the

2008-2009 school year and each school year thereafter for which school

districts receive basic education funding under this section, the base cost

per student shall be the base cost per student of the prior school year,

increased by the index for the school year in which funding will be paid.

The bill outlines the contents of basic education funding allocations for

each school district, and provides measures for accountability to

Commonwealth taxpayers.

P1857 

09-11-09 H Set on the Tabled Calendar

09-11-09 H Removed from the table

09-11-09 H Rereferred to House Appropriations

Act providing for data collection relating to dropouts by the Department of Education.

(PN 3454) The Drop-out Data Collection Act provides legislative findings

that data is inconsistently collected in the Commonwealth with regard to

drop-out rates and that the Federal government is requiring the states to

use their drop-out formula. The Act provides definitions, gives the

Department of Education the power to collect the data and requires the

Department to break the information down into specific categories. The Act

also provides for annual reporting after 2011-2012. (Prior Printer's

Numbers: 2016, 2096)

HB 1618 -

(PN 2096) The Drop-out Data Collection Act provides legislative findings

that data is inconsistently collected in the Commonwealth with regard to

drop-out rates and that the Federal government is requiring the states to

use their drop-out formula. The Act provides definitions, gives the

Department of Education the power to collect the data, requiring the

Department to break the information down into specific categories. The Act

also provides for annual reporting after 2011-2012. (Prior Printer Number:

2016)

HB 1618 -

(PN 2016) The Drop-out Data Collection Act provides legislative findings

that data is inconsistently collected in the Commonwealth with regard to

drop-out rates and that the Federal government is requiring the states to

use their drop-out formula. The Act provides definitions, gives the

Department of Education the power to collect the data, requiring the

Department to break the information down into specific categories. The Act

also provides for annual reporting after 2011-2012.

P2016 

P2096 

P3454 

04-19-10 H Third consideration

04-19-10 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:189/N: 2)

04-20-10 S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Education

Amends the Public School Code, in duties and powers of boards of school directors, providing for assault leave of absence.

(PN 2110) Amends the Public School Code by allowing school employees

assaulted in the course of employ to take a one-year leave of absence. The

bill provides that the leave of absence shall not count against personal

leave days and the employee shall be entitled to one hundred percent of his

benefits, including inclusion in PSERS.

P2110 

06-10-09 H Filed

06-12-09 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Education

Amends the Public School Code further providing for background checks of prospective employees and for conviction of employees of certain offenses.

(PN 752) Amends the Public School Code further providing for background

checks of prospective employees and for conviction of employees of certain

offenses by adding that employees convicted of certain offenses may not be

employed by any public or private school, intermediate unit or area

vocational-technical school. Currently the prohibition only applies for

five years and only applies to certain employees. Additionally, the list of

prohibited conviction is expanded to include thirteen additional offenses.

Creates a tiered system for other offenses. Where the report of criminal

history record information indicates the applicant has not been convicted

of a felony offense but has been convicted of a misdemeanor of the first or

second degree, the applicant shall only be eligible for prospective

employment if a period of ten years has elapsed from the date of expiration

of the sentence for the offense. Also requires employees to notify their

chief school administrator or his designee of any arrest or conviction for

a misdemeanor or felony offense that occurred within ten years prior to the

effective date of the act or within 72 hours of any new arrest or

conviction occurring after the effective date of the act. Further provides

an employee who willfully fails to disclose a conviction for an offense

that bars employment in a school shall be subject to discipline up to and

including termination or denial of employment. An employee who willfully

fails to disclose a conviction of any other offense may be subject to

discipline. (Prior Printer Number: 40)

SB 55 -

(PN 40) Amends the Public School Code further providing for background

checks of prospective employees and for conviction of employees of certain

offenses by adding that employees convicted of certain offenses may not be

employed by any public or private school, intermediate unit or area

vocational-technical school. Currently the prohibition only applies for

five years and only applies to certain employees. Additionally, the list of

prohibited conviction is expanded to include eleven additional offenses.

