PA
Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB554

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB554

Introduced
3/28/23  

Caption

In educational tax credits, further providing for school participation in program.

Impact

If enacted, SB554 will impact state laws by explicitly introducing non-discrimination criteria into the regulations governing nonpublic schools that wish to participate in educational tax credit programs. This aligns Pennsylvania's education policies with broader trends towards inclusivity in education and may encourage nonpublic schools to adopt more equitable practices. The bill's impact could be seen as a step towards fostering an educational environment that respects and affirms diverse identities, enhancing the overall educational experience for students.

Summary

Senate Bill 554 amends the Public School Code of 1949 to enhance provisions related to educational tax credits, specifically focusing on criteria for nonpublic schools that participate in the program. One significant addition is the requirement for these schools to establish a written policy prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. This change aims to ensure that all students, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, feel welcomed and supported in educational settings that receive state support through tax credits.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB554 appears to be generally positive among advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and education equity. Supporters see the bill as a necessary step towards inclusive education, reflecting a commitment to protect students from discrimination. However, there may be contention regarding the implications of such requirements on nonpublic schools, particularly among those with religious affiliations or traditional views, who might perceive this as an infringement on their operational autonomy.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the balance between promoting inclusivity and respecting the autonomy of nonpublic educational institutions. Opponents may argue that mandating non-discrimination policies could conflict with the religious beliefs or values held by some private schools, potentially leading to legal challenges. The discussion surrounding SB554 highlights the ongoing debate in Pennsylvania about the role of state law in regulating private education and the rights of all students to a discrimination-free environment.

Latest SB554 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1046

In educational tax credits, further providing for school participation in program.

PA SB496

In educational tax credits, further providing for school participation in program.

PA SB661

In educational tax credits, further providing for limitations.

PA SB706

In educational tax credits, further providing for limitations.

PA SB843

In preliminary provisions, further providing for Special Education Funding Commission, for Basic Education Funding Commission and for Commission on Education and Economic Competitiveness and providing for public job posting database, for instructional vacancy data and for data transparency; providing for Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact; in drug and alcohol recovery high school program, further providing for scope of program and selection of students, providing for enrollment of students and further providing for academic programs; in terms and courses of study, further providing for Economic Education and Personal Financial Literacy Programs; in early learning programs, providing for quarterly reporting; in high schools, further providing for attendance in other districts; in educational tax credits, further providing for definitions; in credit card marketing, further providing for regulation of on-campus credit card marketing; in reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for assistance to school districts declared to be in financial recovery status or identified for financial watch status; and abrogating regulations.

PA SB757

In Treasury Department, establishing the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success Scholarship Program and the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success Scholarship Fund; in bonus and tax reports and returns and reports and records relating to tax collections, further providing for confidential information; in tax credits, further providing for Department of Community and Economic Development; in 2022-2023 budget implementation, further providing for Department of Education; and making a repeal.

PA HB1555

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in pupils and attendance, providing for educational oversight for juveniles in facilities, further providing for possession of weapons prohibited and providing for placement of certain adjudicated students; in safe schools, further providing for definitions and for reporting and providing for School-Based Diversion Programs Fund; in school security, further providing for powers and duties and providing for limitations on proceedings and arrest; and, in school districts of the first class, repealing provisions relating to placement of certain adjudicated students.

PA HB1708

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in pupils and attendance, providing for educational oversight for students in facilities, further providing for possession of weapons prohibited and providing for school stability for certain students; in safe schools, further providing for definitions and for reporting and establishing the School-Based Diversion Programs Fund; in school security, further providing for powers and duties and providing for limitations on proceedings and arrest; and, in school districts of the first class, repealing provisions relating to placement of certain adjudicated students.

PA HB263

In school directors, further providing for school director training programs.

PA HB1743

In school directors, further providing for school director training programs.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.