Pennsylvania House Bill HB1246

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/17/25
• Refer: 4/17/25

Caption

In grounds and buildings, providing for temperature control standards.

Impact

If implemented, this bill will have significant implications for state laws governing school safety and health regulations. By codifying temperature standards and requiring reporting procedures, HB1246 reinforces the responsibility of educational institutions to provide safe learning environments. The law also requires the Department of Environmental Protection to inspect facilities frequently if they report temperature-related relocations multiple times in a school year. This enhances oversight and accountability for school entities regarding their operational environments and could potentially lead to increased funding for facilities improvements.

Summary

House Bill 1246 aims to amend the Public School Code of 1949 by establishing temperature control standards in school facilities throughout Pennsylvania. This legislation mandates that school entities maintain classroom temperatures between sixty-eight and seventy-nine degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring more conducive learning environments. The bill introduces protocols for measuring and reporting temperature deviations, which include relocating students and staff from areas where temperatures fall below sixty-three or exceed eighty-nine degrees Fahrenheit within two hours. This move is intended to enhance student safety and ensure that educational activities are not jeopardized by extreme temperature conditions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1246 appears to be largely supportive among educators and parent advocacy groups, as it addresses a crucial aspect of student welfare and comfort. There is a recognition of the importance of maintaining a suitable temperature for learning, especially in light of varying climate conditions. However, some opposition may arise from stakeholders concerned about the potential financial implications of retrofitting facilities to comply with these standards, particularly in districts with limited funding.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the feasibility of enforcing these standards uniformly across all school districts, especially those in rural or underfunded areas. Critics may argue that while the intent of the bill is commendable, the implementation could be challenging and costly. Furthermore, additional concerns may be raised about the adequacy of existing infrastructure and resources to meet these new requirements, which could lead to disparities in educational quality between well-funded versus underfunded districts.