Where the report of criminal history record information indicates the

applicant has not been convicted of a felony offense but has been convicted

of a misdemeanor of the first or second degree, the applicant shall only be

eligible for prospective employment if a period of ten years has elapsed

from the date of expiration of the sentence for the offense.

Companions:

SB 111 (Refiled from 07R Session)

P0040 

P0752 

06-25-09 S Final Passage (Vote: Y: 50/N: 0)

06-26-09 H Received in the House and referred to House Education

11-10-09 H Discussed in committee briefing Senate Education

Amends the Public School Code further providing, in provisions relating to safe schools, for definitions, for the Office of Safe Schools and for reporting by school entities.

(PN 1214) Amends the Public School Code requiring the Department of

Education to create an Office of Safe Schools within the Office of

Elementary and Secondary Education within 120 days. Provides for a

definition of "chief school administrator" and amends the definition of

"school entity" to include charter schools. The department shall convene

within 60 days an advisory committee that includes a police chief, school

superintendent, school principal, district attorney, solicitor of a school

district, an in-school probation officer, special education supervisor,

special education advocate and one designee each from the department, the

PA Commission on Crime & Delinquency, the Municipal Police Officer's

Education and Training Commission, the Juvenile Court Judges Commission and

the Pennsylvania State Police to develop the forms to be used by school

entities to report school violence statistics, a model memorandum of

understanding and make recommendations on training procedures and programs

that prevent and combat school violence. Each chief school administrator

shall be required to report certain information on all incidents involving

acts of violence, possession of a weapon or possession, use or sale of

controlled substances, or possession, use or sale of alcohol or tobacco by

any person on school property at least once a year. The bill provides for

the form of reporting. Provides targeted grants shall be allocated through

a competitive grant review process established by the office. The

legislation also provides for duties of each chief school administrator and

each police department with jurisdiction. Each chief school administrator

shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with police departments

having jurisdiction over school property of the school entity. Provides the

department may initiate disciplinary action against a chief school

administrator or principal of a school entity who intentionally fails to

submit the report as or enter into the memorandum of understanding. (Prior

Printer Number: 41, 753, 1169)

SB 56 -

(PN 1169) Amends the Public School Code requiring the Department of

Education to create an Office of Safe Schools within the Office of

Elementary and Secondary Education within 120 days. Provides for a

definition of "chief school administrator" and amends the definition of

"school entity" to include charter schools. The department shall convene

within 60 days an advisory committee that includes a police chief, school

superintendent, school principal, district attorney, solicitor of a school

district, an in-school probation officer, special education supervisor,

special education advocate and one designee each from the department, the

PA Commission on Crime & Delinquency, the Municipal Police Officer's

Education and Training Commission, the Juvenile Court Judges Commission and

the Pennsylvania State Police to develop the forms to be used by school

entities to report school violence statistics, a model memorandum of

understanding and make recommendations on training procedures and programs

that prevent and combat school violence. Each chief school administrator

shall be required to report certain information on all incidents involving

acts of violence, possession of a weapon or possession, use or sale of

controlled substances, or possession, use or sale of alcohol or tobacco by

any person on school property at least once a year. The bill provides for

the form of reporting. Provides targeted grants shall be allocated through

a competitive grant review process established by the office. The

legislation also provides for duties of each chief school administrator and

each police department with jurisdiction. Each chief school administrator

shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with police departments

having jurisdiction over school property of the school entity. Provides the

department may initiate disciplinary action against a chief school

administrator or principal of a school entity who intentionally fails to

submit the report as or enter into the memorandum of understanding. (Prior

Printer Number: 41, 753)

