Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2028

Introduced
2/9/24  
Refer
2/9/24  
Refer
6/25/24  
Report Pass
6/26/24  
Refer
6/26/24  
Report Pass
6/27/24  
Engrossed
6/27/24  

Caption

In Keystone Telepresence Education Grant Program, further providing for Keystone Telepresence Education Grant Program; and, in disability inclusive curriculum, further providing for department responsibilities.

Impact

By institutionalizing the Keystone Telepresence Education Grant Program, HB 2028 is set to impact state educational laws related to disability access and support for innovative teaching methods. The program could open up funding opportunities for schools and educational institutions to acquire telepresence technology, thereby increasing access to quality educational resources for students with disabilities. This aligns with broader goals of promoting inclusivity and ensuring that all students have equitable access to educational tools and opportunities.

Summary

House Bill 2028 establishes the Keystone Telepresence Education Grant Program, which aims to enhance educational accessibility through technological means, particularly for students with disabilities. The bill outlines the responsibilities of the department involved in administering the program, thereby providing a structured approach to how telepresence technology can be applied in the educational sector. This initiative is viewed as a critical investment in inclusive education, potentially allowing more students to participate fully in their educational experiences, regardless of their physical location or abilities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2028 appears to be generally positive, with support from various stakeholders in the education sector. Advocates for students with disabilities and educational innovation see this bill as a step forward in making education more responsive to the needs of all learners. However, there may be some skepticism regarding the implementation of such programs and whether they can effectively meet the diverse needs of students. This highlights a potential area for future discussion on resource allocation and program evaluation.

Contention

While there is overall support for HB 2028, discussions have surfaced concerning the logistics of funding and resource distribution. Some legislators and organizations have raised questions about the effectiveness of telepresence technology in comparison to traditional educational methods, expressing concerns about the adequacy of resources to support such a program successfully. Ensuring that all educational institutions have equal access to telepresence technology and necessary training could be a contentious point as the bill moves forward.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2420

Establishing the Keystone Fresh Program; providing for the Fresh Schools Grant Program, for the Keystone Producer Grant Program, for the Keystone Assistance Grant Program and for the administration of the Keystone Fresh Program by the Department of Education and the Department of Agriculture; and establishing the Keystone Fresh Fund.

PA HB1020

In departmental powers and duties as to supervision, providing for Keystone STARS Program; and, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for fees, providing for Keystone STARS Program and further providing for definition.

PA HB1600

In departmental powers and duties as to supervision, providing for Keystone STARS Program; and, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for fees, providing for Keystone STARS Program and further providing for definition.

PA SB1056

In Treasury Department, further providing for investment of moneys; establishing the Keystone Saves Program, the Keystone Saves Program Fund, the Keystone Saves Administrative Fund and the Keystone Saves Program Advisory Board; providing for powers and duties of the Treasury Department, for investment and fiduciary responsibilities and for program implementation; and providing for the electric vehicle road user charge effective date.

PA SB728

Establishing the Keystone Saves Program, the Keystone Saves Program Fund, the Keystone Saves Program Administrative Fund and the Keystone Saves Program Advisory Board; and providing for powers and duties of the Treasury Department and the Department of Labor and Industry, for investment and fiduciary responsibilities and for program implementation.

PA HB577

Establishing the Keystone Saves Program, the Keystone Saves Program Fund, the Keystone Saves Administrative Fund and the Keystone Saves Program Advisory Board; and providing for powers and duties of the Treasury Department, for investment and fiduciary responsibilities and for program implementation.

PA HB1263

Establishing the Keystone Saves Program, the Keystone Saves Program Fund, the Keystone Saves Administrative Fund and the Keystone Saves Program Advisory Board; and providing for powers and duties of the Treasury Department, for investment and fiduciary responsibilities and for program implementation.

PA HB727

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions, for Keystone Exams and graduation requirements and for special provisions applicable to the Keystone Exams, graduation requirements and alternative competency assessment; in district superintendents and assistant district superintendents, further providing for performance review; in professional employees, further providing for definitions; in pupils and attendance, further providing for assisting students experiencing education instability; in E-chievement Program, further providing for definitions; and, in educational tax credits, further providing for definitions.

PA HB1267

In tuition account program, further providing for declaration of policy, for definitions, for Tuition Account Programs Bureau, for powers of department, for Tuition Account Guaranteed Savings Program, for Tuition Account Investment Program, for general provisions governing both tuition account programs and for Federal taxation; establishing the Keystone Scholars Grant Program and the Keystone Scholars Grant Program Account; and making a repeal.

PA SB961

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in keystone opportunity zones, further providing for qualified businesses.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.