Pennsylvania 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.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1348
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No. 299
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY HUGHES, SAVAL, TARTAGLIONE, COMITTA, KANE,
HAYWOOD, FONTANA, CAPPELLETTI, COSTA, SCHWANK AND MILLER,
DECEMBER 5, 2025
REFERRED TO EDUCATION, DECEMBER 5, 2025
AN ACT
Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An
act relating to the public school system, including certain
provisions applicable as well to private and parochial
schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the
laws relating thereto," providing for Pennsylvania Promise
Program; and establishing the Pennsylvania Promise Program
Fund.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known
as the Public School Code of 1949, is amended by adding an
article to read:
ARTICLE XX-N
PENNSYLVANIA PROMISE PROGRAM
Section 2001-N. Scope of article.
This article relates to the Pennsylvania Promise Program.
Section 2002-N. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this article
shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
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"Academic year." A 12-month period commencing on or after
August 1 of the calendar year.
"Agency." The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance
Agency.
"Community college." An institution created under Article
XIX-A or the act of August 24, 1963 (P.L.1132, No.484), known as
the Community College Act of 1963.
"Eligible adult learner." An individual who:
(1) Is a resident of this Commonwealth at the time of
application to the agency for aid to assist with reeducation
programs under section 2008-N.
(2) Has been a domiciled resident of this Commonwealth
as determined by the agency.
(3) Is 24 years of age or older at the time of
application to the agency for aid to assist with reeducation
programs under section 2008-N.
(4) Has graduated from high school or an equivalent
approved by the Department of Education.
(5) Has applied for and been accepted to an institution
of higher education.
(6) Has completed a Free Application for Federal Student
Aid.
(7) Has applied for all available Federal grants, State
grants and institution grants.
"Eligible student." An individual who:
(1) Is a resident of this Commonwealth at the time of
application to the agency for a scholarship under section
2006-N or 2007-N.
(2) Has been a domiciled resident of this Commonwealth
as determined by the agency.
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(3) Is less than 24 years of age or is an active member
of a branch of the armed services at the time of application
to the agency for a scholarship under section 2006-N or 2007-
N.
(4) Has graduated from high school or an equivalent
approved by the Department of Education within the previous
five years.
(5) Has applied for and been accepted to an institution
of higher education.
(6) Has completed a Free Application for Federal Student
Aid.
(7) Has applied for all available Federal grants, State
grants and institution grants.
"Fees." Fixed charges to recover costs of certain services,
materials or activities provided. Fees may not exceed the
highest fixed charges set by the Board of Governors of the State
System of Higher Education.
"Full-time student." An individual enrolled in an
undergraduate degree program at an institution of higher
education and registered for a minimum of 12 credits per
semester or equivalent enrollment as set by the agency.
"Fund." The Pennsylvania Promise Program Fund established
under section 2005-N.
"Institution of higher education." Any of the following:
(1) A community college.
(2) A State-owned institution.
(3) A State-related institution.
(4) The Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.
"Part-time student." An individual enrolled in an
institution of higher education and registered for less than 12
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credits per semester or equivalent enrollment as set by the
agency.
"Program." The Pennsylvania Promise Program established
under this article.
"Room and board." The standard educational expense allowance
for the most recent year as determined by the agency.
"Scholarship for room and board." A scholarship for room and
board awarded by the agency under section 2007-N.
"Scholarship for tuition and fees." A scholarship for
tuition and fees awarded under section 2006-N.
"State-owned institution." An institution which is part of
the State System of Higher Education under Article XX-A and all
branches and campuses of the institution.
"State-related institution." The Pennsylvania State
University, Pennsylvania College of Technology, University of
Pittsburgh, Temple University, Lincoln University and associated
branch campuses of the universities.
"Tuition." An amount not to exceed the maximum undergraduate