SB 56 -

(PN 753) Amends the Public School Code requiring the Department of

Education and the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency to jointly create

an Office of Safe Schools within 120 days of the effective date. Provides

for a definition of "chief school administrator" and amends the definition

of "school entity" to include charter schools. The department and the

commission shall convene within 60 days an advisory committee that includes

a police chief, school superintendent, school principal, district attorney,

solicitor of a school district, an in-school probation officer, special

education supervisor, special education advocate and one designee each from

the department, the commission, the Municipal Police Officer's Education

and Training Commission, the Juvenile Court Judges Commission and the

Pennsylvania State Police to develop the forms to be used by school

entities to report school violence statistics, a model memorandum of

understanding and make recommendations on training procedures and programs

that prevent and combat school violence. Each chief school administrator

shall be required to report certain information on all incidents involving

acts of violence, possession of a weapon or possession, use or sale of

controlled substances, or possession, use or sale of alcohol or tobacco by

any person on school property at least once a year. The bill provides for

the form of reporting. The commission shall have the duty to collect and

verify the data submitted by school entities and ensure the timeliness,

accuracy, completeness and consistency of the data and to process,

tabulate, analyze and interpret the data on a semiannual basis. The

commission shall also be responsible to the administration of the school

violence grants. The legislation also provides for duties of each chief

school administrator and each police department with jurisdiction. Each

chief school administrator shall enter into a memorandum of understanding

with police departments having jurisdiction over school property of the

school entity. Provides the department may initiate disciplinary action

against a chief school administrator or principal of a school entity who

intentionally fails to submit the report as or enter into the memorandum of

understanding. (Prior Printer Number: 41)

SB 56 -

(PN 41) Amends the Public School Code further providing, in provisions

relating to safe schools, for the Office for Safe Schools and for reporting

by school entities, and for definitions by adding a definition for "chief

school administrator" and amending "school entity" to include charter

schools. The Office for Safe Schools would be required to convene within 60

days an advisory committee that includes a police chief, school

superintendent, school principal, district attorney, solicitor of a school

district and an in-school probation officer to develop certain required

forms. Each chief school administrator would be required to report certain

information on all incidents involving acts of violence, possession of a

weapon or possession, use or sale of controlled substances, or possession,

use or sale of alcohol or tobacco by any person on school property at least

once a year. The bill provides for the form of reporting. The legislation

also provides for duties of each chief school administrator and each police

department with jurisdiction. Each chief school administrator shall enter

into a memorandum of understanding with police departments having

jurisdiction over school property of the school entity. The Department of

Education may initiate disciplinary action against a chief school

administrator or principal of a school entity who intentionally fails to

submit the report as or enter into the memorandum of understanding.

P0041 

P0753 

P1169 

P1214 

06-25-09 S Final Passage (Vote: Y: 46/N: 4)

06-26-09 H Received in the House and referred to House Education

11-10-09 H Discussed in committee briefing Senate Education

Amends the Public School Code providing for technology grants to benefit students in nonpublic and private schools.

(PN 258) Amends the Public School Code providing for technology grants to

be allocated to intermediate units who would purchase and loan equipment to

children based on the per capita formula established by the Secretary of

Education to benefit students in nonpublic and private schools. In July of

2009, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Education would allocate to

each intermediate unit an amount equal to the number of nonpublic school

students as of October 1 of the preceding school year who are enrolled in

nonpublic schools within the intermediate unit times $30.

Companions:

HB 1646 (Refiled from 07R Session)

SB 983 (Refiled from 07R Session)

P0258 

02-19-09 S Filed

02-19-09 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Education

Amends the Public School Code, in high schools, further providing for academic degrees; and, in State Board of Education, further providing for board powers & duties in cooperation with the Department of Education.

