Pennsylvania HB 1474: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in higher education accountability and transparency, providing for requirements for significant reduction of operations of State-related universities.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1735
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 1474
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY KRUPA, M. BROWN, BARTON, KUZMA, GLEIM, FINK,
GILLEN, ANDERSON AND WARNER, MAY 16, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, MAY 21, 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," in higher education accountability
and transparency, providing for requirements for significant
reduction of operations of State-related universities.
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 a
section to read:
Section 2007-H. Requirements for significant reduction of
operations of State-related universities.
(a) Legislative findings.--The General Assembly finds as
follows:
(1) State-related universities receive substantial
taxpayer funding to provide education to all Pennsylvanians.
(2) The closure of branch campuses disproportionately
harms rural and underprivileged communities, limiting access
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to affordable higher education.
(3) Taxpayer-supported institutions of higher education
have a duty to maintain equitable geographic access to
education.
(4) There is a need to ensure that branch campuses
cannot be closed without legislative oversight and public
input.
(b) Proposed implementation plan.--Beginning with the 2025-
2026 school year and continuing each school year thereafter, a
board shall develop a proposed implementation plan prior to the
consolidation, transfer, closure or significant reduction of
operations of the State-related university, including the
closure of a branch campus. The proposed implementation plan
shall include the following information:
(1) a detailed financial analysis;
(2) an economic impact study detailing the effects on
the local community;
(3) a student impact report, including the number of
students affected and educational alternatives available to
the student; and
(4) a plan of higher education access for students in
the affected region.
(c) Distribution of plan.--The board shall transmit a copy
of the proposed implementation plan to the following:
(1) The chairperson and minority chairperson of the
Appropriations Committee of the Senate.
(2) The chairperson and minority chairperson of the
Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives.
(3) The chairperson and minority chairperson of the
Education Committee of the Senate.
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(4) The chairperson and minority chairperson of the
Education Committee of the House of Representatives.
(5) Any member of the General Assembly who has an
affected campus of a State-related university within the
boundaries of the legislative district the member represents.
(d) Public comment period.--
(1) The board shall make the proposed implementation
plan available for review and solicit public comment for a
period of not less than 90 days.
(2) The board shall consult with stakeholders, including
faculty, staff, students, administrators, local businesses
and community leaders and hold at least three public hearings
on the proposed implementation plan as part of the public
comment period. After the public comment period and before
any action may be taken, the board shall consider comments
made by stakeholders during the public comment period and
present an implementation plan at a public meeting subject to
approval by two-thirds of the board.
(e) Legislative action required.--
(1) Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year and
continuing each school year thereafter, if the plan involves
consolidation, transfer, closure or significant reduction in
operations, including closure of a branch campus and the
board approves the plan, the State-related university shall
submit the plan to the Secretary of the Senate and Chief
Clerk of the House of Representatives for approval by the
General Assembly.
(2) A State-related university that is required to
submit a plan may not implement the plan unless the General
Assembly approves the plan.
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(f) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following
words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this
subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Board of trustees" or "board." The board of trustees of a
State-related university.
"State-related university." The Pennsylvania State
University, the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University,
Lincoln University and their branch campuses.
"Student." An individual who is enrolled on a full-time or
part-time basis at a State-rel