Pennsylvania HB 1473: 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 department approval for campus closures.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1734
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 1473
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY KRUPA, M. BROWN, BARTON, 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 department approval for
campus closures.
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. Department approval for campus closures.
(a) Legislative findings.--The General Assembly finds as
follows:
(1) The Commonwealth provides substantial funding to
State-related universities.
(2) As a publicly funded land-grant university, The
Pennsylvania State University has a duty to provide
educational opportunities to all Pennsylvanians, including
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those individuals in rural and underprivileged areas.
(3) The closure of a branch campus without a plan to
maintain regional access to quality higher education is an
inappropriate use of taxpayer dollars.
(4) State-related universities must provide alternative
educational options to students prior to considering campus
closures.
(b) Duty to submit alternative education plan.--Beginning
with the 2025-2026 school year and continuing each school year
thereafter, if a State-related university intends to close a
campus, the State-related university shall submit an alternative
education plan to the department prior to the closure. The plan
shall outline the educational opportunities in the region for
students and may include:
(1) a partnership with a public institution of higher
education to ensure continued access to postsecondary
education in the region;
(2) satellite classroom programs that allow students to
complete their degrees locally; or
(3) a tuition assistance program to assist with the
costs for affected students who must travel for continued
education.
(c) Review of plan by department.--
(1) The department shall review an alternative education
plan submitted under subsection (b).
(2) If the department determines that the plan complies
with the requirements of this section, the department shall
approve the plan.
(3) If the department determines that the plan does not
comply with the requirements of this section, the department
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shall disapprove the plan and notify the State-related
university of the disapproval and the reason for the
disapproval.
(4) The State-related university may resubmit to the
department a plan within 30 days of the disapproval.
(5) The department shall review a resubmitted plan for
compliance with the requirements of this section and proceed
under paragraph (2) or (3), as applicable.
(6) If the department fails to make a determination on a
plan submitted under this section within 30 days of receipt
of the plan, the plan shall be deemed disapproved.
(d) Effect of noncompliance.--If a State-related university
fails to submit a plan as required under this section or the
department disapproves a plan, the State-related university may
not receive payment from an appropriation for that fiscal year.
(e) 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:
"Public institution of higher education." Any of the
following:
(1) A community college operating under Article XIX-A.
(2) A rural regional college established under Article
XIX-G.
(3) A university within the State System of Higher
Education under Article XX-A.
(4) A State-related university.
(5) The Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.
"State-related university." The Pennsylvania State
University, the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University,
Lincoln University and their branch campuses.
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Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
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