(PN 1074) Amends the Public School Code, in high schools, further providing

for academic degrees by stating that any new statewide requirements for

high school graduation from a public school shall only be established by an

act of the General Assembly. Further provides the Department of Education

shall not develop or implement, directly or indirectly through any entity,

such statewide requirements or enter into any contract that provides for

graduation competency assessment relating to such requirements until the

General Assembly specifically appropriates funds for the development and

implementation of statewide requirements for high school graduation. Also

provides the State Board of Education may not develop or implement any

standard or promulgate, approve or propose any regulation to require school

districts to develop new or additional high school graduation requirements

or implement a model curriculum, diagnostic testing or a new series of

statewide competency assessments and related support services unless

express authority to do so is granted through an act of the General

Assembly. In addition, no funds from any source shall be expended for the

development or implementation of new or additional high school graduation

requirements which may include, but not limited to, model curriculum,

diagnostic testing or a series of statewide competency assessments unless

express authority for the development and implementation of such

requirements is granted through an act of the General Assembly. Also

provides this act shall apply retroactively to January 1, 2008. (Prior

Printer Number: 202)

SB 281 -

(PN 202) Amends the Public School Code, in high schools, further providing

for academic degrees by stating that any new statewide requirements for

high school graduation from a public school shall only be established by an

act of the General Assembly. The Department of Education may not develop

such Statewide requirements until the General Assembly specifically

appropriates funds for the development of statewide requirements for high

school graduation.

P0202 

P1074 

08-06-09 H Set on the Tabled Calendar

08-06-09 H Removed from the table

08-06-09 H Rereferred to House Appropriations

Amends the Public School Code further providing for educational support services providers and for payments of grants.

(PN 309) Amends the Public School Code further providing that application

approval is subject to a provider agreeing not to seek payment directly

from the grant recipient for education support services for which

reimbursement is provided under this article. The bill modifies language

regarding certificates and penalties.

P0309 

02-20-09 S Filed

02-20-09 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Education

Act establishing the School-Based Mentoring Grant Program; and making an appropriation.

(PN 425) The School-Based Mentoring Grant Program Act creates the

School-Based Mentoring Grant Program. The program would be administered by

the department to provide grants for school-based mentoring programs to

qualified organizations. A qualified organization may apply for a grant if

it has an agreement with a school district to provide school-based

mentoring services to students in kindergarten through grade 12 who reside

within the boundaries of the school district. No grants would be made to a

qualified organization in excess of $1,000. The bill requires that each

qualified organization must have the ability to provide up to a 50% match

for department grants in financial or in-kind support from other public or

private sources based upon departmental guidelines. Lastly, $5 million is

appropriated to the Department of Education for the fiscal year 2009-2010

to carry out the provisions of this act.

Companions:

SB 405 (Refiled from 07R Session)

P0425 

02-20-09 S Filed

02-20-09 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Education

Amends the Public School Code, further providing for courses of study in high school.

(PN 468) Amends the Public School Code requiring instruction in labor

history to be integrated into all relevant courses pertaining to American

culture, American government or American history in grades 9-12. The

Secretary of Education would establish sample curriculum to assist school

districts in offering such instruction.

Companions:

SB 288 (Refiled from 07R Session)

P0468 

03-02-09 S Filed

03-02-09 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Education

Amends the Public School Code, in pupils and attendance, further providing for liability for tuition and enforcement of payment and for cost of tuition.

(PN 888) Amends the Public School Code providing for liability for tuition

and enforcement of payment by stating that the district shall authorize its

secretary to make payments for tuition charges on behalf of the district of

residence. The district of residence shall not disclaim an inmate solely

for convenience or to avoid adhering to the timeline. Where a bill from the

district in which the institution is located remains unpaid by the district

of residence for 75 days, the secretary shall be required to make payments

for tuition charges on behalf of the district of residence. The district in

which the institution is located shall provide the secretary with copies of

all bills and notices previously provided to the district of residence from

which a bill remains unpaid. The district of residence may file an appeal

with the secretary. An appeal by the district of residence shall not cause

delay in payment to the district in which the institution is located. When

a child who is an inmate of an institution receives specialized

instruction, the district in which the institution is located may charge

the district of residence and the district of residence shall pay the full

cost for the services. During the pendency of any issues or disputes

regarding tuition charges, including the pendency of any appeal, the inmate

shall receive the full range of educational services which he is entitled,

including special education. (Prior Printer Number: 648)

