Pennsylvania HB 2001: An Act amending Title 24 (Education) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for incarcerated students; and abrogating a regulation.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 2548
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 2001
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY CEPEDA-FREYTIZ, MADDEN, RIVERA, WAXMAN, HILL-
EVANS, SANCHEZ, KINKEAD, DALEY, HOHENSTEIN AND CURRY,
OCTOBER 29, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, OCTOBER 29, 2025
AN ACT
Amending Title 24 (Education) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes, providing for incarcerated students; and abrogating
a regulation.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Title 24 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes is amended by adding a chapter to read:
CHAPTER 67
INCARCERATED STUDENTS
Sec.
6701. Definitions.
6702. State grant eligibility for incarcerated students.
6703. Reporting.
§ 6701. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter
shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Agency." The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance
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Agency.
"Eligible prison education program." A postsecondary
education program that:
(1) is offered by a Federal or State correctional
facility;
(2) leads to a degree or industry-recognized credential;
(3) is:
(i) accredited by a recognized accrediting agency;
(ii) in the process of obtaining accreditation; or
(iii) approved by the Department of Education or the
Department of Corrections as meeting standards
established by the departments;
(4) is offered within the correctional facility or
through secure, authorized remote instruction; and
(5) has been approved by the Federal Bureau of Prisons
or the Department of Corrections, as applicable.
"Incarcerated student." An individual who is confined in a
Federal or State correctional facility who is enrolled in an
eligible prison education program and is otherwise eligible for
financial aid under State law.
"Recognized accrediting agency." An accrediting agency that
is recognized by the United States Department of Education or
the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
"State grant." Financial aid provided by the agency under
any State-administered higher education grant or scholarship
program, including, but not limited to, the Pennsylvania State
Grant Program.
§ 6702. State grant eligibility for incarcerated students.
(a) Eligibility authorized.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law or regulation to the contrary, including
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section 8.2 of the act of January 25, 1966 (1965 P.L.1546,
No.541), referred to as the Higher Education Scholarship Law, an
incarcerated student may not be deemed ineligible for a State
grant solely on the basis of incarceration.
(b) Conditions.--Eligibility under this section shall apply
to an incarcerated student who:
(1) is within five years of a scheduled release date;
(2) has been a resident of this Commonwealth for a
period of not less than 12 months prior to the date of
incarceration;
(3) is enrolled in an eligible prison education program;
(4) is determined by the Federal Bureau of Prisons or
the Department of Corrections to be in good academic and
disciplinary standing; and
(5) notwithstanding section 4(a)(4) of the Higher
Education Scholarship Law, meets all other eligibility
requirements applicable to nonincarcerated applicants under
agency rules and regulations.
(c) Prohibition.--A regulation, policy or internal procedure
may not be adopted or enforced that restricts eligibility for
State grants on the basis of incarceration alone.
(d) Construction.--This chapter shall be broadly construed
to ensure access to State grant aid for incarcerated students.
No provision of statute or regulation may be interpreted to
impose ineligibility for State grants on the basis of
incarceration except as explicitly authorized under this
chapter.
§ 6703. Reporting.
(a) Data collection.--The Department of Corrections, in
conjunction with the agency, shall collect and maintain data on
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incarcerated students who receive State grants. The data shall
include, but not be limited to:
(1) Enrollment and completion rates of eligible prison
education programs.
(2) Types of degrees or credentials earned.
(3) Academic progress, including course completion and
grades, as available.
(4) Employment and continuing education status within
one year of release, to the extent available.
(5) Recidivism rates among formerly incarcerated
students who received State grants.
(b) Annual report.--No later than August 1 of each year, the
Department of Corrections, in conjunction with the agency, shall
submit a joint report to the chairperson and minority
chairperson of the Education Committee of the Senate, the
chairperson and minority chairperson of the Education Committee
of the House of Representatives, the chairperson and minority
chairperson of the Judi