Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1556

Introduced
7/5/23  
Refer
7/5/23  
Refer
10/18/23  
Report Pass
10/30/23  
Engrossed
10/30/23  
Refer
10/31/23  
Refer
11/14/23  
Report Pass
11/14/23  
Enrolled
11/16/23  
Chaptered
11/16/23  

Caption

In State-related institutions, further providing for reporting, for contents of report and for copies and posting and providing for contracts.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1556 would significantly alter the existing laws governing state-related institutions by requiring them to adhere to strict reporting standards. This aligns with ongoing efforts to review and improve governance practices within the public sector. Supporters of the bill believe that it will lead to a reduction in mismanagement and misuse of funds by enhancing oversight. Additionally, the law will also impose new requirements on the contracts state-related institutions engage in, thereby requiring more transparency in how contracts are awarded and executed.

Summary

House Bill 1556 aims to enhance transparency and accountability within state-related institutions by introducing new reporting requirements. Specifically, the bill mandates state-related entities to provide detailed reports on their operations, including the contents of these reports and the requirements for posting said reports. This legislative effort is seen as a step towards fostering greater trust between government entities and the public, ensuring that the activities of state-related institutions are more visible and can be scrutinized effectively. The bill's proponents argue that such measures are necessary for improving governance and accountability no matter the context of state institutions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1556 has largely been positive, especially among advocates for transparency and good governance. Proponents, including various advocacy groups and legislators, view the bill as a necessary reform that will help ensure state-related institutions are held accountable to the public. However, some opposition has been voiced by those concerned about the feasibility of implementing such stringent reporting requirements, fearing that it could place excessive burdens on smaller state-related entities.

Contention

Despite widespread support, there are notable points of contention regarding the specifics of the reporting and posting requirements set forth in HB 1556. Critics argue that while accountability is crucial, the requirements may disproportionately affect smaller institutions that may lack the resources to meet new reporting mandates. Additionally, the clarification around what constitutes appropriate content for the reports has drawn scrutiny, with some stakeholders calling for more concrete guidance to ensure uniformity in compliance. Overall, while the bill aims to strengthen oversight, the discussion around its implementation highlights the need for a balanced approach that considers the capabilities of diverse state-related entities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB249

In State-related institutions, further providing for reporting, for contents of report and for copies and posting and providing for contracts.

PA HB1528

Providing for State System of Higher Education; and, in State-related institutions, further providing for contents of report.

PA HB1115

In lobbying disclosure, further providing for definitions, for reporting and for penalties.

PA HB1130

In food protection, further providing for definitions and providing for reporting of GRAS substances and for public database of GRAS reports.

PA HB1779

In safe schools, further providing for definitions, for reporting, for policy relating to bullying and for maintenance of records; and, in Safe2Say Program, further providing for intent, for definitions and for Safe2Say Program and providing for reporting and remediating bullying.

PA SB855

Further providing for duty of contractor; providing for registration of contractors and subcontractors, for registration fees, for proof of registration and for duties of contractors, subcontractors and the department; and further providing for remedies and penalties.

PA HB2370

In preliminary provisions, providing for advertising and sponsorships; in charter schools, further providing for definitions, for charter school requirements and for funding for charter schools, providing for funding for cyber charter schools, for cyber charter school requirements, for powers and composition of board of trustees and for educational management service providers, further providing for powers and duties of department and for assessment and evaluation, providing for annual reports and public reporting and for fund balance limits, further providing for cyber charter school requirements and prohibitions and for school district and intermediate unit responsibilities, providing for access to other schools' facilities, further providing for establishment of cyber charter school, providing for renewals, for charter amendments and for causes for nonrenewal, revocation or termination, further providing for State Charter School Appeal Board review, for cyber charter school application and for enrollment and notification, providing for enrollment parameters and for enrollee wellness checks and further providing for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations; and, in reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for student-weighted basic education funding, providing for adequacy and tax equity supplements and for accountability to Commonwealth taxpayers and further providing for Pennsylvania accountability grants.

PA HB1422

In preliminary provisions, providing for advertising and sponsorships; in charter schools, further providing for definitions and for funding for charter schools, providing for funding for cyber charter schools, for cyber charter school requirements, for powers and composition of board of trustees and for educational management service providers, further providing for powers and duties of department and for assessment and evaluation, providing for annual reports and public reporting and for fund balance limits, further providing for cyber charter school requirements and prohibitions and for school district and intermediate unit responsibilities, providing for access to other schools' facilities, further providing for establishment of cyber charter school, providing for renewals, for charter amendments and for causes for nonrenewal, revocation or termination, further providing for State Charter School Appeal Board review, for cyber charter school application and for enrollment and notification, providing for enrollment parameters and for enrollee wellness checks and further providing for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

PA HB278

In lobbying disclosure, further providing for registration, for reporting, for exemption from registration and reporting and for administration; and making an editorial change.

PA HB980

In lobbying disclosure, further providing for registration, for reporting, for exemption from registration and reporting and for administration; and making an editorial change.

Similar Bills

PA SB249

In State-related institutions, further providing for reporting, for contents of report and for copies and posting and providing for contracts.

UT HB0265

Higher Education Strategic Reinvestment

TX HB1830

Relating to tenure and employment status at public institutions of higher education in this state.

MS HB1367

The Academic Transparency Act of 2023; enact.

TX SB18

Relating to the tenure and employment of faculty members at certain public institutions of higher education.

TX SB17

Relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at public institutions of higher education.

TX HB5127

Relating to public higher education reform; authorizing administrative penalties.

NJ S2398

Requires proprietary degree-granting institutions to disclose status as for-profit businesses and requires institutions of higher education and proprietary degree-granting institutions to disclose accreditation status.