SB 598 -

(PN 648) Amends the Public School Code providing for liability for tuition

and enforcement of payment by stating that the district would authorize its

secretary to make payments for tuition charges on behalf of the district of

residence. The district of residence would not disclaim an inmate solely

for convenience or to avoid adhering to the timeline. Where a bill from the

district in which the institution is located remains unpaid by the district

of residence for 75 days, the secretary would be required to make payments

for tuition charges on behalf of the district of residence. The district in

which the institution is located would provide the secretary with copies of

all bills and notices previously provided to the district of residence from

which a bill remains unpaid. The district of residence may file an appeal

with the secretary. An appeal by the district of residence would not cause

delay in payment to the district in which the institution is located. When

a child who is an inmate of an institution receives specialized

instruction, the district in which the institution is located may charge

the district of residence and the district of residence would pay the full

cost for the services.

Companions:

SB 1397 (Refiled from 07R Session)

P0648 

P0888 

06-10-09 S Third consideration

06-10-09 S Final Passage (Vote: Y: 41/N: 8)

06-12-09 H Received in the House and referred to House Education

Amends Title 42 (Judiciary & Judicial Procedure), authorizing disposition of delinquent children to motivational boot camps.

(PN 687) Amends Title 42 (Judiciary & Judicial Procedure) authorizing

disposition of delinquent children to motivational boot camps.

Companions:

SB 201 (Refiled from 07R Session)

P0687 

03-19-09 S Filed

03-19-09 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Judiciary

Amends the Public School Code, in high schools, further providing for academic degrees.

(PN 737) Amends the Public School Code, in high schools, further providing

for academic degrees by stating that a board of school directors may

establish an "Operation Recognition" program, which provides for granting a

high school diploma to any honorably discharged veteran who served in the

United States military in the Vietnam War between November 15, 1963, and

March 28, 1973, and who attended high school between 1958 and 1973 and

would have been a member of a graduation class during the years 1962

through 1975 but did not graduate due to entry into military service. A

diploma may be posthumously awarded.

P0737 

04-29-09 S Third consideration

04-29-09 S Final Passage (Vote: Y: 50/N: 0)

04-30-09 H Received in the House and referred to House Education

Amends the Public School Code further providing for possession and use of asthma inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors.

(PN 1145) Amends the Public School Code adding language providing for the

possession and use of epinephrine auto-injectors. A school policy on the

use of asthma inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors shall be distributed

with the code of student conduct and made available on the school entity's

website. The school entity may also require updated prescriptions and

parental approvals on an annual basis from the pupil and has the right to

prevent a student from self-carrying an epinephrine auto-injector if the

student is under ten years of age. Provides determination of competency for

self-administration shall be based on age, cognitive function, maturity and

demonstration of responsible behavior. The policy shall specify conditions

under which a student may lose the privilege to self- carry. Also provides

a school entity that prevents a student from self-carrying an auto-injector

and prescribed medication shall ensure that they are appropriately stored

in close proximity to the student prohibited from self-carrying and notify

the student's classroom teachers of the places where the auto-injector and

medication are to be stored and means to access them. The school entity

shall require updated prescriptions and parental approvals on an annual

basis from the pupil. The Department of Health in coordination with the

Department of Education shall provide technical assistance, resources and

publish information on the Department of Health's website regarding the

administration of medication for allergies by persons employed with a

school entity. (Prior Printer Number: 831, 1076, 1136)

SB 736 -

(PN 1076) Amends the Public School Code adding language providing for the

possession and use of epinephrine auto-injectors. A school policy on the

use of asthma inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors shall be distributed

with the code of student conduct and made available on the school entity's

website. The school entity may also require updated prescriptions and

parental approvals on an annual basis from the pupil and has the right to

prevent a student from self-carrying an epinephrine auto-injector if the

student is under ten years of age. Provides determination of competency for

self-administration shall be based on age, cognitive function, maturity and

demonstration of responsible behavior. Also provides a school entity that

prevents a student from self-carrying an auto-injector and prescribed

medication shall ensure that they are appropriately stored in close

proximity to the student prohibited from self-carrying and notify the

student's classroom teachers of the places where the auto-injector and

medication are to be stored and means to access them. (Prior Printer Number:

