Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB625

Introduced
5/12/25  

Caption

In duties and powers of boards of school directors, providing for admission fees for school-sponsored activities.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would modify existing statutes related to how public and nonpublic schools manage financial transactions for events. By establishing a baseline requirement for accepting cash, the bill aims to enhance inclusivity for all students who may be unable to use digital or alternative payment methods. The directive also empowers school entities to maintain financial control while catering to the diverse socioeconomic status of students and their families.

Summary

Senate Bill 625 seeks to amend the Public School Code of 1949 by introducing regulations regarding admission fees for school-sponsored activities in Pennsylvania. The bill mandates that when any school entity or nonpublic school collects a fee for these activities, they must accept cash as a valid payment method. This is intended to ensure accessibility for all students and families regardless of their payment methods. Additionally, while schools can accept other forms of payment, they also retain the right to refuse denominations that are excessively above the required amount for entry.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 625 appears to be cautiously supportive, with advocates emphasizing the importance of ensuring fair access to school-sponsored activities. However, there are concerns regarding the practical implications of enforcing cash payments and whether this might inconvenience some families who prefer electronic transactions. Overall, the community's response highlights a desire to support equitable access to schooling experiences without inadvertently limiting options for schools and families.

Contention

Notable points of contention center around the bill's flexibility on payment methods. Critics may argue that mandating cash payment could inadvertently exclude families who prefer or rely on modern payment methods. Furthermore, as school entities navigate this new requirement, questions of implementation and potential logistical challenges may arise, requiring careful consideration from schools about how to accommodate various payment preferences while ensuring compliance with the new law.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB1176

In duties and powers of boards of school directors, providing for admission fees for school-sponsored activities.

PA HB2176

In duties and powers of boards of school directors, providing for admission fees for school-sponsored activities.

PA HB30

In duties and powers of boards of school directors, providing for broadcast of interscholastic athletic competitions.

PA HB2297

In duties and powers of boards of school directors, further providing for school athletics, publications, and organizations.

PA HB1727

In duties and powers of boards of school directors, providing for parental notification and permission for participation in clubs and organizations.

PA HB1654

In duties and powers of boards of school directors, further providing for kindergartens; in pupils and attendance, further providing for age limits and temporary residence, for definitions and for when provided; and providing for full-day kindergarten.

PA SB1175

In duties and powers of boards of school directors, further providing for State convention or association, delegates, expenses and membership.

PA HB1526

In intermediate units, further providing for powers and duties of the intermediate unit board of directors, for capital subsidy and for school safety and security enhancements; and, in school safety and security, further providing for Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools and School Entities Program.

PA HB2244

In duties and powers of boards of school directors, further providing for publication of rules, regulations and policies.

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.