831)

SB 736 -

(PN 831) Amends the Public School Code adding language providing for the

possession and use of epinephrine auto-injectors. A school policy on the

use of asthma inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors shall be distributed

with the code of student conduct and made available on the school entity's

website. The school entity may also require updated prescriptions and

parental approvals on an annual basis from the pupil and has the right to

prevent a student from self-carrying an epinephrine auto-injector if the

student is under eleven years of age.

P0831 

P1076 

P1136 

P1145 

08-06-09 H Set on the Tabled Calendar

08-06-09 H Removed from the table

08-06-09 H Rereferred to House Appropriations

Amends the Public School Code, providing for the reorganization of school districts.

(PN 968) Amends the Public School Code creating a 15-member commission

appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders to study the realignment

and consolidation of Pennsylvania school districts.

P0968 

05-01-09 S Filed

05-01-09 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Education

Amends the Public School Code, in reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, providing for funding for schools operated by children's residential facilities.

(PN 993) Amends the Public School Code, providing funding for schools

operated by children's residential facilities.

P0993 

05-05-09 S Filed

05-05-09 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Education

Act to provide from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative & Judicial Departments, the public debt & the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010.

(PN 953) The General Appropriations Act of 2009

provides from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive,

Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt

and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010,

for certain institutions and organizations, and for the payment of bills

incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June

30, 2009; to provide appropriations from the State Lottery Fund, the Energy

Conservation and Assistance Fund, the Hazardous Material Response Fund, The

State Stores Fund, the Milk Marketing Fund, the Home Investment Trust Fund,

the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund, the Tuition Payment Fund,

the Banking Department Fund, the Firearm Records Check Fund, the Ben

Franklin Technology Development Authority Fund and the Tobacco Settlement

Fund to the Executive Department; to provide appropriations from the

Judicial Computer System Augmentation Account to the Judicial Department

for the fiscal year July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010; to provide

appropriations from the Motor License Fund for the fiscal year July 1,

2009, to June 30, 2010, for the proper operation of the several departments

of the Commonwealth and the Pennsylvania State Police authorized to spend

Motor License Fund moneys; to provide for the appropriation of Federal

funds to the Executive Department of the Commonwealth and for the payment

of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30,

2009; to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State

funds from the General Fund, from the State Lottery Fund and from the

Tobacco Settlement Fund for the Executive Department of the Commonwealth

for the fiscal year July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009, and for the payment of

bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending

June 30, 2008; and making interfund transfers for the fiscal year July 1,

2008, to June 30, 2009.

P0953 

10-08-09 S Removed from the table

10-19-09 S Set on the Senate Calendar

10-19-09 S Laid on the table

Amends the Public School Code, in educational improvement tax credit, further providing for definitions, for tax credit and for limitations.

(PN 1237) Amends the Public School Code by changing the definition of

eligible pre-kindergarten student, eligible student, and eligible student

with a disability by raising the allowable household and dependent incomes

and puts further adjustment of incomes on the consumer price index. The

bill also provides for certain definitions, and defines "special education

school." The bill further restricts the ability of pass-through entities to

pass on their tax credits. (Prior Printer Number: 1086)

SB 899 -

(PN 1086) Amends the Public School Code by changing the definition of

eligible pre-kindergarten student, eligible student, and eligible student

with a disability by raising the allowable household and dependent incomes

and puts further adjustment of incomes on the consumer price index. The

bill also adds single-member LLCs that are disregarded for Federal Income

Tax purposes to the definition of a "pass-through entity." The bill further

restricts the ability of pass-through entities to pass on their tax

credits.

P1086 

P1237 

09-09-09 S Second consideration

09-24-09 S Set on the Senate Calendar

09-24-09 S Laid on the table